Husbandry Manual for Grey- Headed Flying Fox - Nswfmpa.org

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Female, teeth white but ground down indicating age Elderly male – lower canines absent, teeth discoloured, molars shrunken regressing gums, canines short, thick and almost black at tips. Elderly female. Teeth discoloured, broken (lower canine) and almost ground into the jawline. Elderly female – teeth all gone. Incongruously, this female is still able to chew to pulp hard fruits such as apple. It is possible to estimate the age of GHFF not only by visual assessment of the teeth, but by analysis and counting of thin sections of the annual growth rings in the canine teeth. Such research is the focus of PhD analysis by students of Dr Kerryn Perry Jones. However, as the procedure involves removal of the canines for analysis, it is of limited use on live individuals. Husbandry Manual – GHFF Mandi Griffith - 13 -
4 HOUSING REQUIREMENTS 4.1 Exhibit/Enclosure Design There is a tendency for bats to be associated with nocturnal houses. As GHFF do not rely on sonar but hunt using eyesight and smell, eyesight is excellent and wild GHFF camp activity is reasonably active throughout the day. They are therefore much better situated outside (Refer 3.1.4 Anatomy and Physiology). For some time, Taronga Zoo housed a number of GHFF in the nocturnal house, but the location was unsatisfactory. GHFF love sunning themselves and cleaning themselves in light rain showers, a nocturnal house therefore prevents natural behaviours. However, if held indoors, light cycles of 12:12 light/dark have been used – with better results reported if the light cycles more closely mimic those of natural cycles. (Jackson-S, p304) As GHFF is highly inquisitive by nature, they will ‘test drive’ every corner of the aviary. It is therefore very important to ensure there are no abrasive, sharp or penetrating surfaces where wing membranes can be caught or thumb hooks caught. A variety of textures allows the animal to exercise feet and wear down claws. GHFF lick and taste surfaces so galvanised mesh should be avoided if possible to avoid zinc toxicity. Polyethylene mesh, Teflon sprayed or nongalvanised wires are recommended (Jackson, 2002). A clear perspex sheet placed over the aviary roof is ideal for protection against inclement weather. This allows animals to bask in full light and helps to avoid fungal wing diseases (Refer 8.3 - Known Health Problems). It also allows the animals protection from wind and rain. As FFs may potentially carry and transmit the lyssavirus (a virus related to rabies), the enclosure should be covered in a double layer of wire, with a gap between of approximately 3cms. The double layered wire protects the bats from prying fingers, and observers from scratches and/or bites. (Refer 8.3 – Lyssavirus). EAPA suggest a mesh size of no more than 20mm (Jackson-S, p307) As GHFF generally camp near water, if possible access to water should be provided in the form of a water feature. Care must be taken to ensure the water is located within an area over which the FFs are unlikely to roost to prevent contamination of the water by droppings and foodscraps. Husbandry Manual – GHFF Mandi Griffith - 14 -
Page 1 and 2: Husbandry Manual for Grey- Headed F
Page 3 and 4: 1.2 Conservational Aspects for Cons
Page 5 and 6: 2 TAXONOMY 2.1 Nomenclature Bats ar
Page 7 and 8: Poor nutrition, illness or injury a
Page 9 and 10: The femur is rotated so the knee fa
Page 11 and 12: “Serious concern for the conserva
Page 13: Studies of GHFF have revealed a uni
Page 17 and 18: KBCS - Baby Crèche Cage Wildlife C
Page 19 and 20: Long Term Care FF’s experience mu
Page 21 and 22: 4.7 Substrate A smooth concrete flo
Page 23 and 24: Placement of fruit leaves, such as
Page 25 and 26: 5 GENERAL HUSBANDRY 5.1 Hygiene and
Page 27 and 28: 5.3 Methods of Identification Visua
Page 29 and 30: 6 FEEDING REQUIREMENTS As noted in
Page 31 and 32: Diet throughout the year may vary d
Page 33 and 34: An unpeeled banana suspended at the
Page 35 and 36: 7 HANDLING AND TRANSPORT 7.1 Timing
Page 37 and 38: This picture shows a rescue from a
Page 39 and 40: It is also important to ensure the
Page 41 and 42: 8 HEALTH REQUIREMENTS Before even o
Page 43 and 44: “Xylazine and ketamine (2mg/kg an
Page 45 and 46: • Inspect the ears - are they cle
Page 47 and 48: 8.4.3 Viruses Cause Australian Bat
Page 49 and 50: Major bones need to be pinned whils
Page 51 and 52: Injury/Disease Cause Trauma Signs O
Page 53 and 54: FFs have a very high metabolic rate
Page 55 and 56: 9 BEHAVIOUR 9.1 Activity Although s
Page 57 and 58: Courtship is normally instigated by
Page 59 and 60: 9.6 Signs of Stress Lack of appetit
Page 61 and 62: 9.8 Introductions and Removals The
Page 63 and 64: Obvious signs, such as a distended
Page 65 and 66:
10.6 Timing of Breeding A change in
Page 67 and 68:
11 ARTIFICIAL REARING OF MAMMALS Mi
Page 69 and 70:
“Mumma” This technique not only
Page 71 and 72:
After approximately four weeks of a
Page 73 and 74:
You will also need, • bottle clea
Page 75 and 76:
Exercise After each feed encourage
Page 77 and 78:
11.7 Identification Methods If seve
Page 79 and 80:
Handraised pups that are raised in
Page 81 and 82:
TABLE OF CONTENTS Page 1 INTRODUCTI
Page 83:
Description Annexures Source Refers
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