Standard Operating Procedures

Bird Husbandry and Care

Last updated: June 20, 2012

 

Chickadees, Black-capped 

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe the chickadees in their aviaries for signs of illness, injury or death. 
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the chickadees appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each chickadee is identified by leg band and/or group cage card.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed chickadees a mixture of sunflower seeds, crushed peanuts, pine nuts, ground hard-boiled egg (shell included), roudybush maintenance pellet diet and mealworms.  Suet and waxworms may be provided on occasion if birds demonstrate a liking for these foods.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Provide chickadees with clean potable water at all times. In group aviaries water will be provided in poultry water founts that are filled daily and cleaned once weekly. In the winter, heated water dishes will be substituted for water founts. In individual cages (14”x 11”x 19”), water will be provided in plastic dishes.  Rinse dishes daily and wash in hot soapy water once weekly.
• Weekly
  • Clean all food and water receptacles with hot soapy water. 
  • Change paper lining in individual cages once weekly. In larger group aviaries, rake out and replace straw on ground once weekly.  Place dirty straw in compost pile.
• Monthly
  • Exchange individual cages, cage bottom (including wire grate and plastic tray) for a clean cage set-up once per month

Sanitation

• Replace paper cage liners and straw ground cover with clean paper/straw once weekly. 
• Clean all food and water dishes in hot, soapy water weekly.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

Chukar Partridges

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe the chukars in their aviaries for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• Chukars are particularly susceptible to tracheal worms.  Monitor birds for signs of respiratory distress which often appears only on exertion.  Signs of this type of illness include:
  • labored breathing or open gape breathing
  • audible stridor
  • weight loss and lethargy
• Chukars are also prone to explosive flights into walls or sides of the aviary when frightened.  Since most birds are habituated to humans, this most often occurs when birds of prey fly over the aviary or land on the roof of the aviary.  This behavior can result in trauma which may include skull fractures, and /or concussions.  It may necessitate close monitoring and/or euthanasia if the injury is severe.  Signs of this type of injury include:
  • abnormal posturing
  • hemiparesis or hemiplegia
  • continuously turning in circles
• Chukars are also aggressive with each other during breeding season and can inflict wounds on each other that may result in death.  Monitor animals for signs of persecution:
  • missing feathers or wounds to the back of the neck
  • cryptic behaviors (self confinement to hiding spots)
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the chukars appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• A chukar is individually identified only if it is an experimental subject. This identification is by a colored leg band. Chukars that are part of the breeding population are not identified as individuals and must be counted as part of the general daily census.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed chukars Purina Game Bird Chow at the beginning of each work day.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls with soap and water
  • Chukars are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are checked and cleaned daily with soap and water. A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls are heated.
  • Provide each chukar with some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
• Weekly
  • Clean the run three times per week.
  • Rake the runs weekly take dirty straw to the compost pile.
  • Place clean fresh straw in the run.
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down surfaces weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; do more often if needed.
• Rake the run free of dirty straw and replace with clean straw.
• Clean feed /water bowls using dish detergent in the inside wash room.
• Remove any trash from the run twice weekly.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly.

 

Cockatiels 

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all cockatiels in their cages for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the cockatiels appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each cockatiel is identified by leg band number and group cage card.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Cockatiels are fed Purina Cockatiel Seed at the beginning of each work day. Each cockatiel will receive 2 oz of send per day.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls with soap and water.
  • Cockatiels are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are checked and cleaned daily with soap and water.
  • Remove any trash from room.
  • Provide each cockatiel with some form of enrichment device in its room at all times unless otherwise specified.
• Weekly
  • Perform a complete cage wash and room clean once per week (floors, walls, ceilings, enrichment devices, cages, water and feed bowls).
  • Change pan lining twice per week.
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down ledges, fixtures, sink, supply carts, etc. weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; do more often if needed.
• Spray walls, ceilings, floors with detergent/disinfectant (simply green) scrub with scrub brush and mop. Rinse walls, ceilings, and floors thoroughly.
• Move cockatiels to clean cage. Wash dirty cage with Simply Green and rinse thoroughly.
• Use a brush to clean dust from the air return vents.
• Remove dirty pan lining and replace with clean liner.
• Remove trash from the room daily and take to the dumpster.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

Crows

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all crows in their aviaries for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the crows appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each crow is identified by leg band number and/or group cage card.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed crows dog chow and optional peanuts at the beginning of each work day.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly with soap and water.
  • Crows will have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls will be filled daily and cleaned twice weekly with soap and water. A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning.
  • In the winter water bowls will be heated.
  • Provide each crow with some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
• Weekly
  • Clean the run once a week.
  • Rake the run weekly and deposit dirty straw in the compost pile.
  • Place clean fresh straw in the run.
  • Clean and scrub pools twice weekly and refilled with clean water daily. (In winter N/A)
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down carts weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; do more often if needed.
• Rake the run and replace dirty straw with clean straw.
• Use a brush to clean pools and feed /water bowls.
• Remove trash twice weekly and take to the compost pile.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

Diamond Doves

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all doves in their rooms for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• Diamond Doves are susceptible to feather mites.  Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
• Diamond Doves are susceptible to tracheal mites.  Monitor birds for abnormal discharge around the external nares, eyes and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may experience respiratory distress when handled.  Audible stridor may be present.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
• Diamond Doves are often on the floor; be careful when entering room.  Birds may fly into walls when startled.  Slowly enter the room and monitor door while it opens and closes.
• Diamond Doves are susceptible to bacterial infections of the foot.  Monitor birds for:
  • small reddened area, or sometimes small black spots, can be seen on the bottom of the foot
  • irregular posturing of the foot or abnormal gait
  • distortion of the contours of the foot and/or toes
• Diamond Doves may carry the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci.  This can cause Psittacosis in humans.  The bacteria may be aerosolized from bird droppings.  Usually birds that are colonized by C. psittaci are asymptomatic.  In humans, this bacterial disease is characterized by fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills and sometimes pneumonia.
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the doves appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each Diamond dove is identified by leg band number and/or group cage card.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed Diamond doves wild bird seed (50/50) at the beginning of each work day.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly with soap and water.
  • Diamond doves will have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls will be filled daily and cleaned twice weekly with soap and water. A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning.
  • In the winter water bowls will be heated.
  • Provide each Diamond dove with some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
  • Remove and replace all cage paper linings daily.
• Weekly
  • Sweep rooms daily.  Unused seed can be recycled for use in the “wild bird” feeder on the fort premises.
  • Wash the tray twice weekly.
  • Do complete cage cleanings once weekly. 
  • Do a complete room clean twice weekly.
  • Sweep and mop the floor using Simple Green Floor cleaner.
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down carts weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; wipe more often if needed.
• Sweep rooms daily.
• Mop rooms twice weekly.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.
• Wash cages, bottom trays, and perches twice weekly
• Wash cage skirts weekly.
• Replace paper daily.

Ducks and Swans

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all ducks and swans in their housing area for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the ducks and swans appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each duck or swan is identified by a colored leg band.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed ducks and swans Purina Chow at the beginning of each work day.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls with soap and water.
  • Ducks and swans are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are checked and cleaned daily with soap and water. A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls are heated.
  • Clean and scrub pools daily and refilled with clean water. (In winter N/A)
  • Provide each duck and swan with some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
• Weekly
  • Clean the run three times per week. Rake runs on Monday and Friday. Place dirty straw in the compost pile and add fresh clean fresh straw in the run.
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down surfaces weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; do more often if needed.
• Rake the run and replace dirty straw with clean straw.
• Use a brush to clean pools and feed /water bowls.
• Remove trash from the run twice weekly and discard in the compost pile or dumpster.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly.

Hawks

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all hawks in their housing area for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the hawks appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each hawk is identified by a leg band number and group cage card.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed hawks 2 mice per bird per day at the beginning of each work day.
  • Mice carcasses are kept frozen until used. Unthaw mice 24 hours before feeding to hawks. If mouse carcasses are not available, feed hawks ½ can Purina dog chow.
  • Check feed daily and wash feeding broads.
  • Hawks are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be checked and cleaned daily with soap and water. A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning.
  • Provide each hawk with some form of enrichment device in its room at all times unless otherwise specified.
• Weekly
  • A complete room clean is performed twice a week (floors, walls, ceilings, enrichment devices, water bowls and feeding broads).
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down ledges, fixtures, sink, supply carts, etc. weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating, more often if needed.
• Spray walls, ceilings, floors with detergent/disinfectant (Simply Green) scrub with scrub brush and mop. Rinse walls, ceilings, and floors thoroughly.
• Use a brush to clean dust from the air returns.
• Remove trash from the room daily and deposit in dumpster.
• Sanitize feed areas and trash barrels monthly and document.

 House Sparrows

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all house sparrows in their aviary for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• Sparrows are susceptible to feather mites.  Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
• Sparrows are susceptible to tracheal mites.  Monitor birds for abnormal discharge around the external nares, eyes and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may experience respiratory distress when handled.  Audible stridor may be present.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
• Sparrows are susceptible to abrupt changes in room temperature.
• Sparrows are susceptible to bacterial infections of the foot.  Monitor birds for:
  • small reddened area, or sometimes small black spots, can be seen on the bottom of the foot
  • irregular posturing of the foot or abnormal gait
  • distortion of the contours of the foot and/or toes
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the house sparrows appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each house sparrow is identified by colored leg bands.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed House Sparrows wild bird seed mix (commercial brand) at the beginning of each work day. All birds will be supplemented with grit, cuttlebone, fruits & vegetables (e.g. alfalfa sprouts, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, grated carrot, and/or apple).
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls.
  • House Sparrows are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be checked and cleaned daily
  • Rooms will be vacuumed or thoroughly swept daily.
  • Cage tray liners will be replaced daily, or if not used, trays will be washed and sanitized twice a week.
  • Rooms will be humidified.
• Twice Weekly
  • A complete room clean is performed twice weekly. A complete room clean means that once the room is vacuumed or swept, the floor must be mopped using Simple Green Floor cleaner. The walls must then be wiped using Simple Green cleaning towelettes.
  • Cage trays are to be removed and cleaned with soap and water, then sanitized. They may be then set out to dry and replaced with alternate cage trays that have been cleaned previously.
  • Enrichment devices are to be checked routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Cages will be changed at least once every two weeks unless birds are in the laying, incubating, or nestling stage of breeding. Cages will be washed on campus by LAR.
• Cages are to be wiped down weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating, more often if needed.
• Perches are to be periodically changed and sanitized.
• Paper liners of the cage trays must be changed daily if used, and the trays themselves cleaned and sanitized twice weekly
• Room must be mopped twice weekly and vacuumed or swept daily.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

Japanese Quail

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe the Japanese quail in their housing area for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• Quail may be susceptible to tracheal worms.  Monitor birds for signs of respiratory distress which often appears only on exertion. Signs of this type of illness include:
  • labored breathing or open gape breathing
  • audible stridor
  • weight loss and lethargy
• Quail are also prone to explosive flights into walls or sides of the aviary when frightened.  Since most birds are habituated to humans, this most often occurs when birds of prey fly over the aviary or land on the roof of the aviary.  This behavior can result in skeletal trauma which may include skull fractures, and/or concussions.  It may necessitate close monitoring and/or euthanasia if the injury is severe.  Signs of this type of injury include:
  • abnormal posturing
  • hemiparesis or hemiplegia
  • continuously turning in circles
• Quail are aggressive with each other during breeding season and can inflict wounds on each other that may result in death.  Monitor animals for signs of persecution:
  • missing feathers or wounds to the back of the neck
  • cryptic behaviors (self confinement to hiding spots)
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the Japanese quail appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space. If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Japanese quail are identified by colored leg bands.

Husbandry

• Daily
  • Feed Japanese quail Purina Game bird Startena at the beginning of each work day.
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Fill feeders daily and provide fresh water daily.
  • Change the newspaper liner daily.
  • Replace dirty food and water dishes with clean ones.
• Weekly
  • Clean cages, wash walls and mop floor weekly.
  • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

Sanitation

• Wipe down surfaces weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating, more often if needed.
• Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly.

Juncos

Animal Health

• Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all Juncos in their rooms for signs of illness, injury or death.
• Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
• Juncos are susceptible to feather mites.  Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
• Juncos are susceptible to tracheal mites.  Monitor birds for abnormal discharge around the external nares, eyes and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may experience respiratory distress when handled.  Audible stridor may be present.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
• Juncos are susceptible to abrupt changes in room temperature.
• Juncos are susceptible to bacterial infections of the foot.  Monitor birds for:
  • small reddened area, or sometimes small black spots, can be seen on the bottom of the foot
  • irregular posturing of the foot or abnormal gait
  • distortion of the contours of the foot and/or toes
• If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
• If the Juncos appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
• If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

Identification

• Each Junco is identified by leg band number and/or group cage card.

Husbandry

• Daily
  
  • Juncos are fed wild bird seed mix (commercial brand) at the beginning of each work day. All birds will be supplemented with grit, cuttlebone, fruits & vegetables (e.g. alfalfa sprouts, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, grated carrot, and/or apple).
  • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
  • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly with soap and water.
  • Juncos will have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water cups will be filled and cleaned daily with soap and water
  • Vacuum or sweep rooms daily. 
    
  •   Remove and replace all cage paper linings daily; if liners are not use, wash and sanitize trays twice weekly
  • Rooms are humidified.
• Twice Weekly
  
  • A complete room clean is performed twice weekly. A complete room clean means that once the room is vacuumed or swept, the floor must be mopped using Simple Green Floor cleaner. The walls must then be wiped using Simple Green cleaning towelettes.
  • Cage trays are to be removed and cleaned with soap and water, then sanitized. They may be then set out to dry and replaced with alternate cage trays that have been cleaned previously.
  • Enrichment devices are to be checked routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal
  • • Sanitation

      • Wipe down carts and cages weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; wipe more often if needed.

      • Sweep rooms daily.

      • Mop rooms twice weekly.

      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

      • Wash cages, bottom trays, and perches every 2 weeks

      • Replace paper daily.

       

      Magpies
      

    
    

     

    • Animal Health

      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all magpies in their aviaries for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • Magpies are susceptible to feather mites.  Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the magpies appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space. If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • Magpies are not individually identified.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Feed magpies dog chow at the beginning of each work day.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly.
        • Magpies are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be filled daily and cleaned twice weekly. A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls will be heated.
        • Each magpie is to have some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
      • Weekly
        • A complete run clean is performed once per week. Runs are raked weekly and dirty straw is replaced with clean straw.
        • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

      Sanitation

      • Wipe down surfaces weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating, more often if needed.
      • Rake the run free of dirty straw and replace with clean straw.
      • Use a brush to clean pools and feed /water bowls.
      • Remove trash from the run twice weekly and discard in dumpster.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly.

      
      Parakeets
      

      
      Animal Health

      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all parakeets in their cages for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • Parakeets are susceptible to feather mites.  Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
      • Parakeets are susceptible to tracheal mites.  Monitor birds for abnormal discharge around the external nares, eyes and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may experience respiratory distress when handled.  Audible stridor may be present.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
      • Parakeets may carry the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci.  This can cause Psittacosis in humans.  The bacteria may be aerosolized from bird droppings.  Usually birds that are colonized by C. psittaci are asymptomatic.  In humans, this bacterial disease is characterized by fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia.
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the parakeets appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space. If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • Each parakeet is identified by feather coloration.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Feed parakeets Kaytee species specific seed blend at the beginning of each work day. Each parakeet will receive 2 oz of send per day.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Parakeets are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be checked and cleaned daily.
        • Each parakeet is to have some form of enrichment device in its room at all times unless otherwise specified.
      • Weekly
        • Perform a complete room clean (floors, walls, ceilings, enrichment devices, cages, water and feed bowls).
        • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

      Sanitation

      • Wipe down ledges, fixtures, sink, supply carts, etc. weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating, more often if needed.
      • Move parakeets to temporary cage.  Spray walls, ceilings, floors with detergent/disinfectant (simply green) scrub with scrub brush and mop       Rinse walls, ceilings, and floors thoroughly.
      • Move parakeets to temporary cage. Wash perches with (Simple Green) rinse thoroughly.
      • Use a brush to clean dust from the air returns.
      • Remove trash from the room daily and deposit in the dumpster.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly.

      
      Passerines
      

       

      Animal Health

      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all passerines in their aviaries for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the passerines appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space. If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • Each passerine is identified by a leg band number and/or group cage card.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Feed small passerines wild bird seed at the beginning of each work day.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly.
        • Small passerines are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be filled daily and cleaned twice weekly.  A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls will be heated.
        • Each bird is to have some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
      • Weekly
        • Do a complete run clean once per week. Runs are raked weekly and dirty straw is replaced with clean straw.
        • Clean pools and scrub twice weekly and refill with clean water daily. (In winter N/A)
        • Check enrichment devices routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

      Sanitation

      • Wipe down carts weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating, more often if needed.
      • Rake the run and replace dirty straw with clean straw.
      • Use a brush to clean pools and feed /water bowls.
      • Remove trash from the run twice weekly and deposit in the compost pile.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

      Peafowl

      Animal Health

      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all peafowl in their housing area for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • Peafowl may be susceptible to tracheal worms- monitor birds for signs of respiratory distress, often this appears only on exertion. Signs of this type of illness include:
        • Labored breathing or open gape breathing
        • Audible stridor
        • Weight loss and lethargy
      • Peafowl may become aggressive with each other during breeding season, and can inflict wounds on each other that may result in death. Monitor animals for signs of persecution:
        • Missing feathers or wounds to the back of the neck
        • Cryptic behaviors (self confinement to hiding spots)
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the peafowl appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space.
      • If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • Each peafowl is identified only if it is an experimental subject.  This identification is by a colored leg band.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Feed peafowl Game bird chow at the beginning of each work day.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly.
        • Peafowl are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be filled daily and cleaned daily.  A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls will be heated.
        • Each bird is to have some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
        • Check for eggs in the aviary; if eggs are found, place them under the bird feeder in the main compound to attract crows.  Do not let the peafowl brood eggs.
      • Weekly
        • Do a complete run clean once per week. Runs are raked weekly and dirty straw is replaced with clean straw.

      Sanitation

      • Rake the run and replace dirty straw with clean straw.
      • Clean and sanitize feeder and water containers twice weekly.
      • Remove trash from the run twice weekly and deposit in the compost pile.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

      Pigeons (Rock Doves)

      Animal Health

      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all Pigeons in their aviaries for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • Pigeons are susceptible to feather mites. Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations. Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
      • Pigeons may carry the fungus, Cryptococcus neoformans. The fungus may be found in soil associated with bird droppings. Usually birds that are colonized by Cryptococcus are asymptomatic. It is very unlikely that healthy people will become infected even at high levels of exposure. In humans, infection can cause fatigue, fever, flu-like symptoms and meningitis.
      • Pigeons may carry the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci. This can cause Psittacosis in humans. The bacteria may be found in soil associated with bird droppings. Usually birds that are colonized by Chlamydia psittaci are asymptomatic. In humans, this bacterial disease is characterized by: fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia.
      • Pigeons may carry the fungus, Histoplasma capsulatum. Histoplasmosis is an infection that occurs from breathing in the spores of the fungus. The fungus may be found in soil associated with bird droppings. Usually birds that are colonized by Cryptococcus are asymptomatic. Human symptoms of histoplasmosis begin to appear about 10 days after initial infection and include fatigue, fever, and chest pains
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the pigeons appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space.
      • If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • Each pigeon is identified by its unique feather pigmentation.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Feed pigeons wild bird seed at the beginning of each work day.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly.
        • Pigeons are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be filled daily and cleaned twice weekly.  A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls will be heated.
        • Each bird is to have some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
        • Enrichment devices are to be checked routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc.  Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the bird.
      • Weekly
        • A complete aviary clean is performed twice a week. Runs will be raked Monday and Friday, in the winter, dirty straw will be placed in the compost pile and clean fresh straw will be placed in the run.

      Sanitation

      • Rake the run and replace dirty straw with clean straw.
      • Clean and sanitize all feed and water containers twice weekly.
      • Remove trash from the run twice weekly and deposit in the compost pile.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

      Waterfowl

      Animal Health

      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all waterfowl in their housing area for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • Waterfowl are particularly susceptible to bacterial infections- monitor their feet for signs of “Bumblefoot” (ulcerative pododermatitis):
        • Small reddened area, or sometimes a small shiny patch, can be seen on the bottom of the foot
        • Irregular posturing of the foot or abnormal gait
        • Distortion of the contours of the foot and/or the toes
      • Waterfowl chicks are also prone to developing “Angel wing” during their early growth period. This is an anatomical defect in which the last joint of the wing is twisted with the wing feathers pointing out laterally, instead of lying against the body. If detected early, it can be remedied with taping and binding of the wing.
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor or the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the waterfowl appear healthy, place your initials on the bottom in the technician space. If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • All waterfowl are identified by a colored leg band.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Feed waterfowl Game bird chow at the beginning of each work day.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls.
        • Waterfowl are to have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water bowls are to be filled daily and cleaned daily.  A clean rock is placed in the water bowl to prevent drowning. In the winter water bowls will be heated.
        • Clean and scrub pools daily and refill with clean water.  (in winter N/A).
        • Each bird is to have some form of enrichment device in its run at all times unless otherwise specified.
      • Weekly
        • Do a complete run clean once per week. Runs are raked weekly and dirty straw is replaced with clean straw.

      Sanitation

      • Rake the run and replace dirty straw with clean straw.
      • Clean and sanitize feeder and water containers twice weekly.
      • Remove trash from the run twice weekly and deposit in the compost pile.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.

      Zebra Finches

      Animal Health
      • Each morning the Animal Caretaker will observe all Zebra finches in their rooms for signs of illness, injury or death.
      • Clinical signs observed may include: anorexia, weight loss, nasal discharge, ocular discharge, head tilt, and changes in behavior or mannerisms.
      • Zebra finches are susceptible to feather mites.  Monitor birds for excessive feather loss and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
      • Zebra finches are susceptible to tracheal mites.  Monitor birds for abnormal discharge around the external nares, eyes and or visible mite infestations.  Birds may experience respiratory distress when handled.  Audible stridor may be present.  Birds may need to be treated topically with anti-mite spray.
      • Zebra finches are susceptible to abrupt changes in room temperature.
      • Zebra finches are susceptible to bacterial infections of the foot.  
        • small reddened area, or sometimes small black spots, can be seen on the bottom of the foot
        • irregular posturing of the foot or abnormal gait
        • distortion of the contours of the foot and/or toes
      • Zebra finches may carry the bacteria Chlamydia psittaci. This can cause Psittacosis in humans. The bacteria may be aerosolized from bird droppings. Usually birds that are colonized by Chlamydia psittaci are asymptomatic. In humans, this bacterial disease is characterized by: fatigue, fever, headache, rash, chills, and sometimes pneumonia
      • If a health problem is detected the caretaker will identify the animal and immediately notify the aviary supervisor, the LAR office or the Attending Veterinarian.
      • If the Zebra finches appear healthy, the caretaker will place his/her initials on the bottom of the daily check list in the technician space.
      • If an animal is found dead or injured, contact the Aviary Supervisor immediately.

      Identification

      • Each Zebra finch is identified by leg band number and/or group cage card.

      Husbandry

      • Daily
        • Zebra finches are captive finch seed mix (commercial brand) at the beginning of each work day. All birds will be supplemented with grit, cuttlebone, fruits & vegetables (e.g. alfalfa sprouts, spinach, lettuce, cucumber, grated carrot, and/or apple). Paired birds will also be given smashed boiled chicken egg. During the nestling stage only soft foods will be served.
        • Label feed barrels with feed type, milling date and expiration date.
        • Check feeders daily and wash feed bowls twice weekly with soap and water.
        • Zebra finches will have free access to clean potable water at all times. Water cups will be filled and cleaned daily with soap and water.  
        • Vacuum or sweep rooms daily
        • Remove and replace all cage paper linings daily; if liners are not use, wash and sanitize trays twice weekly
        • Rooms are humidified.
      • Twice Weekly
        • A complete room clean is performed twice weekly. A complete room clean means that once the room is vacuumed or swept, the floor must be mopped using Simple Green Floor cleaner. The walls must then be wiped using Simple Green cleaning towelettes.
        • Cage trays are to be removed and cleaned with soap and water, then sanitized. They may be then set out to dry and replaced with alternate cage trays that have been cleaned previously.
        • Enrichment devices are to be checked routinely for sharp edges, burrs, cracks in the plastic, etc. Discard any items that may be a potential safety hazard to the animal.

      Sanitation

      • Wipe down carts and cages weekly to remove any dust or debris from accumulating; wipe more often if needed.
      • Sweep rooms daily.
      • Mop rooms twice weekly.
      • Sanitize feed barrels and trash barrels monthly and document.
      • Wash cages, bottom trays, and perches every 2 weeks
      • Replace paper daily.