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Re: scissor tail metabolism



Shantanu,

You're not mistaken about the metabolism of baby passerines; it's probably
the highest of any animal.  That's why it's so important that people not
take in an 'orphaned' baby unless it's absolutely necessary; Mom and Dad
definitely know how to provide what it needs.
(If a young bird must be taken out of the wild, it has to be put on the
CORRECT diet, immediately.)

Juveniles of most species are fed less often than they were as nestlings, as
they fledge.  Their hunger spurs them to think about looking for food
themselves.  Juveniles often lose weight, even in the best of circumstances,
during the transition to independence.  In part they're not fed to satiety,
and often their digestive enzymes are changing over to their adult diet, so
food isn't processed as well.

-Janine

Janine Perlman, Ph.D.
fed. licensed non-raptor rehabilitator