Aviculture Test 3

Bird Banding, Perching, Mixed Species Interactions, Enrichment, and Types of Avian Exhibits

Gaviiformes

Loons

Sphenisciformes

Penguins

Procellariiformes

* Albatross
* Petrels
* Shearwaters

Ciconiiformes

Storks

Pelecaniformes

* Ibis
* Spoonbills
* Herons
* Hammerkops
* Shoebills
* Pelicans

Suliformes

* Frigatebirds
* Gannets
* Boobies
* Cormorants
* Darters

Charadriiformes

* Sandpipers
* Gulls
* Terns
* Plover
* Oystercatcher

Strigiformes

* Barn Owls
* Typical Owls

Cathartiformes

New World Vultures

Accipitriformes

* Secretarybird
* Osprey
* Hawks
* Eagles
* Old World Vultures

Purpose of Banding

* Identifying individuals
* Keeps info with the correct individual for records
* multiple birds of same species
* Escapes (rare)
* Sometimes all you find is a band

Types of bands

* Metal
* Plastic

Which species are closed metal bands mostly used on?

Parrots, their beaks are like can openers

Can’t be opened once placed

Types of plasitc bands

* Zip ties
* Wrap around

Cons for wrap around bands

* Break easily
* Fall off easily
* Can wrap too tighly and cause issues

When do you place bands

* when bird is adult size
* fledging or a few days after
* Closed bands need to be done sooner

Temporary bands

* Keep track of multiple offspring


* Plastic bands that are checked regularly and replaced as needed

Correct fit of bands

* Should NOT slide over hallux or hock
* Should spin and move freely
* some birds don’t have round legs
* Some birds may be between sizes

Where are birds typically banded

* Typically placed on the tarsus
* except for long-legged birds that may be in tall grass or wade in water

Best way to place bands

Place zip tie over the metal band

Possible issues with bands

* Zip tie may stretch out and slip off metal band
* bands can get caught on a plant
* Injuries that cause swelling can make the band too tight

What to consider for bird perching?

* Texture
* Size
* bird and perches
* Location
* flight ability
* entrance
* food/water
* husbandry needs

Size of the perch

* Variety is important
* Able to close feet almost all the way around the smallest perch

Issues with texture on perches

* too small, can be slippery
* too rough, can cause foot issues

Where NOT to put perches?

* Right above/by the door (easy escape)
* Above food/water
* In the way of the keeper
* one right above another

What to consider for location of perches?

* How the bird flies
* how well the bird can fly up (distance)
* How much space the bird needs to fly to the ground

Typical uses for off-exhibit holding

* Breeding
* Surplus

What to plan for in hoofstock/bird enclosures

* Plan areas for retreat and separation
* landscape to allow for display and breeding
* nesting location and materials

What to keep in mind for in hoofstock/bird enclosures

* Size doesn’t always matter
* Landscape for success
* Behavioral quirks
* Social system implications
* Training
* Enrichment (challenges)
* Diets
* Change exhibit routines

Benefits of Mixed species exhibit (5 E’s)

* Enriching
* Educational
* Entertaining
* Efficient
* Effective

Challenges of Mixed species exhibit

* Competition (Food and Space)
* Social dynamics
* Individual dynamics
* Safety
* Time Management

Positive interactions between birds and hoofstock on exhibit

* Play
* Grooming/Preening
* Safety
* Shade (birds using other animals as shade)
* Shared materials (food = nest or enrichment)
* Enrichment

Agonistic Behaviors seen between birds and hoofstock on exhibit

* fighting
* sparring
* threat display
* displacement
* submission
* competition over space and food
* Harassment

What is the goal for enrichment?

Providing the best welfare for our animals

Enrichment give opportunities to perform______.

Natural behaviors

Natural behaviors that enrichment can provide

* finding food
* bathing
* suning
* hunting
* socializing
* seeking shelter

Categories used to enhance species’ behavior through enrichment

* Behavioral
* Physical
* Social
* Cognitive
* Psychological

Categories of enrichment

* Tactile
* Auditory
* Visual
* Olfactory
* Dietary
* Operant Conditioning
* Social

Benefits of Enrichment

* Mentally stimulating
* Physically stimulating
* Reduce stereotypic behaviors
* Reduce aggression toward keepers/other animals
* it’s fun

Safety considerations for enrichment

* Choking hazard


* Chewing (plastic)
* Tangling around feet, beak, and neck
* Sharp edges
* Undesired reactions (fear/aggression)
* Considerations for exhibit- mates

Safety of enrichment items considerations for birds

* Size of holes
* material
* access/no access
* hanging/on ground
* easy to clean?

Types of Avian Exhibits

* Social Structure
* Single Species
* Mixed-species
* Mixed taxa
* Breeding
* Non-Breeding

Example of Single Bird exhibit

Cassowary

Examples of Pair bird exhibits

Swans, territorial

Raptors

Example of trio bird exhibits

Pheasants

Usually 1.2

Housing based on social structure

* Family groups
* Flocks
* Same-sex groups

What can same-sex groups help with

Helps with aggression in mixed species/taxa exhibits

Examples of birds that live in flocks

Parrots, starlings, some pigeons

Housing based on Social Structure

Leks

* more males, few or only 1 female

Examples of Lekking species

Birds of Paradise

Grouse

Why are single species exhibits simple

* No inter species aggression
* Same diet
* Same Enrichment
* Easy to train
* Control breeding

What species are typically in single species exhibits

* “Vulnerable” species
* Guam kingfishers
* Birds of Paradise (diet (iron absorption))

Pros of Mixed Species/Taxa Exhibits

* Variety of species
* More dynamic exhibits for guests and animals

Mixed species/taxa exhibits are dependent on

* Size of enclosure
* Compatibility
* Cover
* Feeding strategies

Cons of Mixed Species/Taxa Exhibits

* Interspecies aggression
* Diet issues
* Capture may be difficult
* Control of breeding
* Shifting (mixed-taxa)

Needs for breeding in a mixed species exhibit

* Proper nesting materials
* Food availability
* Proper cover
* not too much human activity (usually)