(Nestor notabilis) Husbandry Manual - Kea Conservation Trust

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70 Trovan pit tags inserted under the skin are a non-visual method of identification which should be encouraged. These should only be used in addition to a visual identification method such as banding. 5.3 Sexing Methods The two most common ways to sex kea are by morphological measurements and molecular techniques such as feather sexing. An additional method which should be used in conjunction with morphological sexing is behavioural sexing. As the sex of captive kea often determines where they are placed within the captive population, this information is required as soon as possible in a bird’s life, preferably before birds are transferred for the first time. Wild caught birds that are brought into captivity and are incorporated into the captive management programme (e.g. injured birds that cannot be released after treatment) must be sexed within 4 months using molecular techniques. Wild caught birds that have been injured and are being treated for release in captivity may be sexed by morphological and/or behavioural methods only and details recorded and sent to DoC. Chicks that hatch in captivity as part of the management programme must be sexed by both morphological/behavioural and molecular techniques. 5.3.1 Morphological Sexing Method Morphological sexing is possible on all age groups with bill and skull length in most cases determining the gender (Elliott & Kemp, 2004) in combination with weights. Sexing can usually be achieved from 9 weeks by the size and shape of the beak (the upper mandible of the male is 12-14% longer than the female; Juniper and Parr, 1998 referenced in Woolcock, 2000). However, sexing by this method alone has been known to result in errors. Confirmation is either by laparoscopy (although this is invasive) or more commonly DNA feather sexing. Gender Weight Length Beak Skull length length Males 850 -1000g 46cm >45mm >65mm Females 750-950g
71 female roles (i.e. females have not been seen to regurgitate to males in available literature, whereas known male-male pairings can show mutual regurgitation. The “female” of a male- male pairing generally shows no or minimal solicitation behaviour whereas females do). Both males and females may be active in nest building. A full proof confirmation of sex is presence of a female sitting on eggs. Although the absence of eggs does not necessary confirm that a female is not present, it should be viewed as suspect. At other times of the year, and on the whole, adult females are less gregarious than males and may be more cryptic. Observations over a relatively short period of time (several hours over a couple of days) may be carried out by volunteers/students and should provide a good indication of a bird’s behaviour and interactions between other con-specifics. 5.3.3 DNA Feather Sexing The sex of kea may also be identified through the presence or absence of female specific DNA isolated from tissue extracted from the base of a sample of feathers. The method of collection is as follows: 1. Pluck approximately six feathers from each bird (the chest is a good site from which to take the sample). 2. To avoid potential contamination of the samples, avoid touching the shaft of the feather where it attaches to the bird’s body. Alternatively, gloves should be worn. 3. Place the feathers in a paper envelope. 4. Label the package with your name, institution name, date, and individual ID of the bird (band number or colour/transponder number). 5. Store at room temperature. 6. Send off the samples in an envelope with a covering letter or email to: Private Bag Palmerston North Attn: Ian Anderson Equine Blood Type & Research Unit (EBTU) Drysdale Drive Massey Phone: 06 356-9099 ext 7261, 7204 Email: I.L.Andersib@massey.ac.nz Once the results are received, please inform the Captive Management Coordinator (see section 2.3) so that studbook information can be updated. _________________________________________________________________ Minimum Standard 5 – Identification (refer Internal Audit Document in Appendix 1). • All kea held in captivity must be individually identified by a metal band as stated by DOC banding protocol within three months of hatch, or within three months of being transferred into captivity (for wild caught birds) • Band numbers are to be sent to DOC banding office (bandingoffice@doc.govt.nz) Kea Conservation Trust Final 25/11/2010
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1 Kea (Nestor notabilis) Husbandry
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3 Prepared by Tamsin Orr-Walker Kea
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5 4.2 Enrichment...................
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7 9.6 Appendix 6 - Example of diet
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9 (www.keaconservation.co.nz). Reso
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11 Fig 2: ZAA member organisation f
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13 3.3 Distribution, habitat and ho
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15 Historical burn-off of high coun
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17 Unintentional Human made toxins
Page 19 and 20: 19 minimum welfare guidelines for c
Page 21 and 22: 21 Limited access enclosures are us
Page 23 and 24: 23 over a 2 month period. Kea terri
Page 25 and 26: 25 Mesh must be of a strength which
Page 27 and 28: 27 Running water - a water feature
Page 29 and 30: 29 would also provide an opportunit
Page 31 and 32: 31 • Ambient Air Temperature: Kea
Page 33 and 34: 33 • A minimum of 1 undercover sh
Page 35 and 36: 35 displays) and encounters with li
Page 37 and 38: 37 Although no comprehensive daily
Page 39 and 40: 39 • Tactile big clump of straw,
Page 41 and 42: 41 4.3 Training and conditioning 4.
Page 43 and 44: 43 • Training can also be used as
Page 45 and 46: 45 There have been cases when new k
Page 47 and 48: 47 irritation associated with these
Page 49 and 50: 49 Signs and Symptoms Symptoms rang
Page 51 and 52: 51 Prevention and Treatment Daily c
Page 53 and 54: 53 Attention: Maurice Alley/Brett G
Page 55 and 56: 55 Transport boxes should be wiped
Page 57 and 58: 57 4.5.7 Handling/physical restrain
Page 59 and 60: 59 • Other Solanum species includ
Page 61 and 62: 61 4.6.5 Seasonal/breeding changes
Page 63 and 64: 63 functionally extinct in the wild
Page 65 and 66: 65 4.7.2 Forming new breeding pairs
Page 67 and 68: 67 directed to do so by the Captive
Page 69: 69 5.0 IDENTIFICATION 5.1 Introduct
Page 73 and 74: 73 6.0 RECORD KEEPING (Adapted from
Page 75 and 76: 75 7.0 Acknowledgments I would like
Page 77 and 78: 77 Elliott, G. & Kemp, J. 2004. Eff
Page 79 and 80: 79 Woolcock, D. 2000. Husbandry and
Page 81 and 82: 81 9.1 Appendix 1- Internal Audit D
Page 83 and 84: 83 /environment standards General D
Page 85 and 86: 85 4.1.8 Multi species exhibit (mul
Page 87 and 88: 87 4.2.2 Behavioural needs 4.2.3 Be
Page 89 and 90: 89 4.4 Social Structure General 4.4
Page 91 and 92: 91 4.5.4 Treatments and veterinary
Page 93 and 94: 93 4.6.4 Presentation of food 4.6.5
Page 95 and 96: 95 recommendation to breed and numb
Page 97 and 98: 97 Annual Report and Recommendation
Page 99 and 100: 99 9.2 Appendix 2 - Important Links
Page 101 and 102: 101 9.4 Appendix 4 - Massey Univers
Page 103 and 104: 103 9.6 Appendix 6 - Example of die
Page 105: 105 Adult kea have been observed ta
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(Nestor notabilis) Husbandry Manual - Kea Conservation Trust

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