Baby Birds
Hand-Rearing Young Pigeons and Doves
Mar 18th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A ThatBirdBlog reader in Bangkok, Thailand recently contacted me concerning the hand-rearing of Zebra Dove nestling whose parents had been attacked by a crow. The incident reminded me that spring is on the way, and with it will come a number of calls concerning young pigeons and doves (or “squabs”), that have fallen from their nests or have otherwise become orphaned. Those who keep pigeons and doves as pets, or who “fly” them as a hobby, are also sometimes called upon to raise abandoned nestlings.
Crop Milk
Pigeons and doves depart radically from other birds when it comes to rearing their chicks. Rather than providing them with insects or fruit, breeding adults produce a semi-solid nestling food known as pigeon milk or crop milk. While not related to mammalian milk, there certainly are some parallels.
The “milk” is secreted from the lining of the crop, which is a food storage organ located at the end of the esophagus (base of the throat) of most birds. It is higher in protein (38%) and fat (58%) than both cow and human milk, and allows for very rapid growth. Crop milk also contains several vitamins and minerals, and is produced by both males and females. More >
(-1 rating, 1 votes)
Loading ...Crafty Brood Parasites – Some Zebra Finches Lay Eggs in Neighbors’ Nests
Sep 30th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Cowbirds, cuckoos and whydahs are well known brood parasites, meaning that females deposit eggs in the nests of other bird species and leave them to the care of their unsuspecting foster parents. Finch owners may be surprised to learn that some female Zebra Finches also use this reproductive strategy – but with a special twist.
Cheating…Zebra Finch Style
Researchers at Bavaria’s Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (the former stomping grounds of the legendary animal behaviorist Konrad Lorenz) have discovered that certain female Zebra Finches specialize in taking advantage of their neighbors’ nests. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Ideal Finches for Beginning Bird Breeders – The Silverbills
Sep 21st
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Attractively colored in shades of brown, tan and cream, and with distinctive silvery-gray beaks, the Silverbills are hardy, peaceful and breed readily. They almost always raise their chicks without incident, and many pairs are even tolerant of overly-enthusiastic nest inspections. Today we’ll take a look at 3 readily available species that make wonderful additions to any collection.
Diet
Silverbills fare well on relatively simple diets – a high quality finch seed mix along with some greens and sprouts will meet their needs. Tiny mealworms, crickets and other insects may be offered to nesting pairs, but the addition of extra sprouts is all that most parents need in order to successfully raise their young. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Canary Chicks Learn “What to Expect” from their Mother…Before Hatching!
May 13th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. A recent study at the University of Cambridge has shocked ornithologists and bird hobbyists alike. Writing in the March 12, 2010 edition of Science, researchers revealed that female Canaries (Serinus canaria) influence the behavior of chicks that are still developing in the egg.
Chemical “messages” deposited in the egg somehow communicate what type of environment, in terms of food availability, the chicks should “expect” upon hatching. By switching eggs among the nests of parents with access to differing amounts of food, the researchers established that the chicks’ begging behavior was established prior to hatching.
Food Rich vs. Food-Poor Habitats
Well-fed and malnourished female Canaries provided different information to their chicks.
Chicks that will be raised in a food-rich environment are primed to beg vigorously, so as to get the most food possible and grow quickly (the loudest, most aggressive “begger” will get more food from its parents than quieter siblings).
Chicks whose parents will be unable to provide food in abundance are more subdued in their efforts. In theory, by conserving energy that would be wasted on “pointless” begging, the chicks can put more of their limited resources into growth.
In each situation, rapid growth and quick fledging are encouraged by the chicks’ behavior.
It has been known for quite some time that birds can influence the development of egg-bound chicks. However, it was always assumed that messages provided by the mother would be for the purpose of assisting her survival…this is the first evidence that chicks can also benefit.
Take-Home Message for Bird Owners
This newly discovered information reinforces the importance of providing your Canaries and other birds with nutritious foods in generous proportions, especially as the breeding season approaches.
Useful foods for pre-conditioning potential Canary parents include fresh sprouts (our Sprout Pot is an excellent source) and greens, egg food and small live and Canned Insects.
Further Reading
The background research that eventually led to this interesting discovery can be found in this National Academy of Sciences article.
You can see a video of a pair of Canaries feeding their chicks Here.
Please write in with your questions and comments.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...Chlamydia Infection (Psittacosis) in Birds – What are the Risks to Bird Owners?
Apr 15th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Also known as Chlamydiosis, Chlamydophilosis and Psittacosis, Chlamydia infection presents little danger to most bird owners, but is a real concern for others. Today we’ll take a look at this much-discussed and often misunderstood condition.
Infection and Immunity
Many parrots, most pigeons and certain other birds (chickens) carry the single-celled bacterium that causes Psittacosis yet remain in good health. More >
(+1 rating, 1 votes) Loading ...
