Page 693 - Hand rearing birds second

694 Hand-Rearing Birds

At fledgling stage, no more than six to eight birds should be housed in this size of reptarium. See
“Fledgling” housing in the next section for setup criteria.
Once thermoregulating and partially feathered, nestling Purple Martins can be comfortably
housed in nest boxes. This form of housing will provide a more typical nesting environment for the
species and support their natural fledging process. Large wooden nest boxes used for breeding
domestic exotic birds work well for young martins. Form a shallow cup‐shaped nest inside the box
using a non‐terry towel. This style of nest box opens from the top, making access for hand‐feeding
easy, and the entry holes are usually a larger 3 in. (7.6 cm) opening. It is highly recommended that
a wash cloth or small piece of fabric is folded over one side of the top of the box. This will keep the
box lid slightly ajar, which eliminates a potentially disruptive noise when opening the box and
prevents the lid from accidentally slamming closed. Once fledged, Purple Martins will return to
their nest box for naps and to roost at night. The next box can also be placed in the aviary for
fledglings.
Unlike many other passerine species, swallows have a long nesting period of approximately 3
weeks. If you are uncertain whether an orphaned swallow is a nestling or a fledgling, assume it is
a nestling and provide a nest. Even if it is a fledgling, it will most likely appreciate the option of
having the security of a nest as long as this is constructed properly.

Fledglings
Depending on the species, swallows fledge the nest between days 20 and 23 (Figure 44.4). Purple
Martins fledge at approximately day 28. At this time, a bungee cord or rope perch, a natural perch
such as a willow branch with leaves, and a log should be provided in the 175‐gal reptarium (4 × 3
× 3 ft./1.2 × 0.9 × 0.9 m) or similar size soft‐sided screen‐lined enclosure. The nest style should be
changed for fledgling Cliff, Barn, and Northern Rough‐winged Swallows and remain in the enclo-
sure until the birds are no longer returning to sleep in it. When it is time to go to roost, newly
fledged swallows will become anxious and active as they search for a place to roost. At this time,
they are looking for their nest to retreat to. The nest should be securely attached in an upper corner

Figure­44.4­ Four newly-fledged Northern Rough-winged Swallows perching on a log inside a reptarium.