Hooded Plover Thinornis rubricollis Husbandry Manual Image copyright © Paul Dodd Michael J Honeyman Charles Sturt University June 2015 1 Introduction .............................................................................................................. 5 1.1 Introduction to the Species................................................................................ 5 1.2 History in Captivity........................................................................................... 5 1.3 Value of the Hooded Plover for education, conservation and research ............ 6 2 Taxonomy ................................................................................................................ 7 2.1 Nomenclature .................................................................................................... 7 2.2 Subspecies ......................................................................................................... 7 2.3 Recent Synonyms.............................................................................................. 7 2.4 Other common names ....................................................................................... 7 2.5 Discussion ......................................................................................................... 7 3 Natural History......................................................................................................... 8 3.1 Morphometrics .................................................................................................. 8 3.1.1 Measurements ............................................................................................ 9 3.2 Distribution ....................................................................................................... 9 3.3 Habitat ............................................................................................................. 10 3.4 Conservation Status ........................................................................................ 11 3.4.1 International ............................................................................................. 11 3.4.2 National .................................................................................................... 11 3.4.3 State.......................................................................................................... 11 3.4.4 Discussion ................................................................................................ 11 3.5 Diet in the Wild ............................................................................................... 11 3.6 Longevity ........................................................................................................ 12 3.6.1 In the Wild ............................................................................................... 12 3.6.2 In Captivity .............................................................................................. 12 3.6.3 Techniques Used to Determine Age in Adults ........................................ 12 4 Housing Requirements ........................................................................................... 13 4.1 Housing Design Principles .............................................................................. 13 4.1.1 General ..................................................................................................... 13 4.1.2 Construction ............................................................................................. 13 4.1.3 Security .................................................................................................... 13 4.1.4 Light ......................................................................................................... 14 4.1.5 Ventilation................................................................................................ 14 4.1.6 Zoo Exhibits ............................................................................................. 14 4.1.7 Flight Pens for Captive Breeding and Release ........................................ 17 4.2 Holding Area Design ...................................................................................... 18 4.3 Spatial Requirements ...................................................................................... 18 4.4 Position of Enclosures..................................................................................... 20 4.5 Weather Protection.......................................................................................... 20 4.6 Temperature Requirements ............................................................................. 20 4.7 Substrate .......................................................................................................... 21 4.8 Nesting / Bedding Material ............................................................................. 21 4.9 Enclosure Furnishings ..................................................................................... 21 4.9.1 Vegetation ................................................................................................ 21 4.9.2 Water ........................................................................................................ 22 4.9.3 Other items ............................................................................................... 22 5 General Husbandry ................................................................................................ 23 5.1 Hygiene and Cleaning ..................................................................................... 23 5.2 Record Keeping .............................................................................................. 24 5.3 Methods of Identification ................................................................................ 24 5.4 Routine Data Collection .................................................................................. 24 2 6 Feeding Requirements ........................................................................................... 25 6.1 Captive Diet .................................................................................................... 25 6.2 Supplements .................................................................................................... 25 6.3 Presentation of Food ....................................................................................... 25 6.4 Natural Food ................................................................................................... 26 7 Handling and Transport ......................................................................................... 26 7.1 Timing of Capture and Handling .................................................................... 26 7.2 Catching Bags ................................................................................................. 26 7.3 Capture and Restraint Techniques .................................................................. 27 7.3.1 Hand netting ............................................................................................. 27 7.3.2 Nocturnal capture method ........................................................................ 27 7.3.3 Noose Mats .............................................................................................. 27 7.3.4 Handling ................................................................................................... 28 7.4 Weighing and Examination............................................................................. 29 7.5 Release ............................................................................................................ 29 7.6 Transportation Requirements .......................................................................... 29 7.7 Box Design...................................................................................................... 29 7.7.1 Furnishings ............................................................................................... 31 7.7.2 Water and Food ........................................................................................ 31 7.7.3 Birds Per Box ........................................................................................... 31 7.7.4 Timing of Transportation ......................................................................... 31 7.7.5 Release from Box ..................................................................................... 31 8 Health Requirements .............................................................................................. 32 8.1 Daily Health Check ......................................................................................... 32 8.2 Detailed Physical Examination ....................................................................... 32 8.3 Routine Treatments ......................................................................................... 32 8.4 Known Health Problems ................................................................................. 33 8.4.1 Aspergillosis ............................................................................................ 33 8.4.2 Pododermatitis (Bumblefoot)................................................................... 34 8.4.3 Avian pox virus ........................................................................................ 34 8.4.4 Parasites ................................................................................................... 35 8.5 Quarantine Requirements...............................................................................