Chapter III
Management
by Susan Healy from the Sacramento Zoo
Individual Identification.
Permanent individual identification is crucial for keeping track of inventory and maintaining accurate health and genealogy records. This is especially important so that birds can be tracked both within and outside the managed population.
Transponders
The Palm Cockatoo SSP Management Group strongly recommends that all birds be permanently identified with a Trovan transponder. Individuals unable to acquire this transponder should contact the Species Coordinator for assistance. Facilities using other brands are encouraged to change to Trovan as soon as possible. The birds should be implanted intramuscularly in the left breast muscle. (See Appendix 2, Manufacturers List for information on transponder suppliers)
Leg Bands
Closed leg bands should be used for captive hatched chicks. The bands should be stainless steel instead of aluminum because a palm cockatoo is capable of crushing an aluminum band on its leg. Open leg bands are not recommended because they have been known to catch on the side of the cage causing injuries and deaths. (See Appendix 2, Manufacturers List for information on band suppliers)
Handling.
The recommended capture method is either netting or toweling, depending upon the size of the enclosure. A net is the preferred tool when attempting to capture a bird in a large pen, but if the bird is in a small cage where they cannot fly away easily, a towel thrown over the bird works well. Palm cockatoos should be handled the same as other psittacines by securing their head with one hand, being careful not to be bitten, and securing their legs and wing tips with the other hand. Some birds may be prone to prolonged effects from being caught. After they are released back into their pen they show signs of being depressed: crest lowered tightly to their head, not moving about, being very quiet, and their cheek patches stay pale in color. After a time, normal behavior returns.
Shipping.
A size 100 or 200 kennel with metal windows and doors is recommended when shipping these birds. Wooden crates are also used for shipping (See Appendix 3, Shipping Crate Diagram used by ABRC). Some type of bedding material, such as straw or wood shavings, should be provided to prevent the birds from slipping on the floor of the crate. A secure perch, bolted to the floor or sides of the container can also help stabilize the birds. Providing the birds with food, such as nuts and fresh fruit, is recommended during shipment. Water is unnecessary and not recommended for flights within the continental United States. The water dish itself can be hazardous to the bird and the water usually sloshes out which can cause additional problems. The birds will get the moisture they need from the fresh fruit provided.
Some airlines may require that IATA guidelines be followed (See Appendix 4, IATA Guidelines), especially for international travel. However, the SSP feels that many of these specifications are inappropriate for palm cockatoos and will make recommendations to modify these guidelines in the future.
Pest Control.
As with all avian species, rodents and vermin can be a problem. The size of the wire mesh will determine which type will have access to the cage. Opossums in or around palm cockatoo cages are of special concern because of sarcocystosis. Every effort should be made to control the opossum population around the aviaries. (See Appendix 5, Sarcocystosis, and Chapter VII, Medical Management of the Adult Palm Cockatoo)
The following are some suggestions to reduce incidents of pest problems:
1. It is recommended that food storage and preparation areas be clean and free from debris.
2. Rodent proof and screen all doors (including overhead types), windows and other openings such as vents.
3. Keep doors and windows to the outside closed when not in use. This reduces the potential entry of rodents, insects and birds from the outside.
4. Grounds maintenance around the building should include removal of debris and elimination of storage against the building such as pallets, trash containers, racks, etc.
5. All ground cover and decorative plantings should be kept trimmed back 18 inches from the walls to create a barrier which reduces pest entry into buildings.
6. Damaged containers should be eliminated as soon as possible since such containers are conducive to pest development and infestation.
7. Utility rooms and mechanical rooms should be kept neat and clean. These rooms should not be used as storage or stock areas..
8. Care should be taken to see that all equipment is cleaned on a regular basis.
9. Make sure all switch boxes, electric motors and similar type compartments are kept cleaned and checked regularly.
10. Drains must be kept free of debris and garbage at all times.
11. All inside garbage and trash containers must be kept clean and dry under the plastic liners.
12. Moisture problems and water leaks must be repaired immediately.
Be sure to follow your institution’s individual pest control procedures.
