Superb Parrot - Nswfmpa.org

Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, Richmondswallowing of sawdust a mat of weld mesh wire can be cut to fit neatly inside the broodercontainer on top of the sawdust. By using 12mm x 12mm, 18 gauge wire it will act as acover and pack the sawdust down. The smaller the aperture of the wire the better as itprevents the chicks from picking at the base material while still absorbing the dampnessfrom the faeces. It is suggested that several sections of wire are available for regularinterchanging and disinfecting. Crushed popcorn, untreated pine bark, vegetable basedkitty litter and even maize/wheat have also proved successful as substrates for broodercontainers.Once the chicks begin to feather up, a simple wire floor that is elevated to allow faeces todrop through on to a tray or newspaper works well, providing the aperture of the wire issmall enough to prevent feet and toes being caught. (Digney 1998)11.10 Pinioning RequirementsThere is no information relating to the practice of pinioning for P. swainsonii.11.11 Data RecordingOn arrival at the hand-rearing unit the sex and age of the bird (chick) should be noted(use growth charts to determine approximate age if the details are not known). Theinformation recorded during the hand-rearing process (1) provides backgroundinformation, such as food consumption, that will assist a veterinarian reach a diagnosis ifthe bird (chick) becomes sick or fails to grow or gain weight, (2) allows comparison withestablished growth curves to assess development or (3) facilitates the creation of standardgrowth curves if not already available.The following information should be recorded on a daily basis:• Date• Time when information is recorded• Body mass to the nearest 1g, if possible• General activity and demeanour• Characteristics and frequency of defecation and urination• Amount (g or ml) and types of food offered• Food consumption (g or ml) at each feed• Veterinary examination and results(Jackson 2002)11.12 Identification MethodsRefer section 5.3 Methods of IdentificationKeith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 71