Page 557 - Hand rearing birds second

Hornbills, Kingfishers, Hoopoes, and Bee-eaters 557

Table 36.4 San Diego Zoo’s Avian Propagation Center hand-rearing protocol.

Common Name: Northern Ground Hornbill
Species Name: Bucorvis abyssinicus

Intake
Day Brooder/temp. Freq. Diet (by weight) (as % BW) Misc.
1 AICU/95 °F, drop 1°/day. Wait 12–24 hrs
Nest cup lined with posthatch to feed.
paper towel/tissue.
2 2 hr (7×) 100% chopped pinkies 20% Supplement w/calcium
dipped in bottled carbonate and liquid
drinking water. vitamin B.
3 2 hr (7×) 25% Begin sunning.
4 3 hr (5×) Change to whole 30%
pinkies.
5 3 hr (5×) 35%
8 Add Nomad mat to nest. 4 hr (4×) 35% May increase intake to 45%
to get 15–20% wt gains.
12 5 hr (3×) Change to fuzzies. 35% Change from CaCO 3 to
dicalcium phosphate.
13 5 hr (3×) Add 25% carnivore 35%
meat (75% fuzzie).
14 5 hr (3×) 50% carnivore meat, 35%
50% fuzzie.
15 5 hr (3×) Gradually change to 35% Eyes open.
mouse torso with no fur.
17 5 hr (3×) Add small amount of 35% Pin feathers.
fur (1 in. square) and
gradually increase.
21 6 hr (2×) 35% May cast pellet.
24 Move to 1/2 floor with 6 hr (2×) 35%
heat, in a tub.
30 6 hr (2×) Ad lib
33 No heat inside. 6 hr (2×) Ad lib ∼Day 40, self‐feeding
begins; leave dish between
feedings.
52 Outside at night with heat. 6 hr (2×) Ad lib
53 6 hr (2×) Ad lib May be out of tub.
56 Outside w/out heat. 6 hr (2×) Ad lib May be able to fly.
63 1 × Ad lib Weaned.

Weight gains should be maintained at 15–20% per day.
Hornbill chicks will impact on fur, feathers, dirt, sand, and rocks.

the amount to be fed. This amount typically starts off at 20% of body weight and gradually increases
to 35–50% in the hornbill species and 50–75% in the other smaller species during the first week.
It may be held at that highest level until the chick starts regulating the amount eaten or it may be
reduced gradually. The goal is to wean the chick at the same age as a parent‐reared chick.