158 PSITTACINES

Coxen’s fig by actively seeking Farex: baby cereal, manufactured by Farcx Australia Ltd, Progress Street, Dandenong, Victoria, Australia media attention to increase public 3175. awareness. Kaogulon vitamin K syrup: vitamin K supplement, manufactured by Parnell Laboratories Australia Pty ACKNOW LBIXIEMENTS Ltd, 6 Century Estate, 476 Gardners Road, Alex- Thanks go to all the Currumbin Sanctuary staff who andria, NSW, Australia 2015. have participated in this programme over the years, Nekton Q: avian dietary supplement, manufactured Des Spittall for his comments and editing, as well as by Nekton Products, 751 77 Pforzheim, Germany. Bruce Pascoe for his comments and assistance. l’KOI>lJCTS MENTIONED IN THE TEXT REFERENCES Aviclens: avian water cleanser, manufactured by FORSHAW,J. M. (1982): Austruliunpurrofs (2nd edn). Vetafarm, 3 Bye Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Aus- Sydney: Lansdowne Editions. tralia 2650. JUNIPER,T. & PARR,M. (1998): Purrors: o ,quid(, to Avione Dry Lory: commercial dry lorikeet food, the purrots of the world. Sussex: Pica Press. manufactured by Avione Pet Products, Unit Ma, LELI,U. (1991): Breeding the Salvadori’s fig parrot. Hallstrom Place, Wetherhill Park, NSW, Australia. AFA Watchbird 18(4): 3843. Avisafe: avian disinfectant cleanser, manufactured by REECE,R. L., BUTLER,R. & HOOPER,P. T. (1986): Vetafarm, 3 Bye Street, Wagga Wagga, NSW, Aus- Cerebellar defects in . Australian Veterinary tralia 2650. Journal 63: 197-198. Calcivet: liquid calcium and vitamin D, supplement ROMER,L. & GYNTHER,1. (1997): Coxen’s fig-parrot for birds, manufactured by Vetafarm 3 Bye Street, recovery programme. Eclecttrs 3: 4043. Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia 2650. Dextrose monohydrate: manufactured by Phar- rnachem, 263 Evans Road, Salisbury, Queensland, Australia 41 07. Manuscript submitted 5 June 1998

In/. Yb. (2000) 37: 158-165 0 The Zoological Society of London

Breeding Pesquet‘s parrot Psittrichas fulgidus at BirdPark J. BUAY & R. THIRUNAVUKKARASU Jurong BirdPark, 2 , 628925

Pesquet’s parrot Psittrichas ,futgidus, which is indig- P. ftrlgidus at Jurong BirdPark are described to assist enous to New Guinea, is a threatened species that other aviculturists who are attempting to brecd this needs particular attention from aviculturists. The species. captive population in and private collections is not well established and breeding of P. fulgidus in Key-words; aggression, captive-breeding, compat- captivity is not common. Detailed observations of ibility, diet, nest log, Pesquet’s parrot the breeding and rearing of P. fulgidus carried out at Los Angeles Zoo and Loro Parque, Puerto de la The export of wild-caught Pesquet’s Cruz, have been invaluable for the development of a breeding programme at Jurong BirdPark and the parrot Psittrichas fulgidus from New key issues related to pair compatibility, nesting Guinea is now illegal, helping to safe- requirements, health and the rearing of chicks are guard the wild population against the presented. The breeding success and failures for demands of the international bird trade. JURONG BIRDPARK: PESQUET'S PARROT BREEDING 159

However, pressures from hunting for food surveillance cameras will be installed to and the highly prized feathers in the facilitate better observation and documen- thriving local black market, deforestation tation of the behaviour and breeding and the encroachment of development habits of P. fulgidus. have led to uncertainty over the status of the wild population (Beehler et aZ., 1986; BREEDING REQUIREMENTS Low, 1990; Juniper & Parr, 1998; see also The success or failure of a breeding pro- Collar, this volume). Psittrichasfulgidus is gramme is determined by many factors, classified as Vulnerable by IUCN (1996) including pair-compatibility, timing, and every effort should be made to facili- design, the type of nesting log, tate the breeding of existing captive birds. environmental influences, diet, health and husbandry. CAPTIVE-BREEDING PROGRAMME In 1989 the breeding programme for Pair compatibility Two prerequisites for P. Julgidus was established at Jurong successful breeding are pair compatibility BirdPark. Four proven breeding pairs and strong bonding, which can only be were maintained in the off-exhibit determined by the birds. These parrots are Breeding and Research Centre and within unpredictable so when new birds are 6 years of arriving at the BirdPark, two of introduced to each other, they should be the pairs had produced five healthy off- watched closely and prompt intervention spring. The other two pairs also repro- is necessary if pair incompatibility is duced but one chick died during observed. Physical aggression calls for hand-rearing and the other, a parent- immediate separation of the birds. Loud reared chick, had wing and toe defonni- and threatening vocalizations towards the ties and was euthanazed after 1 year. The partner may precede such aggression and 8 of the pair which was first to breed died alert the observer to probable physical recently and the is now paired with a 8 aggression. Slight changes in the behav- which was also acquired in 1989. iour of both 8 and 9 birds should be care- Although this pair appears to be compat- fully noted as mis-matching may result in ible it has not bred yet. fatalities. In November 1995, the oldest 8 of the The first fatality of P. fidgidus at Jurong chicks hatched at the BirdPark was sent BirdPark was when a 8 bit off a 9's to Lor0 Parque, Puerto de la Cruz, and tongue and she eventually succumbed to the remaining four offspring have been severe oral candidiasis. This pair had been paired (&p, 43 and 3.5 years old, and 3-0 together for c. 5 months, had been and 1.5 years old) for future breeding. The observed for over 1 month and appeared pairing was relatively easy because to be compatible. The 8 was later paired inquisitiveness and playfulness dominate with another 0 but he died 5 months later social interactions at c. 2-6 months of age. of unknown causes, although the Although no aggressive behaviour has generally aggressive behaviour of the 9 been observed to date, it is too early to was probably a significant contributary tell if the pairs are really compatible and factor: the had a toe missing and had bonded and, if they do eventually breed, developed nervous symptoms and stiff whether they will make good parents. limbs. This was an unusual case, however, Information obtained from the four because, in our experience, it is usually the breeding pairs has been limited because of 8 who exhibits the aggressive behaviour, difficulties in observing the birds: the avi- either towards the or the keeping staff. aries are enclosed to give the birds privacy This kind of unpredictability and and therefore staff cannot carry out aggressiveness has led to recommenda- detailed observations. In the near future tions that P.fulgidus are housed in large 160 PSITTACINES and not in suspended cages, Part of the roof is exposed to the ele- where size is a limiting factor: it is impor- ments. The door, c. 2 m high, is made of tant that victimized birds have enough steel and divided into two sections which flight space to escape from aggressors open independently, similar to a stable (Low, 1991). The recommended size for door. If both doors are opened at the an aviary is at least 7.2 m x 2.4 m x 2.4 m same time, the birds may attempt to high (Low, 1991). escape therefore the lower door section is used for access to the aviary without com- Timing Compatibility and a large aviary promising the physical security of the do not necessarily guarantee the safety of birds. To facilitate the placement of food the pair throughout the year. On the one without having to enter the aviary, a small hand, the 6’s eagerness to breed some- door is cut in the lower door, providing times manifests itself as aggression, either easy access to a nearby feeding platform towards the staff or the 9. On the other which is anchored to the wall. hand, the 9 may not be ready to copulate. Just before breeding 88 are consistently Nest requirements Pesquet’s parrots will agitated and threatening vocalizations, most readily breed in palm logs (Thurs- strong wing-flapping actions and jerky, land & Paul, 1987; Low, 1990). At Jurong extremely rapid movements were made BirdPark either the royal palm Roystoneu whenever staff entered the aviary (pers. regiu or the cabbage palm Roystonea oler- obs). During breeding, however, when uceu is used, depending upon availability. there were eggs or chicks in the nest, the Logs from the royal palm are preferred by 6J were quieter although they maintained P. fulgidus and appear to be more durable their intimidating stance, diligently than those from the cabbage palm. The guarded the nest log and remained cau- logs used are at least 1.5 m high and tious and alert. 45 cm in diameter. The base of the log is At Jurong BirdPark the nesting log is reinforced with a piece of 1.25 cm-thick installed in the aviary as soon as physi- marine plywood, wrapped in an cally aggressive behaviour, as opposed to aluminium sheet and elevated on a slab of aggressive vocalizations, is observed. cement to prevent it from becoming wet However, the log is not kept in the aviary when the aviary is cleaned (Fig. 1). The throughout the year because the incuba- log is situated away from rain and direct tion and rearing process is strenuous, sunlight. It is important to use a firm, particularly for the 9, which devotes a durable palm log that does not break up considerable amount of time to these after the 8 has excavated the log to a activities. When breeding is not con- thickness of c. 2.5 cm all round. sidered desirable but the 6 continues to A new and inexperienced breeding pair exhibit strong mating urges and aggressive should be provided with a solid new log behaviour, he is moved to a separate so that the excavating potential of the 6 enclosure until the aggressive behaviour can be realized. It is possible that a new has subsided. breeding 8 excavates the nesting log to impress the 9.If a new log is not available, Aviary design At Jurong BirdPark the a log which has already been used for aviaries used for breeding P. fulgidus, nesting can be recycled but it should be c. 4.5 m x 1.8 m x 2.2 m high, are disinfected before it is placed in the adjoining and, although not specifically aviary. The inner walls of the log can be designed for Pesquet’s parrots, have been sprayed with a dilute solution of chlorine accepted by the birds. The floor and lower bleach and left in the sun for a few weeks. portion of the walls are concrete and the Stuffing the log cavity with wood shavings upper part of the aviary is welded mesh. or coconut-husk fibres provides the neces- JURONG BIRDPARK: PESQUET‘S PARROT BREEDING 161

before excavation starts and subsequent egg-laying takes place. At Jurong BirdPark birds usually breed within 6 months of being provided with a log but fertility is not always 100Yn. Once the 8 has appraised and accepted the log, he can complete the entire c. 1.5 m excavation in just under 1 month. The longest period taken for a 8 to exca- vate a solid log at Jurong BirdPark was 3 months but a pair at Lor0 Parque took 20 cm 1.5 m - c. 7 months to complete the excavation (Low, 1990). Recycled logs take id 1-2 weeks to excavate fully. The 9 adds final touches, such as scraping the cavity walls to prepare the nest before she lays her eggs. A clutch usually contains two eggs, 40 Icr although three eggs have been observed, with an interval of 5 days between the first and second egg, and 8 days between the I mPb second and third egg. However, in the +-- three-egg clutch, only the second egg was 45cm - fertile. Incubation is carried out primarily Fig. 1. Nest log (1.5 m tall and 0.45 m diameter) for by the 0 but once the chicks hatch the 8 Pesquet’s parrots Psittrichas fulgidus at Jurong BirdPark as. aluminium sheet which wraps the bot- spends more time in the nest. It is not tom 40 cm of the nest log; id. inspection door clear, however, whether the ,-J just clings 20 cm x 20 cm positioned 0.4 m up from the base of to the inner sides of the log or if he actu- the log; mpb. marine plywood base. ally contributes to incubation and brooding. Nevertheless, during the entire period of incubation and rearing, the 8 is sary semblance of a solid log and satisfies protective and alert and usually stands the ,-J’s excavating instinct. If the log has guard near the nest log or at the entrance. been excavated right down to the bottom The height of the log is of paramount it may be necessary to reinforce the base importance because security is derived of the log with plywood before re-wrap- from the depth at which the nest is ping it with an aluminium sheet to provide located. At Jurong BirdPark breeding was support for the nesting substrate. An never successful if the 0 laid her eggs advantage of using a hollowed-out log is before the log was fully excavated. If the that an inspection door can be made near eggs were fertile and hatched, the chicks the base for checking the eggs and chicks would be killed by the parents soon after with minimal disturbance to the birds. If hatching. The adults may have been inse- a new solid log is used, nest inspection cure because the base of the cavity, and needs to be carried out from the top, hence the nest, was simply too near the which is intrusive and places unnecessary entrance at the top of the log. Subsequent stress on the breeding pair. breeding efforts of the same pair were suc- Nest-excavation does not always begin cessful when the log was excavated out all as soon as the log is placed in the aviary, the way to the bottom. depending upon the urge of individual At Los Angeles Zoo (Thursland & birds to breed. It may be days or months Paul, 1987) and Lor0 Parque (Low, 1990) 162 PSITTACINES the entrance to the log is at the side and and washing and feeding are carried out the top is in its original, covered state. The through the small door cut in the lower position of the entrance may limit the main door. The nest logs are inspected inflow of light and noise, giving the only when the 0 is observed spending a breeding pair a sense of security. At lot of time in the log which usually indi- Jurong BirdPark all four breeding pairs cates that she has laid eggs and begun excavate and enter the log from the top. incubation. Once egg-laying has been con- The fact that successful breeding was firmed, the hatching date is estimated achieved only when the logs were exca- based on an incubation period of vated all the way to the bottom, suggests c. 28 days. If there is a side inspection that the open-top design may contribute door on the log, eggs may be checked for to insecurity in breeding pairs. If the base fertility after 2 weeks incubation. If this is of the nesting cavity is too close to the not possible hatching is confirmed when entrance at the top, the pair would need food consumption increases around the to guard the 45 cm-diameter space directly estimated hatching date. above their heads constantly. In contrast, an entrance hole at the side would be Diet The diet offered to each pair of Pes- c. 15-20 cm diameter. Open-top logs are quet’s parrot is half or a third of a papaya still being used at the BirdPark, however, (390-590 g) which is spiked onto nails on because the ventilation is better. This fea- a perch, and a quarter of an apple (c. 26 g) ture is particularly important in a warm and four small, peeled bananas (c. 120 g) and humid climate where fungi flourish in in a bowl with a heaped tablespoon of poorly ventilated areas. lory powder. The birds are fed twice daily. Although papaya is the staple diet, Environmental influences The environ- P. fulgidus also relish bananas and the dry ment within and around an avairy plays lory powder. Apples are the least favoured an important role in breeding success; for food. When brooding, the adults consume example, Pesquet’s parrots generally need the banana first, probably because banana privacy during breeding. Any amount and has more bulk and can sustain the chicks type of noise or interference can stress the for longer periods of time than papaya, birds and affect the outcome of breeding. which tends to pass quickly through the Neighbouring birds which are too noisy digestive system. Faeces excreted when the or inquisitive may also agitate the parrots eat mostly banana tend to be breeding pair and noisy neighbours firmer and smell less than when papaya is should be moved or the side of the aviary consumed and, in a confined log, this should be boarded up with plywood to would probably be advantageous. Feeding give P. fidgidus the necessary privacy. The hard and raw items of food, such as yam four breeding pairs of Pesquet’s parrot at and carrot, to brooding parents is not rec- Jurong BirdPark are out of sight of each ommended because they are difficult for other and although their loud, raucous the chicks to digest and can contribute to calls can still be heard, this has not death associated with poor assimilation of appeared to affect breeding success. the parent-fed foods (Thursland & Paul, Parrot species which are not too noisy, 1987). such as Palm Probosciger ater- rimus, are housed in adjoining aviaries. Health and husbandry Perhaps the most The daily routine husbandry of hosing important factors determining the long- down the aviaries and feeding through the term success of any breeding programme large main door may also disturb breeding are good health management and hus- Pesquet’s parrots so once the nest logs are bandry. It is well known that fungi and in place, staff avoid entering the aviaries mould flourish in the humid tropics and JURONG AIRDPARK: PESQUETS PARROT BREEDING 163 one of the most likely places would be the result of overzealous attempts on the part internal walls of an excavated log. Pes- of the adults to prod a weak and dying quet’s parrot has a predisposition to the chick into responding (Voren, 1995). If fungal infection candidiasis (Low, 1991) the adults did kill the chicks, and the 8 is and at Jurong BirdPark prophylactic usually the suspect, this may have treatment is given to breeding birds as occurred as a result of insecurity, stem- soon as chicks hatch: a 14day course of ming from half-excavated logs (three Nystatin powder, at a daily dose (split cases), or the incapacity of the adults to between the two feeds) of one-and-a-half rear two chicks at one time (three cases). ground tablets (500 000 units per 1 g Infanticide could therefore be a result of tablet), sprinkled onto papaya. Although misplaced or misdirected aggression. In all this treatment has not actually prevented cases, the adults may have perceived some the onset of fungal infection in the chicks, form of territorial intrusion and, uncer- no significant or fatal fungal infections tain about the ability to provide protec- have occurred. The concrete floor of the tion, killed the chicks (Voren, 1995). One aviary is hosed down daily to reduce possible way to combat this problem potential problems associated with would be to accustom the birds to more bacterial and fungal growth: concrete frequent observation and some degree of helps to minimize worm infestations. disturbance or noise which they could not Faecal screening for parasites and yeast is avoid. If the behaviour recurred when carried out frequently. chicks next hatched then other probable causes would need to be identified. PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH PARENT- REARING PROBLEMS ASSOCIATED WITH HAND- At Jurong BirdPark two pairs of birds REARING have reared three chicks but only the first The original hand-rearing formula used at pair was successful in rearing one chick to Jurong BirdPark, which comprised one weaning. The second chick from this pair part papaya puree to two parts powdered was diagnosed with renal failure at dog pellets (Cher, 1994), caused few crop 2 months of age and the possibility of or systemic problems and three out of bacterial infection could not be ruled out. four chicks were successfully reared on The chick from the second pair was this diet. In 1995 the use of dog food in parent-reared until weaning but had the hand-rearing diet of all our parrots serious wing and leg deformities, not dis- was discontinued and a fourth chick was covered earlier because of the difficulty in successfully hand-reared on a diet con- inspecting the nest from above, and it was taining one part papaya puree to two euthanazed. parts regular parrot formula. Two chicks, At the BirdPark some chicks from each which were being hand-reared, died of the four breeding pairs were mutilated recently after further modification of the in the nest. Mutilation-associated deaths hand-rearing diet to parrot formula occurred in a total of six chicks between without the papaya. Both chicks suffered one and 2 days of age, although whether from crop stasis and died. Anti-fungal the mutilations occurred post-mortem or treatment had not worked and necropsy were the actual cause of death could not showed that both chicks had a congested, be determined because the chicks were too enlarged liver with multifocal hepatocel- small for necropsy to produce conclusive lular necrosis (severe damage to the liver results. Chicks may have been weak at and intestines). A Gram-stained smear hatching and died soon afterwards. The taken from the crop of one chick also bruises on the body and, occasionally, the showed the presence of numerous budding amputation of limbs, could have been the yeast forms. Although diet may not have 164 PSITTACINES

been the direct cause of death, it is impli- tivity. This is not always the case as most cated because the chicks came into the wild-caught birds are easily stressed and nursery with no apparent problems. The some die only a few days after moving to 21% protein content in the parrot formula a new location (Low, 1991). The experi- could have been excessive for this species, ence gained in breeding P.fulgidus at stressing the digestive system, predis- Jurong BirdPark has allowed us to posing them to fungal and bacterial infec- develop general guidelines for breeding tion which led to crop stasis and, the species in captivity. However, avicul- eventually, liver necrosis and necrotizing turists must remember that there are few enteritis. Excessive protein may also have fixed rules in captive-breeding which can caused the death of one hand-reared chick be faithfully adhered to. At the BirdPark, at Lor0 Parque, although a viral condi- we have observed that each breeding pair tion was not ruled out (Low, 1990). It is exhibits different behaviours and tempera- strongly recommended that juicy fruit is ment, and even birds we are familiar with added to all hand-rearing formulas for the exhibit seemingly inexplicable behaviours. Pesquet’s parrot. (See also, Witman & Therefore, although it is important to be Lewins, this volume.) consistent in the practice of avicultural Weaned Pesquet’s parrots are extremely protocol, it is also necessary to be aware messy eaters and a sticky residue always of subtle changes in the birds in order to remained around the face and the sides of perpetuate a well-managed breeding the beak after eating. Damp cotton swabs population of P.fulgidus in captivity were used regularly to clean the birds’ which may, one day, be essential for pres- faces. When transferred to holding avi- ervation of this species in the wild. aries, which are partially exposed to the elements, the chicks were able to go out PRODUCTS MENTIONED IN THE TEXT in the rain and clean themselves: spraying Kaytee regular hand-rearing formula: hand-rearing the chicks with water was an ineffective formula for parrots, manufactured by Kaytee Prod- ucts Inc., WI 53014, USA. alternative. This finding highlights the Nystatin powder: Mycostatin, Nystatin B.P. 500 000 importance of access to aviaries that are units, manufactured by Bristol-Myers Squibb partially exposed to the elements because Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd, Victoria 3174, Australia. a sticky paste around the beak could lead Science diet canine maintenance: dog pellets, manu- factured by Hills Pet Products, Division of Colgate- to fungal infection around and inside the Palmolive Company, KS 66601, USA. oral cavity. Shep’s Lori-Dry Powder: lory powder, manufactured An important advantage of hand- by Shephard Enterprise Pty Ltd, Grafton, NSW rearing Pesquet’s parrots may be that the 2460, Australia. birds are calmer and less stressed by human presence than parent-reared birds. REFERENCES However, aviculturists currently BEEHLER,B. M., PRATT,T. K. & ZIMMERMAND. A. (1986): Birds of New Guinea. Princeton, NJ: encourage parent-rearing in order to pre- Princeton University Press. vent imprinting and to increase the likeli- CHER,A. (1994): Breeding and hand-rearing Pes- hood of successful second-generation quet’s parrot at Jurong BirdPark, Singapore. Inter- breeding. We support this view because national Zoo News 41(7): 29-35. CUNNINGHAM,M. (1990): The Pesquet’s parrot. AFA the inquisitive and playful nature of hand- Watchbird 17(2): 56-57. reared birds could compromise successful IUCN (1996): 1996 IUCN red list of threatened breeding. animals. Gland: IUCN. JUNIPER,T. & PARR,M. (1998): Parrots: a guide to CONCLUSION the parrots of the world. Sussex: Pica Press. Low, R. (1990): Rearing Pesquet’s parrots at Lor0 The first breeding pairs of P. fulgidus Parque. AFA Watchbird 17(2): 58-62. acquired by Jurong BirdPark, presumed Low, R. (1991): Breeding Pesquet’s parrot. American to be wild-caught, adjusted well to cap- Cage-bird Magazine 63(3): 50-60. SAN DIEGO: PESQUET’S PARROT BREEDING AND HAND-REARING 165

THURSLAND,D. & PAUL, L. (1987): Parent-reared VOREN,H. (1995): Infanticide. Bird Breeder 67(1): Pesquet’s parrots Psittrichas fulgidus at the Los 10-1 1. Angeles Zoo. International Zoo Yearbook 26 208-2 12. Manuscript submitted 5 January 1998

Int. Zuo Yb. (2000) 37: 165-171 0The Zoological Society of London

Breeding and hand-rearing Pesquet’s parrot Psittrichas ,fulgidus at the Zoological Society of San Diego P. WITMAN & E. LEWINS Zoological Society of San Diego, PO Box 5.51, Sun Diego, California 92112, USA

Pesquet’s parrots Psittrichasfulgidus are rare in avi- with one of the hand-reared 99 hatched in cultural collections and successful breeding is 1984 at San Diego Zoo. In 1988 this pair uncommon and usually off-exhibit. At San Diego Zoo, however, two pairs of P. fulgidus which were was introduced at the Avian Propagation on-exhibit have bred successfully. In the 1980s a pair Center (APC), an off-exhibit breeding of wild-caught adults nested in a natural palm log in area, and in 1994 they were moved to an their enclosure and eight chicks hatched from 17 on-exhibit aviary. Although in 1992 eggs eggs which were artificially incubated. In 1997 two hand-reared adults nested in an artificial nestbox were laid for the first time, successful laying seven eggs all of which were removed for arti- breeding was not achieved until 1997 ficial incubation and two of which hatched. The when two chicks hatched and were hand- chicks from both pairs were hand-reared owing to reared. the lack of parent-rearing success in the past. A review of breeding history since 1988 at San Diego Zoo is given and the methods used for artificial incu- HUSBANDRY AND REPRODUCTION bation and hand-rearing are described. From 1988 to 1994 the hand-reared adult Key-words: artificial incubation, growth rate, hand- pair was maintained at the APC in enclo- rearing, nestbox, Pesquet’s parrot sures measuring 4.27 m x 2.44 m x 2.13 m high. A 1.2m section at one end of the Pesquet’s parrot Psittrichas fulgidus, aviary was enclosed to provide shelter. A which is indigenous to New Guinea, has natural palm log P. canariensis was pro- always been rare in avicultural collections vided but not used by the birds. By 1992 and successful breeding in captivity is this log had deteriorated and was replaced uncommon. At San Diego Zoo between with a nestbox measuring 91 cmx 1984 and 1985 eight chicks hatched from 76 cm x 91 cm deep. The pair was often 17 eggs which were artificially incubated. maintained in separate enclosures because These eggs were laid by a pair of wild- the was aggressive towards the 0. In caught birds which were on exhibit and September 1992 two eggs were laid and, nesting in a natural palm log Phoenix can- subsequently, three more two-egg ciutches ariensis. These chicks were hand-reared were laid, however, all the eggs were either (Low, 1987). infertile or broken (Table 1). An interval In 1986 a hand-reared 8 was obtained of 24days between egg-laying was from Bronx Zoo, New York, for pairing observed.