Page 617 - Hand rearing birds second

618 Hand-Rearing Birds

160
Perfect Lorikeet
140
Swainson’s Lorikeet
120 Rainbow Lorikeet
100
Weight (g) 80

60
40
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
Age (days)

Figure 40.4 Perfect, Rainbow, and Swainson’s Lorikeet weight gain graph.

submersible aquarium heaters and utilize an aquarium inside an aquarium. Whatever the brooder,
monitoring the comfort of the chicks is paramount.
Humidity can be increased in brooders by placing covered plastic bowls with holes in the lids to
prevent a chick from accidentally falling in and drowning. The temperature of the water will affect
the brooder temperature. Use warmer water to achieve a warmer brooder temperature relatively
quickly. As before, use GSE or salt in the water to prevent bacterial growth. Change the water and
clean the container every other day and keep the brooder clean using F10SC Veterinary Disinfectant.
Raising chicks with siblings or other chicks is preferable to raising a lone chick, unless there are
medical problems. Chicks will clean each other after eating and huddle for security. A shredders
piñata or feather duster may be attached and hung on the lid of the tub in a back corner. The chicks
will stay in the corner under it. Ensure the toy or feather duster is not touching the substrate. Clean
periodically to remove any fecal matter. Clean and sanitize toys periodically with F10SC Veterinary
Disinfectant to remove any fecal matter. Lory chicks are very vocal, even after being fed, and this is
normal.

Hatchlings
Place hatchlings in plastic containers lined with paper towels or tissues, making sure the wall of
the container is taller than the chick. Do not use material that is frayed or snags, such as terrycloth.
Day‐old chicks, if alone, should be kept in a brooder at 97° F (26 °C) and temperatures lowered by
one degree every day. If raising multiple chicks of varying ages, this may be too warm. Check for
signs of overheating. Older chicks will help keep younger chicks warm. When chicks are comfort-
able, they huddle loosely together. When too warm, they will pant, extend their wings, and some-
times lay prone. When chicks are chilled, they huddle tightly together and may shiver. Either way,
adjustments to brooder temperatures should be made immediately. Overheating is much more
harmful than being chilled. If overheated, turn the temperature down a couple degrees and open
the brooder lid or door to allow fresh, cooling air in until chicks are comfortable. Keep a vigilant
watch until the temperature has stabilized and the chicks are resting comfortably. Ensure the
brooder settings are adjusted. To warm chilled chicks, adjust the brooder settings a couple of
degrees at a time and wait for the new temperature to be achieved. Repeat if necessary. Adjusting