SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does not include Alcidae CREATED BY AZA CHARADRIIFORMES TAXON ADVISORY GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZA ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Charadriiformes Taxon Advisory Group. (2014). Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: October 2013 Authors and Significant Contributors: Aimee Greenebaum: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Vice Chair, Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Alex Waier: Milwaukee County Zoo, USA Carol Hendrickson: Birmingham Zoo, USA Cindy Pinger: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Chair, Birmingham Zoo, USA CJ McCarty: Oregon Coast Aquarium, USA Heidi Cline: Alaska SeaLife Center, USA Jamie Ries: Central Park Zoo, USA Joe Barkowski: Sedgwick County Zoo, USA Kim Wanders: Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Mary Carlson: Charadriiformes Program Advisor, Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Perry: Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Crook-Martin: Buttonwood Park Zoo, USA Shana R. Lavin, Ph.D.,Wildlife Nutrition Fellow University of Florida, Dept. of Animal Sciences , Walt Disney World Animal Programs Dr. Stephanie McCain: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Veterinarian Advisor, DVM, Birmingham Zoo, USA Phil King: Assiniboine Park Zoo, Canada Reviewers: Dr. Mike Murray (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) John C. Anderson (Seattle Aquarium volunteer) Kristina Neuman (Point Blue Conservation Science) Sarah Saunders (Conservation Biology Graduate Program,University of Minnesota) AZA Staff Editors: Maya Seaman, MS, Animal Care Manual Editing Consultant Candice Dorsey, PhD, Director of Animal Programs Debborah Luke, PhD, Vice President, Conservation & Science Cover Photo Credits: Jeff Pribble 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 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2 Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual 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 3 Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 6 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 6 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 6 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ...................................................................................................... 13 1.1 Temperature and Humidity .......................................................................................................... 13 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................. 15 1.3 Water and Air Quality .................................................................................................................... 16 1.4 Sound and Vibration ..................................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .................................................................................. 19 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 19 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 27 Chapter 3. Transport ............................................................................................................................. 30 3.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 31 3.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 32 Chapter 4. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 34 4.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 34 4.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 36 4.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 37 Chapter 5. Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 40 5.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 40 5.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 45 5.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 47 Chapter 6. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 48 6.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 48 6.2 Identification Methods ................................................................................................................... 49 6.3 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 51 6.4 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 52 6.5 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 54 6.6 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 56 6.7 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 58 Chapter 7. Reproduction ...................................................................................................................... 62 7.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 62 7.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 64 7.3 Pregnancy & Egg-laying ............................................................................................................... 65 7.4 Hatching Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 66 7.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 67 7.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 68 Chapter 8. Behavior Management ..................................................................................................... 69 8.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 69 8.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 70 8.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...................................................................................................... 71 8.4 Staff Skills and Training ................................................................................................................ 71 Chapter 9. Program Animals ..............................................................................................................