HOW TO TUBE FEEDING Tube feeding can only be carried out by trained wildlife rehabilitators and volunteers. The food given by tube should always be the same temperature as the bird’s normal body temperature. When preparing tube feeding, syringes can be filled with food and put into warm water to keep them warm. One person is required to hold the bird while another one handles the tube. Birds should be taken out of the cages covered by a towel. Some bird species like cormorants, crakes and gulls are very sensitive to tube feeding and may throw up the food given to them. If the bird throws up, note this in the daily treatment form and report it to your supervisor. Do not try to feed the bird again immediately after it has thrown up. Wait a while before trying again. To avoid feeding the same bird twice, always move the bird into another cage after feeding, or separate birds in the same cage from another by a cardboard or wooden plate.
© TONI JOKINEN
© VANESSA RYAN
1. make sure that the tubes and syringes are clean and filled with the correct food before you start. Before inserting the tube, check that it is the right length
2. Gently but firmly insert the tube as far as you can. Stop if you feel resistance. If you have inserted the tube correctly, it is often visible from the outside of the neck
© VANESSA RYAN
© VANESSA RYAN
3. Push the food in at a slow, steady pace
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4. When finished, press the tube with your finger to stop the flow, retract the tube at a steady pace.
OILED WILDLIFE RESPONSE PROTOCOLS IN THE CENTRAL BALTIC SEA