Page 573 - Hand rearing birds second

574 Hand-Rearing Birds

can fly only about 4 ft. (1.2 m). However, after just a few days, young birds will fly greater distances
and will need perching to accommodate that growing ability. Three perches, spaced 4 ft. (1.2 m)
apart, are ideal because they provide both a short distance and longer distance of 8 ft. (2.4 m) for
when the bird is ready. If possible, provide at least one high perch for roosting, with the main
perches being about 5 ft. (1.5 m) above the ground. Also, provide a perch that reaches the ground
so the bird can recover when it falls.
Toucans are inquisitive. They are constantly exploring their environment and thus have a fright-
ening capacity to locate and swallow loose nails, screws, and the like if given the opportunity.
Constantly check the fledgling’s environment for dangerous foreign objects.
Expect the birds to begin feeding themselves at about 8 weeks of age, becoming completely self‐feed-
ing at 9–10 weeks of age. If possible, attach the food pan at perch level to make feeding easier for them.

­ Acknowledgments

Thanks to all of the staff of the Riverbanks Zoo Bird Department, especially Bob Seibels, Curator
of Birds Emeritus, for their great passion and dedication. Without such professionalism and count-
less hours of dedication, the knowledge described in this text would never have been developed.

­ Sources­for Products­Mentioned

Calcium Carbonate USP Precipitated Light, manufactured by PCCA, 9901 S Wilcrest, Houston TX
77099, (800) 331‐2498, www.pccarx.com, Item# 30‐1944‐500.
Kaytee exact® Hand Feeding Formula and Kaytee exact Rainbow® pellets: Kaytee Products Inc.,
521 Clay St, Chilton, WI 53014, (800) Kaytee‐1 or (920) 849‐2321, www.kaytee.com.
®
Mazuri ZuLiFe® Soft‐Bill Diet: Mazuri, PMI Nutrition International, LLC, PO Box 66812, St. Louis,
MO 63166, www.mazuri.com.
Nystatin: Bristol Myers Squibb, 345 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10154‐0037, (212) 546‐4000, www.
bms.com.
Pedialyte: Abbott Laboratories, Columbus, OH 43215, www.abbott.com.
Zupreem® low iron softbill diet: Zupreem PO Box 9024, Mission, KS 66202, (800) 345‐4767, www.
zupreem.com.