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