Bustard (Otididae) Care Manual, 2nd Edition BUSTARD Insert Photo within this space (Otididae) CARE MANUAL 2nd Edition CREATED BY THE AZA Kori Bustard & Buff-crested Bustard Species Survival Plan® IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Gruiformes Taxon Advisory Group Association of Zoos and Aquariums 1 Bustard (Otididae) Care Manual, 2nd Edition Bustard Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in collaboration with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Gruiformes TAG. 2020. Bustard (Otididae) Care Manual (2nd ed.). Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Silver Spring, MD. Original Completion Date: 2009 Revised (2nd Edition): 2020 Authors and Significant Contributors: Sara Hallager, Curator of Birds, Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Institute, USA Marcie Herry, Assistant Supervisor, Dallas Zoo, USA Suzan Murray, DVM, DACZM, Head Wildlife Vet, Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Institute, USA Mike Maslanka, Senior Nutritionist and Head, Department of Nutrition Science, Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Institute, USA Adam Reppert, MS, RD, CDE, Staff Nutritionist, Fort Worth Zoo , USA Christopher J. Bonar, V.M.D., Dipl. A.C.Z.M., Director of Animal Health, Dallas Zoo, USA AZA Staff Editors: Rebecca Greenberg, Animal Programs Director Candice Dorsey, PhD, Senior Vice President of Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences Hana Johnstone, Conservation, Management, & Welfare Sciences Intern Reviewers: Mike Taylor, Gruiformes TAG Chair Katie Vyas, Vice Chair Kori Bustard Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program Taylor Rubin, Buff-crested Bustard Species Survival Plan® (SSP) Program Tom Bailey, BSc, BVSc, MSc, PhD, CertZooMed, Dip ECZM(avian), MRCVS, RCVS Specialist in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine Cover Photo Credit: Left, kori bustard adult male: Photo by Jessie Cohen Right, buff-crested bustard adult male: Photo by Cathy Burkey Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management. The manual assembles basic requirements, best practices, and animal care recommendations to maximize capacity for excellence in animal care and welfare. The manual should be considered a work in progress, since practices continue to evolve through advances in scientific knowledge. The use of information within this manual should be in accordance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations concerning the care of animals. While some government laws and regulations may be referenced in this manual, these are not all-inclusive nor is this manual intended to serve as an evaluation tool for those agencies. The recommendations included are not meant to be exclusive management approaches, diets, medical treatments, or procedures, and may require adaptation to meet the specific needs of individual animals and particular circumstances in each institution. Commercial entities and media identified are not necessarily endorsed by AZA. The statements presented throughout the body of the manual do not represent AZA standards of care unless specifically identified as such in clearly marked sidebar boxes. Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Bustard (Otididae) Care Manual, 2nd Edition Table of Contents Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 5 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 5 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 1.1 Temperature and Humidity .......................................................................................................... 12 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................. 13 1.3 Water and Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 13 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 14 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .......................................................................... 15 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 15 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 18 Chapter 3. Records ................................................................................................................... 22 3.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 22 3.2 Types of Records .......................................................................................................................... 22 3.3 Permit Considerations .................................................................................................................. 23 3.4 Identification ................................................................................................................................... 23 Chapter 4. Transport ................................................................................................................. 25 4.1 Preparations ............................................................................................................................ 25 4.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 26 Chapter 5. Social Environment ................................................................................................ 28 5.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 28 5.2 Influence of Conspecifics and Other Species ........................................................................... 29 5.3 Introductions ................................................................................................................................... 30 Chapter 6. Nutrition .................................................................................................................. 33 6.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 33 6.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 35 6.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 43 Chapter 7. Veterinary Care ....................................................................................................... 45 7.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 45 7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 47 7.3 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 47 7.4 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 49 7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 52 7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation .............................................. 56 Chapter 8. Reproduction .......................................................................................................... 62 8.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 62 8.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 65 8.3 Egg-laying/Incubation/Hatching .................................................................................................. 66 8.4 Hatching Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 68 8.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 71 8.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 75 Chapter 9. Behavior Management ........................................................................................... 77 9.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 77 9.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 77 9.3 Staff and Animal Interactions .....................................................................................................