Page 645 - Hand rearing birds second

646 Hand-Rearing Birds

further diagnostics may be conducted once the bird has stabilized. Corvids, as a result of their diet,
are susceptible to trichomoniasis. An oral swab viewed under a microscope, even if lesions are not
present, can prevent future problems and potential contamination of other birds. A fecal analysis
prior to introducing the bird to others is also recommended since many corvids carry parasites
such as capillaria, coccidia, and tapeworm. Examine the body for pox lesions and ectoparasites.
Weigh the bird on a gram scale. This will aid in determining the quantity of fluids to offer initially.
Hydration is of paramount importance. Without proper hydration, the bird cannot be fed or treated
successfully. The safest method for rehydration is the administration of subcutaneous fluids. Give
2–3% of the body weight in fluids if the bird appears dehydrated. If hydration must be done orally,
give initial fluids with a 1 ml syringe. For magpies and jays a narrow-tipped 1 ml syringe or a teat
cannula (syringe extender) is useful (Figure 1.4). The bird must be warm before it can swallow and
process fluids. A small portion, less than 0.1 ml, of warm oral solution (lactated Ringer’s solution
or equivalent), should be placed past the glottis down the bird’s right side of the throat to ensure
that it is capable of swallowing the liquid. Tissues become compressed and sticky when a bird is
dehydrated, rendering it incapable of swallowing the liquid. In this case, administer subcutaneous
fluids for the initial rehydration. Once the bird can gape and swallow, administer orally whatever
portion of the calculated rehydration amount remains, divided over the next 2–3 hours.
For example: for a 200 g corvid fledgling, 2% of its body weight in fluids is 200 g × 0.02 = 4 ml.
This amount would then be divided and given to the bird orally over the next 2–3 hours. The size
of the portion depends on the responsiveness of the bird. Weaker 200 g birds may be able to handle
only 0.5–1 ml at a time.
Administer only what the bird can manage at a given time, regardless of the amounts quoted in
the literature. It may have health problems preventing normal processing of fluids and could die if
handled too aggressively. Once it begins to defecate, the focus may switch to the feeding regimen.
Housing during stabilization should be stress-free. Place hatchlings in an incubator if available,
or use a heating pad set on the lowest heat setting, placed under the container the bird is housed
in. When using a heating pad, insulation from the pad may be required to prevent overheating.
Nestlings and hatchlings require a nest. Larger corvids such as crows and ravens might require a
rolled towel placed in a donut shape as a nest to support their weight. Smaller birds may be placed
in a plastic margarine-type container lined with multiple layers of toilet paper. Use a plastic con-
tainer suitable in size for the species of hatchlings. Pile the paper high enough to allow nestlings to
defecate over the side of the nest; a hatchling should rest in an indentation in the toilet paper. The
toilet paper should be crumpled enough to provide support for the birds to prevent splayed legs. If
the heat supplied to a hypothermic bird in a nest is from a heating pad under the container, increase
the layers of toilet paper as the bird warms to prevent overheating. A pre-warmed nest would be
optimal. A sheet or two of toilet paper placed over the bird also helps maintain warmth in the nest,
especially for single hatchlings. Stabilization of older birds may be done in a heated cardboard cat
carrier or similar device that provides quiet isolation. Newspaper lining is nonabsorbent and not
recommended due to profuse defecation. A pillow case or tightly looped towel with rolled towel
nest or perch is best.
Corvids tend to harbor pathogens that may be infectious to other birds. Do not combine a newly
admitted bird with those already being hand-reared. Corvids are especially susceptible to West Nile
virus (WNV). Newly admitted corvids should be isolated if WNV is prevalent in the area; however, the
social needs of a new bird must be balanced with the stress of being isolated. If the single chick or
fledgling appears healthy upon admission, it may be isolated for just for 2–3 days, even with the pres-
ence of WNV in the area. Then place the chick with only one or two others the first week and monitor
closely. A sign of a healthy chick is one that preens after the completion of hand-feeding (Figure 42.2).