Page 619 - Hand rearing birds second

620 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 40.6 Lorikeet brooder tub. Source: photo by Carol Stanley.

Figure 40.7 Weaning cage and feather duster. Source: photo by Carol Stanley.

­ Weaning

As chicks continue to grow and become more active, they will need more room and can be
moved to a weaning cage. The weaning cage should be small enough to prevent any errant
flight attempts that might cause harm from the gaining of speed or altitude (Figure 40.7).
Continue hand‐feeding, but add a shallow dish of nectar in the bottom of the cage. Follow the
package directions for mixing. Dip their beaks a few times into the nectar until they begin eat -
ing from the nectar dish. Hand‐feeding may be discontinued when they are actively eating the
nectar and filling their crops. During this period the chicks will huddle in a corner. Clean the
dish and replenish nectar regularly (every four hours) throughout the day to prevent bacterial
infections. Perches should be placed far enough away from the food dish to prevent the chicks
from soiling their food.