VMD 513: Pet animal Breeding, Management, Nutrition and Health Care (1+1)

Care during fledging

CARE AT FLEDGING

• The moment of fledging varies per species. 
• It is true to say for all species that the birds cannot take care of themselves immediately after fledging.
  They do not have their final plumage yet and still need to be taken care of and fed by their parents for a certain period. 
• The young are highly vulnerable during this period. 
•  A sudden heavy storm or shower may cause damage to such birds.
• It may be worthwhile screening off part of the aviary so that the young birds can take shelter in rough weather. 
• Proper care from their parents, shelter, and a good supply of varied food will help the birds get through this vulnerable phase of their life within a matter of weeks.
• This is the time when we should catch the young birds and start housing them separately. 
• This certainly has to happen in the case of aggressive bird species, which then usually no longer tolerate having their independent offspring in the same space.