GREATER ROADRUNNER (Geococcyx californianus) CARE MANUAL CREATED BY THE AZA Greater Roadrunner Species Survival Plan® IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE AZA Turaco/Cuckoo Taxon Advisory Group Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Care Manual Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in collaboration with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Greater Roadrunner Species Survival Plan. (2016). Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: July 2016 Authors and Significant Contributors: Sara Hallager, Greater Roadrunner SSP Coordinator, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, USA Carol M. Bradford, M.S., DVM, Dipl. ACZM, Albuquerque BioPark, USA Shelly Collinsworth, Fort Worth Zoo, USA Mike Maslanka, Smithsonian National Zoological Park, USA Peter Shannon, Albuquerque Biological Park, USA Audrey Siegrist, DVM, Arizona Sonora Desert Museum, USA Reviewers: Joe Barkowski, Tulsa Zoo, USA Willeke Huizinga, Burgers Zoo, The Netherlands Marleen Giesen, Burgers Zoo, The Netherlands AZA Staff Editors: Felicia Spector, Program Assistant, Animal Programs Rebecca Greenberg, Conservation and Science Coordinator Candice Dorsey, PhD, Vice President, Animal Programs Debborah Luke, PhD, Senior Vice President, Conservation and Science Haley Gordon, AZA Conservation and Science Intern Cover Photo Credits: John Kiseda 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 Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Care Manual Table of Contents Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 5 Taxonomic Classification ...................................................................................................................... 5 Genus, Species, and Status ................................................................................................................. 5 General Information ............................................................................................................................... 5 Chapter 1. Ambient Environment ........................................................................................................ 8 1.1 Temperature and Humidity ............................................................................................................ 8 1.2 Light ................................................................................................................................................... 9 1.3 Water and Air Quality ...................................................................................................................... 9 1.4 Sound and Vibration ....................................................................................................................... 9 Chapter 2. Habitat Design and Containment .................................................................................. 11 2.1 Space and Complexity .................................................................................................................. 11 2.2 Safety and Containment ............................................................................................................... 13 Chapter 3. Records ................................................................................................................................ 16 3.1 Definitions ....................................................................................................................................... 16 3.2 Types of Records .......................................................................................................................... 16 3.3 Permit Considerations .................................................................................................................. 17 3.4 Identification ................................................................................................................................... 17 Chapter 4. Transport ............................................................................................................................. 19 4.1 Preparations ................................................................................................................................... 19 4.2 Protocols ......................................................................................................................................... 20 Chapter 5. Social Environment ........................................................................................................... 22 5.1 Group Structure and Size ............................................................................................................ 22 5.2 Influence of Others and Conspecifics ........................................................................................ 22 5.3 Introductions and Reintroductions .............................................................................................. 23 Chapter 6. Nutrition ............................................................................................................................... 24 6.1 Nutritional Requirements .............................................................................................................. 24 6.2 Diets ................................................................................................................................................ 26 6.3 Nutritional Evaluations .................................................................................................................. 27 Chapter 7. Veterinary Care .................................................................................................................. 28 7.1 Veterinary Services ....................................................................................................................... 28 7.2 Transfer Examination and Diagnostic Testing Recommendations ........................................ 29 7.3 Quarantine ...................................................................................................................................... 30 7.4 Preventive Medicine ...................................................................................................................... 32 7.5 Capture, Restraint, and Immobilization ...................................................................................... 34 7.6 Management of Diseases, Disorders, Injuries and/or Isolation.............................................. 34 Chapter 8. Reproduction ...................................................................................................................... 40 8.1 Reproductive Physiology and Behavior ..................................................................................... 40 8.2 Assisted Reproductive Technology ............................................................................................ 41 8.3 Egg-laying/ Parturition .................................................................................................................. 42 8.4 Hatching Facilities ......................................................................................................................... 44 8.5 Assisted Rearing ........................................................................................................................... 45 8.6 Contraception ................................................................................................................................. 48 Chapter 9. Behavior Management ..................................................................................................... 49 9.1 Animal Training .............................................................................................................................. 49 9.2 Environmental Enrichment ........................................................................................................... 50 Association of Zoos and Aquariums 3 Greater Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus) Care Manual 9.3 Staff and Animal Interactions ...................................................................................................... 52 9.4