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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The general guideline that food/formula should be offered in the amount of approximately<br />
20% of the cub’s body weight in a 24 period remains the same during weaning. (I.e. as<br />
cub weight increases, the amount of food offered should be increased). Some healthy cubs,<br />
although, may require up to 30% of their body weight in a 24 hour period. This total<br />
amount should be divided by the number of feedings per day (see Section 8 for feeding<br />
schedules during weaning). Cubs must learn to drink plain water (i.e. in addition to their normal<br />
milk formulas) at least during early weaning <strong>and</strong> preferably just before weaning begins. To<br />
introduce water, a small amount of milk formula should be added to the water to make it taste<br />
familiar <strong>and</strong> eventually the milk should be reduced until the water is plain. Free-choice clean<br />
drinking water must always be provided during early weaning <strong>and</strong> onward. This is<br />
especially critical when milk formulas are mixed with fish, as they will not provide enough<br />
fluids/water necessary for cubs (especially as fish ratios are increased). Cubs must be<br />
monitored to determine if they are drinking enough water to maintain good hydration. If<br />
they are not, water should be h<strong>and</strong>-feed until the otters drink enough on their own. Bottle<br />
feeding, teaspoons/tablespoons <strong>and</strong> large plastic syringes (esp. when formulas thicken), can be<br />
used until cubs learn to eat <strong>and</strong> drink from bowls. Feeding <strong>and</strong> water bowls/dishes, such as<br />
small heavy ceramic bowls, that cannot be tipped over or be destroyed (e.g. chewed apart)<br />
should be offered. Cubs must be cleaned <strong>and</strong> dried after feeding, as they can get very dirty<br />
when eating (see Section 15).<br />
See Chapter 2 Section 19 for information on fish diets, vitamins etc. that are necessary during<br />
weaning. Unused fish <strong>and</strong> formulas must be kept refrigerated <strong>and</strong> they must not be used more<br />
than one day. Formulas should be made fresh daily <strong>and</strong> heated portions should not be reheated.<br />
The goal of weaning is to gradually (i.e. slowly) reduce milk formula amounts as fish<br />
amount <strong>and</strong> fish texture (size of fish pieces etc.) is increased. Ample amounts of milk<br />
replacer must still be offered during early weaning. If the fish ratio is increased too<br />
quickly, it may result in health problems. Weaning should be started by gradually adding<br />
very small amounts of mashed minced fish filet to the cub’s milk formula (Burnette 1994).<br />
Caretakers should filet the fish (remove bones, scales <strong>and</strong> skin) <strong>and</strong> dice/mince/cut the fish into<br />
very small fine pieces. The minced fish can then be added to the normal strength milk replacer<br />
formula <strong>and</strong> a pulverized blended mash can be made from it (using a blender at high speed<br />
helps). It initially can be served in a bottle, but then eventually a plate, bowl, or dish will be<br />
needed as the formula thickens. This diet should be warmed before it is served (See Section 6).<br />
The percentage/ratio of fish (in the fish to milk formula ratio) <strong>and</strong> the size (texture) of the fish<br />
pieces should be gradually increased over the weeks. This should be done according to the<br />
otter’s acceptance <strong>and</strong> abilities to digest the food in a healthy manner with healthy stool. Each<br />
individual will vary somewhat in its acceptance. For example, weaning can be started by adding<br />
approximately 10% fish to the cub’s milk replacer. (I.e. the same milk formula strength/dilution<br />
as has been offered should be continued <strong>and</strong> total diet amounts should be offered as<br />
recommended). Free-choice drinking water must always be available <strong>and</strong> cubs must be<br />
monitored to determine if they are drinking enough water for proper hydration. The fish ratio<br />
should be increased gradually so the diet thickens to a porridge or gruel like texture (Burnette<br />
1994). Some (i.e. a small amount) additional 100% milk formula can be made available in<br />
another bowl as the milk formula fish mash increases in thickness as the change-over<br />
progresses. See also at the bottom of the following paragraph another successful technique that<br />
can be used to first introduce fish into the giant otter cub’s diet.<br />
As tolerated <strong>and</strong> later on (i.e. when the mash is accepted <strong>and</strong> digested well <strong>and</strong> cubs start<br />
chewing more), small pieces of fish filet can be mixed in the milk formula fish mash. “As<br />
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