Page 694 - Hand rearing birds second

North American Swallows 695

Figure­44.5­ Inside housing in a reptarium. Note the elevated nest mounted in a corner of the reptarium
for fledglings to rest and roost in overnight.

of the reptarium (Figure 44.5), or if in an aviary, in an upper corner of the sheltered end of the
aviary. These species will continue to take naps during the day and sleep at night in the nest up to
1 to 2 weeks after fledgling. Purple Martins also tend to roost in their nest box at night, sometimes
all the way up to release day. Violet‐green and Tree Swallows generally do not return to their nest
once they have fledged, so it is not necessary to provide a nest for fledglings of these species.
However, if either of these species is housed with Barn Swallows, it is likely they will attempt to
roost in the nest with Barn Swallows.
The new nest style will depend on the species. Fledgling Cliff and Northern Rough‐winged
Swallows require an enclosed nest. This can easily be achieved using a bowl‐shaped small wicker
basket and hanging it in one corner of the reptarium. Line the interior with a folded non‐terry
cloth towel. It is also a good idea to cover the top of the basket with a similar material as swallows
can and will sit and defecate on the top of the basket. Barn Swallows prefer a simulated cup‐shaped
nest at fledgling age. Wicker baskets designed to hang on walls can emulate this shape and are eas-
ily found in craft and floral supply stores.
After fledging the nest, it is the author’s preference to move fledgling swallows outside to aviaries
as doing so supports their natural behavior and developmental process. At this stage, they are fully
flighted and active. In the wild, their parents will feed them while perched in the open on fences
and telephone wires, as well as provide mid‐air food transfers when the young are in flight.
Continuing the hand‐feeding process in an aviary will foster development of strong flight and
agility and support the behavior of obtaining food while in flight.