International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

formula is accomplished. When cubs have had negative reactions to an original formula (i.e.
constant diarrhea, no weight gain, dehydration, weakness etc.), at least one feeding (or more
until the cub is rehydrated) of an electrolyte solution for general use can be administered first.
The change-over from the original formula to the new formula can be made by totally
eliminating the original formula and diluting the new formula with water (or if necessary
electrolyte solution for general use) instead. The same should then be done (as above) as if one
is switching the cub from mother’s milk to a milk replacer.
Section 8
Feeding Amounts and Frequency
The age, size, weight, and health of cubs helps determine how much and how frequently to feed.
Formula should be fed in amounts and frequencies that ensure proper and steady growth and
health, healthy stool condition and urine elimination, supply adequate energy, and do not exceed
the cub’s maximum comfortable stomach capacity (i.e. amounts comfortably tolerated).
A general guideline is that food/formula should be offered in the amount of 20% of the cub’s
body weight in a 24 hour period. Cubs may also need as much as 30% of their body weight in a
24 hour period. For example, if a cub weighs 2000 g (4.41 lbs.) (and is healthy), it can be
offered 400ml of milk formula per 24 hours. As cub weight increases, the formula amounts
should be increased accordingly. Caution: This percentage is only a general guideline for
healthy cubs, not a fixed rule, as cubs will naturally vary somewhat in the percentage they eat
daily and individually (see below). Another general guideline, “…A useful rule of thumb for
mustelids as well as many other mammals is to feed till the stomach is full but not taut [tight or
bloated] or over-extended.” (Burnette 1994). A round belly is desirable, but overloading the
stomach with food can cause the abdomen/stomach to become too fat and distended. Gastric
overload can cause discomfort, vomiting, and digestive problems etc..
The total daily amount can be divided by the recommended number of feedings per day (see
below) to determine the amount needed for each feeding. (It is always helpful although to
prepare a little more formula than is needed for each individual feed in case the otter should
want more during that feed.) Otters have a naturally high/fast metabolism. With their mother,
very young giant otter cubs nurse (small amounts of milk) frequently throughout every hour
(Sykes-Gatz, pers. observation). It is highly recommended to feed more often and in smaller
amounts, so formula is digested more easily and in a more natural manner. This helps to
avoid the common health problems (esp. diarrhea) that usually occur when incorrect
feeding techniques are used (Kirk 1994). Importantly as well, one can tell how the formula
affects the otter more easily and quickly when smaller portions are fed. Hence, when needed,
smaller changes rather than larger changes, which may exaggerate problems if the change is
inappropriate, can be made.
Both over-feeding and under-feeding can cause health problems. “…It should be noted that the
concept that an infant will correctly control its own intake if milk is offered ad lib has been
proven incorrect by numerous reports of diarrhea, vomiting, listlessness, potbellies, labored
breathing, anorexia, and death (Robbins 1993). Thus ad lib feeding is discouraged. It is best to
establish moderate guidelines at the start of the hand-rearing period and adjust them
based on consumption and observed growth.” (Maslanka and Crissey 2000). Unhealthy,
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