(Nestor notabilis) Husbandry Manual - Kea Conservation Trust

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directed to do so by the Captive Managment Coordinator, eggs should not be
removed without an artificial egg replacing them as an empty nest will encourage
the female to keep laying. Repeated egg laying may negatively impact on the
health of the female by decreasing available calcium stores. If the female is still
sitting on the artificial egg(s) after approximately 30 days the artificial egg(s)
should be removed.
Bachelor groups of kea may also be used as a method of controlling breeding,
however until further research is carried out, holding of multiple females together
will require standardised monitoring to be undertaken, due to increased risk of
stress and aggression.
The Captive Management Coordinator should be contacted to discuss how to
dispose of kea eggs that are not earmarked for incubation as they may be
required for research, advocacy or cultural purposes.
4.7.6 Breeding recommendations
Breeding may only be carried out by a facility once a breeding recommendation
has been secured from the Captive Management Coordinator.
Preferential breeding rights will be given to those holders who:
• Show a commitment to holding kea in optimum conditions (enrichment,
advocacy, health, enclosure design, training) AND,
• Hold or have the ability to hold founder and F1 individuals, particularly
those which are unrepresented in the population.
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Minimum Standard 4.7 – Reproduction
(refer Internal Audit Document in Appendix 1).
4.7.2 Maintaining or forming new breeding pairs
• Formation of new breeding pairs must be undertaken and monitored by
competent, confident personnel following appropriate protocol
• Records of protocol, observations and outcomes must be maintained during
the introduction process
4.7.3 Nesting/breeding requirements
• Each year all pairs (whether recommended to breed or not) must be provided
with appropriate nesting areas and dry, clean nesting materials to allow
expression of natural behaviours
• All pairs (whether recommended to breed or not) must be provided with
additional nourishment to ensure health during the breeding period
• Recommended breeding pairs must be provided with a nest area which is
undisturbed by the public (particularly important in public access enclosures)
to ensure aggression and stress does not result.
4.7.4 Requirements of young
Kea chicks must be parent raised (unless otherwise approved by the Captive
Management Coordinator)
Kea Conservation Trust Final 25/11/2010