P.O. Box 1897, Kailua, HI 96734
Bulbuls
Red-vented Bulbuls and Red-whiskered Bulbuls
Hatchling (naked and may be blind)
Seek assistance from a more experienced rehabber. These guys can be difficult.
Nestling (pinfeathers or feathers, but not flying yet)
Vitamin C is an essential part of the bulbul's diet; it will most likely die if fed a straight formula diet or one with insufficient fruit. 60-70% DRIED formula and 30-40% fruit mixed and then warm water added to applesauce consistency. Fruit should be fresh mango, papaya, banana, or any combination of the three, but applesauce or strained fruit baby food can be used if necessary. Add two to three mealworms (preferably ones who've recently shed their skins - they are white) and small pea size pieces of soft tofu or bits of boiled egg for additional protein supplement. Protein is VERY important at this stage for proper feather growth, but don't substitute tofu and egg for formula. Bulbuls at this age should have two feedings per day of straight formula with a pinch of Tang added for Vitamin C. Bulbuls are more susceptible to poor feather growth from insufficient protein than mynahs are. Pinfeather babies should be fed every half hour through a twelve-hour period and feathered babies every 45 minutes to an hour through the same period.
Fledgling (limited and strong flight)
Same mix as above, but formula mix should be pudding consistency (add less water). Three mealworms are okay for this age along with tofu and egg. One or two de-legged crickets can also be given. As the baby gets older, mix the formula to a thick paste consistency and start feeding off of a finger. This will help to transition the bird to solid food. After about three or so days of feeding the paste formula, bits of fruit or softened softbill pellets can also be given. Soft fruit can be given at a younger age, of course, but not to substitute for formula. Start putting pieces of fruit in the bird's cage along with insects and feed approximately every 1 1/2 hours. The bird can go up to 2 hours if you observe it feeding itself. Until it is actively interested in food, however, do not let it go over 3 hours without offering more food than what it has already in its cage. Some bulbuls may take an abnormally long time to wean, go very slowly and don't wean the bird cold turkey. When the bird is actively interested in food, transition over to an adult diet.
Adult
Because these birds are frugivorous, they must have a fairly constant supply of fruit in their diets. Softbird pellets (8 in 1 makes a good pellet for softbills) should constitute about 40% or less if they are given a softbill insect crumble. Only four to five mealworms per day should be given, as healthy bulbuls tend to be on the plump side anyways. De-legged crickets can be given now and then; some birds are more interested in them than others. Soft tofu, and chopped, boiled egg are very good sources of protein. Mango is the most important food that a bulbul can learn to eat. Mango trees grow all over the island and provide an excellent fruit source. Fruit should make up at least 50% of the bulbul's diet and at least two different types of fruit, most important are mango, papaya, and banana, should be fed along with pellets, etc. Peeled, chopped grapes, watermelon, and chopped up strawberries are well-appreciated treats. Bulbuls to be readied for release should be fed food they can find in the "wild" such as mango, papaya, banana, cooked rice, bread pieces, and insects.
(Adapted from material provided by Merri Keeton)
Common medical issues:
Babies- leg problems, poor feathering, burst air sacs.
Adults - broken wings.