International Giant Otter Studbook Husbandry and Management

suggested above. The same feeding frequency instructions as above should be used for cubs
that are newborn, very young, sick weak cubs (at older ages), and healthy young cubs that are at
least 2 weeks or older. Older healthy cubs, 2 months and older, should be fed a minimum of
every 3 hours throughout the day and evening (7 a.m. to 10 p.m.) or 6 feeds throughout the day
and evening. In addition, they should also be given at least one overnight feeding (or even 8
feeds/24 hours for extra caution) when switched to new milk replacers.
Section 9
Feeding Apparatuses, Feeding Problems (Aspiration) & Emergencies
Baby bottles for human babies and premature human babies, pet nursing bottles, glass tube
(syringe like) feeders with rubber nipples placed on one end and rubber covers at the other end,
doll bottles, and bowls/dishes all have been used for feeding. Plastic eye droppers, plastic
syringes, or teaspoons can also be used if necessary. Grocery and drug stores, pet stores,
pharmacies, or vet hospitals can be checked for variety.
A feeding apparatus that fits the cub’s mouth size and shape, appetite, ability, and
preference must be offered. Only specific types of feeding apparatuses can be used, as the cub
will be limited by the aforementioned factors to use others. In addition, cubs often have distinct
preferences for specific (esp. nipple) types. Different types, shapes, sizes, and
thickness/stiffness (esp. for nipples) should be tried to find the one that is accepted best.
Handrearers should be flexible with the variety initially offered; one should eventually work.
Bottles (esp. plastic and semi-flexible) and glass tube feeders with rubber nipples work well
because of the wide size range of nipples, bottle, and rubber cover types to choose from.
Problems with the nipple could include its stiffness and thickness, size, or/and its shape. For
example, it can be too hard to squeeze and suck on or too soft and easily collapsible to allow
milk flow, or too big, small, long, or short for the mouth, or it can be too wide or thin to close
the mouth around. Inappropriate nipple hole sizes can also cause significant health problems. If
the hole is too big, formula can come out too fast [see below] or if it is too small, the formula
cannot be sucked out or the cub may tire too easily and refuse to eat. Holes in nipples can be
made or enlarged with a red hot needle. Different needle sizes can be used to create different
hole sizes. (I.e. the upper part of a needle can be held with a pair of tweezers/plyers and the
lower part of the needle can be placed in a flame, such as that from a lighter, until it becomes
red hot.) The needle should be passed back and forth through the center of the nipple until a hole
is created.) Feeding implements that have glass ends where the cub is supposed to suck/nurse
on, should be avoided (i.e. glass may break or cubs may hurt their mouths or teeth on it).
Young otters must breath through their nose when suckling on a nipple. If milk comes out of
the bottle nipple too fast (e.g. when nipple holes are too large), or if formula is fed too fast,
liquid can be inhaled into the nose and lungs. As well, if liquid drugs are administered faster
than cubs can swallow or if cubs nurse too aggressively and rapidly (esp. when very hungry),
the same problem can occur. The aforementioned problem is evident when milk/liquid
comes out of the cub’s mouth, the cub is gagging (i.e. seems to be choking), and it is
especially critical when milk/liquid comes from the cub’s nose. Serious health problems,
respiratory infections (i.e. pneumonia can be deadly), choking, and death can result when
liquids are aspirated. Respiratory infections, in turn make it difficult for cubs to nurse, and vet
care and antibiotics are needed. It is critical to prevent situations that cause aspiration by
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