Page 649 - Hand rearing birds second

650 Hand-Rearing Birds

Figure 42.4 A Yellow-billed Magpie afflicted with juvenile cataracts perches on bumblefoot preventive
Daisy Doormat.

that its body cannot tolerate. Begin the feeding process more slowly than the feeding chart might
suggest. As the bird gains strength, feeding amounts may be increased.

Eye­Problems
Examine the eyes for discharge, swelling, or discoloration. Common causes of eye lesions may be
injury, pox, bacterial infection, trichomoniasis, or mycoplasma. If the bird does not respond to
visual stimuli correctly or exhibits a tracking-type of behavior with the head, suspect visual prob-
lems or impairment. Juvenile corvids may have cataracts or corneal ulcers which may be easily
visible or may require staining the eye and use of a scope (Figure 42.4). Juvenile birds that continue
to gape while others of similar age are self-feeding, or that gape but not necessarily in the direction
of the food source, may have vision problems.

Foot­Abnormalities
Abnormal­Perching
Observe how the juvenile perches or sits in the nest. If the bird repeatedly places the hallux for-
ward together with the other toes, a wrap or cardboard or plastic “shoe” may be required to repo-
sition the hallux. If left unattended, the hallux will continually fold under and prevent grasping
of a perch. Allow for growth while a wrap or shoe is being used. A wrap applied too tightly may
result in permanent damage to the foot. A wrap or shoe might only be required for a few days on
young birds.

Bumblefoot
Bumblefoot is an unusual finding in a corvid fledgling, so problems that resemble bumblefoot may
have another etiology. Overweight birds are prone to bumblefoot especially if a secondary problem