Avian Nutrition

Unfortunately there is not a lot of information available regarding the nutritional requirements of wild birds. Most nutritional research has focused on species that are used as food by humans, with emphasis on chickens. Research has recently been branching out towards the nutritional needs of our companion birds. But it will be a long time … Continue Reading

Avian Skeleton

Competitive Exclusion

What the heck is competitive exclusion? Simply put, it is using “good” bacteria to control “bad” bacteria. It is a naturally occuring process in a bird’s body in which the microflora in a bird’s gut gives it some immunity from infection. The “good” bacteria basically blocks all the sites on the intestinal walls where infection … Continue Reading

Incubators

Incubators are a vital component in caring for neonatal mammals, hatchling birds, other orphaned wildlife, and eggs. Most very young animals need supplemental heat in order to survive. Fertile eggs also need constant heat (and humidity) in order to properly develop. The type of incubator to use is dependent on its intended purpose. Extremely young … Continue Reading

Avian Diets

The Formula for Nestling Songbirds MacMilk Crop Milk Replacer formula for doves & pigeons MacDiet Insect Nutritional Primer

Record Life Spans (years) of Amphibians and Reptiles

Longevity RecordsLife Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish; James R. Carey and Debra S. Judge; Odense University Press, ISBN 87-7838-539-3 Amphibians and Reptiles Table 3. Record Life Spans (years) of Amphibians and Reptiles ClassOrder/Family Genus/Species/Sub-species Common Name Capt. M/F Reference Amphibia Ambystomatidae Ambystoma macrodactylum krausei Eastern long-toed salamander 5.1 x [2]   Ambystoma macrodactylum … Continue Reading

Formulating An Avian Diet

Formulating a diet is a fairly complex process. It is much easier to use established diets that have already been researched. But it is good to understand how a diet is formulated. It will help you to understand why certain ingredients and their ratios are important. Knowing how to formulate a diet will also help … Continue Reading

Removing Wildlife Trapped On Glue Boards

An adult robin was removed from this trap. Note the tissue paper applied to all exposed glue areas. The remaining feathers from the abdomen were the result of the bird attempting to struggle free during initial contact. No primary flight feathers were damaged during removal and the bird was released as soon as new feather … Continue Reading

Avian Longevity Records

Longevity RecordsLife Spans of Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Reptiles, and Fish; James R. Carey and Debra S. Judge; Odense University Press, ISBN 87-7838-539-3 Birds Table 2. Record Life Spans (years) of Birds ((+) indicates that individual was still alive at the time that life span was recorded) Order/Family Genus/Species Common Name Wild Capt. M/F Reference Anseriformes Anatidae … Continue Reading