Curlews - How to Care for Them

Care of bush curlews is still an inexact science. If a stone curlew is in a situation where it can be readily caught for treatment it is in dire need. It must be remembered that as with any wild bird, Curlews can and will try to defend themselves from rescuers.

If a bird is to be taking in for care you must try and reduce stress where ever possible. This is best done by initially placing the bird in a dark quiet corner away form human noises and influences. Keep the bird covered until veterinary attention is given.

Fortunately Bush-stone Curlews are a relatively easy bird to care for. They have a broad diet, which can be easily substituted if required in the captive environment. They feed primarily on insects and the young feed for themselves. If the orphans are only days old it may be necessary to supplement food supply to ensure adequate amounts are obtained.

Artificial feeding can consist of mixture of roo meat mixed with a commercially available dietary supplement particularly calcium and vitamins. Advise on mixture rates and amounts will be available on the product packaging. If there is insufficient nutrients particularly calcium in the diet problems can develop with the bird's legs, feet and beak. Stone Curlews can also be feed a variety of invertebrates including meal worms, crickets and other insects. Mice, lizards, frogs and other vertebrate fauna are also readily consumed.

Care must be take to not over feed juvenile birds. Overfeeding can cause them to grow too quickly, which will cause particular problems with the legs. Birds may ask for more food, however it is best to keep to recommended amounts.

It is a good idea to feed birds from behind a screen or with a puppet on the hand to avoid their being 'humanised'. They should not be cared for in close proximity to dogs or cats as they may loose their natural fear of these predators.

It is best if the birds are encouraged to get their own food as much as possible. It may be necessary to take the young 'out for a walk' for several hours a day to allow them to feed while you protect them from predators. Small chicks are likely to be targets for dogs, cats, foxes, birds of prey, kookaburras and possibly magpies.

Once the birds are feeding themselves slowly withdraw human food to encourage them to seek their own. If the birds associate humans with food their release to the wild will not be successful.

Injuries

• Open wounds can lead to gangrene and should be treated immediately.

• Leg problems need immediate action also as the bird needs good legs to survive.

• Wing problems are not as urgent as the birds generally do not fly anyway.