Causes of bird losses recorded in a captive-bred wild bird flock between 2011 and 2015

Abstract

This study discusses the causes of bird deaths recorded in a small aviary dedicated to the breeding of a few exotic, wild bird species. Findings from 28 birds were examined over a period of five years. About 40% of the deaths occurred in the first two weeks after hatching in the two most numerous species in the flock and such losses were mainly a result of starvation caused by inadequate nutritional management. Additionally, 28% of the cases affected recently introduced birds. Despite frequent treatment with anthelmintics; a total of 21% of the deaths in the flock could be attributed to parasitic diseases, most of them in recently acquired birds. Only three of the deaths could be associated with advanced age, all of the further cases were also attributable to management fails. Our results indicated that propagation of these and other species requires an improvement of the management of the newly hatched and newcomer birds to considerably enhance the flock’s performance. Such information may be useful in conservation initiatives and may justify, at least in part, captivity of these animals.

Eucoleus contortus (Nematoda: Capillariidae), a parasite of Cairina moschata domestica (Anseriformes: Anatidae) on Marajó Island, Pará State, in Brazilian Amazon

“…Mattos et al (2008) described the occurrence of E. carinae with prevalence of 6.6% in Muscovy ducks raised extensively in the State of Rio de Janeiro. Stapf et al (2013) reported 24% of prevalence in A. platyrhynchos and 40% of prevalence in Anas clypeata in Northwest Poland, and Oliveira et al (2017) found 16% of prevalence in Callipepla californica of Brazil. In the Marajó Island, the local human population commonly uses Muscovy ducks for food and commerce.…”

Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study

“…infection have been described for finches ( 76 ) and young swans ( 77 ). We reported a fatal infection in a pekin robin ( Leiothrix lutea ) ( 62 ) and afterwards we found Acuaria spp. in woodlice samples ( 43 ).…”

“…However, the aviary should be made rodent-proof (with concrete foundations and reinforced small mesh panels) since rats ( Rattus rattus ) are top songbird predators ( 56 ). Comparable findings ( 61 ) highlight that trauma prevention is crucial, especially during transport and reception, but also during the critical initial ( 62 ) period of quarantine. Disposable cardboard boxes provide a hygienic, dark (to keep birds quiet), and safe environment for temporarily placing ( 63 ) and transporting ( 56 ) songbirds.…”

Endoparasites observed within invertebrates used as live food items for captive wild birds: Overview and potential risks

“…The effects of parasitism in free‐living populations of wild birds are difficult to measure (Pedersen & Fenton, ; Wobeser, ). However, the impact of both reinfection and dissemination, which may be associated with the high contamination rate in captive environments (Cruz et al, ; Oliveira et al, ; Silva & Corrêa, ), emphasizes the scale of the problem dealt with herein. Although the costs of providing live invertebrates to the birds may be of concern (Cruz, Cerva, & Andretta, ), the applicability and value of their inclusion in the diet of captive wild birds have been fully recognized (Kartsten, ).…”