Effect of four eggshell repair materials on weight loss during incubation of white leghorn chicken eggs.

Egg weight loss during incubation is a key indicator used to monitor successful egg development and is closely related to hatchability and chick survival. Artificial incubation is one of the most important captive breeding techniques used in conservation efforts to bolster avian populations. To repair damage to the eggshell and ensure embryonic viability during incubation, a variety of repair coverings can be applied. This study tested the impact of four repair materials (nail polish, synthetic glue, medical dressing, and molten wax film) on egg weight loss during incubation. We found no impact on weight loss for coverings smaller than 35% of the eggshell surface, nor did we find any differences between covering types. The average egg weight loss decreased as the coverage area increased, and the weight loss did not differ when blunt versus sharp-end coverings were compared. Given the relative insensitivity of egg weight loss and survival to the type of patch material used, we concluded that the selection of material for the purpose of weight loss management could be based on practical considerations, such as ease of application and availability.

Breeding history and husbandry of the Raggiana Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea raggiana).

The Raggiana Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea raggiana) has been held by the San Diego Zoo for more than 50 years, but the population remained in low numbers until the mid-1990s. A previous article published in 1997 documented the beginning of the rise in the population; however, no new information has been published since that time. Over the past 25 years, behavioral observations by animal staff have led to improvements in husbandry techniques, which includes artificial incubation of eggs and hand-rearing of chicks. The ability to simulate a lek with various housing arrangements, in which the males can display with each other, be given access to a female for copulation, and then be separated again has proven paramount for breeding success. Additionally, females are allowed mate choice, further mimicking natural behaviors observed by this species. The refinement of these methods has led to a greater number of fertile eggs as well as higher hatchability and survivability, which in turn has resulted in a significant increase in the captive population.

Artificial incubation and hand-rearing of Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina superba).

Since first brought into zoos in 1964, the captive population of Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina superba) has remained relatively small. Several decades of artificial incubation and hand-rearing of this species at the Avian Propagation Center (APC) at the San Diego Zoo has allowed the population to increase and maintain some stability. Successful artificial incubation techniques lead to healthy neonates and allow females to reproductively recycle and produce more offspring in a season. Additionally, hand-rearing methods have been refined over the years at APC and are shown here as a method that could be employed to help sustain other small populations of birds maintained in zoological institutions.

Breeding history and husbandry of the Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina superba).

The Superb Bird-of-paradise (Lophorina superba) has been bred in captivity for more than 50 years but has not been well documented. San Diego Zoo began efforts to breed the Superb Bird-of-paradise in the late 1960s. Through the years, behavioral observations by animal staff have led to improvements in husbandry techniques which have led to increased reproductive success. Enclosure setup and pair management are particularly important. The ability to maintain breeding pairs in adjacent enclosures, in which the male can maintain visual contact with the female, establish a territory, be given access to a female for copulation and then be separated again has proven paramount for nesting success. Additionally, diet and planned timing of introduction have played a beneficial role for successful breeding year after year.