Who doesn’t love going to the zoo and watching the adorable antics of the penguins? Cute and charismatic, these highly social birds are a fan favorite. A staple species in many Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)-accredited facilities, the African Penguin represents a resounding success story for wildlife conservation through aviculture. 

Native to southern Africa, this species was unfortunately upgraded from Endangered to Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List in 2024. The wild population has dwindled from millions of individuals to now just 1% of their original numbers. Their biggest threat is starvation – the dual threats of competition from commercial fishing and changing climate patterns have led to a sharp decline in prey availability. Sadly, many juveniles do not survive due to scare resources and competition for food. 

To combat this decline, the African Penguin Species Survival Plan was launched in 1995. Now made up of 11 different Breeding and Transfer Plans across roughly 50 AZA-accredited facilities, this captive population is thriving with an overall genetic diversity of about 98%! Zoo collections of African Penguins provide important means of public outreach and research opportunities that are essential to the conservation of the species. Current research initiatives include treatment for avian malaria (a blood parasite), diagnosis of aspergillosis (a fungal infection), feather molting issues, and chick mortality. 

Through the AZA’s Saving Animals From Extinction (SAVE) initiative for African Penguins, conversationists are also reaching beyond the confines of captivity by designing and deploying artificial nests in areas of degraded habitat, on-the-ground disaster response to oil spills and disease outbreaks, and rescue and rehabilitation of birds in Africa. 

Due to the hard work of conservation aviculturists and their counterparts in the field, African Penguins have a fighting chance against the stark odds in the wild. 

Conservation & History
Red-crowned parakeets (Cyanoramphus novaezelandiae) are a species of parrot native to New Zealand. They are also referred to as Kākāriki, which in the Māori language means ‘little parrot’. In the wild, Kākāriki are often found on the ground foraging for berries, seeds, fruits, and insects. Unfortunately, this diet sets them at odds with farmers who culled birds in the late 1800s to help protect their crops. The species encountered further decline due to their nesting habits. Red-crowned parakeets are cavity nesters and while they prefer trees, they also nest in the ground or cliff faces. The destruction of old-growth forests and introduction of non-native predators led to this once commonplace species becoming rare on mainland New Zealand. Fortunately, they can still be commonly found on surrounding islands where non-native predators have not been introduced. Although the Kākāriki’s wild numbers have declined, there is now a resurgence in popularity in domestic aviculture.

Life as a Companion
Known for being inquisitive, active, and social with their caregivers, it is easy to see why people love them. Their intelligence can get them in trouble though, so make sure to keep their brains active with plenty of activities and foraging! A dig box can be a great way to mimic their natural foraging behavior with the added benefit of helping to keep their nails trimmed. Another reason for Red-crowned parakeet’s popularity is their small size (similar to that of a green-cheeked conure) and soft voices, both of which make them perfect for apartment living. If you are looking for a new species to add to your flock, consider the Kākāriki!

Australia is known for being a hot spot of diversity - hosting all genres of weird and wonderful living things! This uniqueness certainly extends to the vast number of avian species inhabiting the varying Australian ecosystems, from finches and wrens to native parrots and shorebirds, this continent is an aviculturist’s dream birding spot. However, Australian birds are in a crisis. In the face of climate change and human encroachment, Australian aviculturists and conservationists have noticed a severe decline in many of their unique species of birds. Not only have they come together to formulate detailed recovery plans following the increasingly destructive bushfires, but aviculturists are also working alongside urban and rural communities to spread appreciation for avian biodiversity. One of their largest projects “Birds on Farms” focuses on encouraging rural landowners to take on a conservation stewardship role. This partnership allows landowners to learn species identification as a tool to measure land productivity and value, improving their own agricultural work as a result. They also utilize underdeveloped portions of their land to reintroduce natural woodland flora, creating niche habitats for the declining woodland avian species. Natural dams and vegetation allow for foraging and clean water sources for livestock in addition to refuge for critically endangered birds. Having native shrubs and trees increases overall land value and protects farmland from erosion and natural disasters. A large portion of Australian woodland vegetation has been lost to urbanization and agriculture, so these projects are monumental for avian species in dire need of more space and foraging. It's not just scientists and farmers playing a role though! Even volunteer bird enthusiasts and watchers can make a difference by completing species surveys on these private properties to track which birds are present on any given property. The Birds on Farms initiative is a great example of how aviculturists of all levels can come together for a common goal - protecting our local avian wildlife. 

Read more about the Action Plan for Australian Birds here

For the poultry aviculturist, chickens can provide more than just food and companionship – they can also provide nationwide notoriety! Every year, the American Poultry Association (APA) judges chickens, ducks, geese, and turkeys against the American Standard of Perfection. The Standard of Perfection defines the ideal characteristics of each species and breed, and exhibitors are expected to have these exacting qualifications expertly grasped when presenting their birds to the judge. Each bird is examined for their stature, weight, cleanliness, color, temperament, and overall health. Rules are very rigid, and expectations are high. Exhibitors compete for points to earn ranking amongst the categories of Master Exhibitor, Grand Master Exhibitor, and Hall of Fame. These events also provide excellent opportunity for young aviculturists just beginning their journey through the Youth Exhibition Poultry Association. The youth division judging is focused on the exhibitor’s knowledge of breed standards, bird handling skills, and presentation of birds. There is much to aspire to for the poultry aviculturist! Check out www.amerpoultryassn.com for a wealth of information on this exciting event and its fascinating history. 

2. Each bird is examined for their stature, weight, cleanliness, color, temperament, and overall health.

3. APA shows are an excellent place for young aviculturists to demonstrate their knowledge of breed standards!

 

Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) is a viral infection caused by a member of the circovirus family. This infection can affect birds of any age but nestlings and young adults are at the greatest risk making it of particular concern for aviculturists. The infection has two forms – acute and chronic. In the acute form birds develop bone marrow suppression and liver failure. Parrots with chronic disease develop feather dystrophy and may develop abnormalities to the beak and nails. Chronically affected birds are immunosuppressed and often pass of secondary infections.

PBFD can affect any member of the psittacine family, however, it is most commonly recognized in cockatoos, eclectus, budgerigar, lories, lorikeets, African greys, and lovebirds. Infected parrots transmit the infection through their skin and feather dander, feces, crop secretions, and potentially through the egg. As circoviruses are very stable in the environment and resistant to many disinfectants, this can present significant long-lasting problems for aviaries that have been exposed. 
Unfortunately, only supportive treatment options are available and no commercial vaccines currently exist for PBFD. The best way to handle PBFD in the flock is to keep it out. Test all new birds before adding them to the aviary. If testing the feathers or feces, be aware of the potential for false positive results from environmental contamination. When it comes to PBFD, taking a proactive approach to avoid infections can help aviculturists prevent larger problems later.

Fun Facts

Lovebirds have a higher rate of asymptomatic infections and can shed the virus despite the lack of clinical signs.

It can take weeks to years after exposure to the virus for parrots to show clinical signs of the disease.

The virus that causes PBFD is very stable in the environment and resistant to many disinfectants.

For experienced aviculturists, peacocks have become a flashy bird to keep on one’s property! Known for their vibrant colored feathers, large personalities, and distinct mating calls, the blue peacock (Pavo cristatus) makes for an entertaining addition. Peacocks are within the pheasant family, Phasianidae, and categorized under the same order as chickens, quail, and turkeys – Galliformes. Despite their common taxonomical classification, peacocks come with several additional considerations when kept in captivity. Peacocks require substantial amounts of space, typically roaming all over, so these birds are not suitable backyard companions – your neighbors may wind up seeing more of your peahen and peacocks than you do! If you do choose to build an enclosed aviary for them, there should be substantial space (100 square feet / bird). Peafowl, unlike other Galliformes species, prefer tall perching. Veterinarians recommend perches that are a minimum of 2 meters above ground for peacocks to reside on! Aviculturists looking for peafowl should keep in mind these birds can become aggressive with one another if space or resources are limited. Keeping more than one male is not advised, and peacocks do well in pairs as they are highly intelligent and social with one another. While these birds may forage and act as natural pest control in their environment, providing a commercial pheasant or turkey diet twice daily is required to ensure all birds are receiving adequate calories and nutrition. It is of importance to note that peacock breeding season begins in April and can last well into July – so expect plenty of loud conversations amongst the birds! Peacocks are overall quite hardy, reportedly doing well in both winter and summer extreme temperatures. Peacocks are ultimately a big commitment, but these ornamental stunners will add endless entertainment and joy to an aviculturist’s flock!

Peacocks can live up to 20 years!

Male peafowl molt their train after breeding season.

Peafowl prefer roosting up high in their environments!

For the aviculturist looking to expand their flock in a petite way… quail may be the perfect fit! Quail were originally domesticated in 11th century Japan. Now, quail are used for meat, eggs, scientific research, and companionship. Commonly kept species include the Coturnix (Japanese Quail), the Bobwhite Quail, and Buttonquail. Coturnix breeds are known for being excellent producers of eggs and meat due to their rapid growth. A solid choice for beginners due to their resilience and calm nature, Coturnix will start laying eggs at only 6 to 8 weeks old! Bobwhite Quail are native to North America and are more often used for sport and hunting due to their more “flighty” nature. And who can resist the adorable Buttonquail, weighing in at only 1.5 – 2 ounces as adults! These little cuties are an excellent choice for bird owners seeking an indoor pet option. In general, quail are more skittish than chickens and typically do not tolerate being handled, though they may grow accustomed to the aviculturist’s presence. Quail are particularly vulnerable to predators (such as rodents) and cold weather, so extra precautions must be taken while designing their outdoor enclosures. Because quail are highly active birds that are capable of vertical and short flight, free ranging is typically not recommended. However, they are highly intelligent, so enrichment in their enclosure is essential to avoid boredom and pecking behavior. Quail will happily spend hours dust bathing and explore terrain such as logs and low branches. In general, quail need a minimum of 1 square foot of space per bird. Don’t let their small size fool you – these birds can be an excellent and unique choice for any aviculturist! 

Time to highlight the labrador retriever of the falconry world – Parabuteo unicinctus! Harris’s hawks are widely used amongst falconers and are known for their agility, intelligence, and trainability in the sport. Native to the Americas, this bird sports a rusty plumage to blend in with their preferred habitat of open scrublands and deserts. Like other birds of prey, the females are substantially larger than their male counterparts, they can live well into their teens or twenties and are opportunistic predators. Unlike other raptors, however, Harris’s hawks display “cooperative” behavior. Banding into small groups, Harris’s hawks will take down larger prey to maximize resources. Individuals within a larger group will assist mating pairs in rearing their hatchlings, even feeding them for the parents. Young Harris’s hawks have been found to remain with their original groups for a few years before moving onto a new group, rather than living out the typical solitary predatory lifestyle. Aviculturists in falconry have found these socially inclined birds form bonds with handlers more readily, which is reportedly more enjoyable from a caretaker’s point of view! As you may have noticed, Harris’s hawks have their own genus – Parabuteo or “beside buteo” – that they share only with the white-rumped hawk (Parabuteo leucoorhous). Although these broad chested, sharp-eyed Accipitridae species resemble other buteos like red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis), they are actually of closest relation to the black-collared hawk (Busarellus nigricollis) and white-headed vultures (Trigonoceps occipitalis). When considering a Harris’s hawk for falconry, it is important to understand these unique traits to provide them an enriched and stimulating life, but it also means you can foster a deep bond with your bird! 

Let’s chat about the importance of nutrition! For aviculturists of all levels, feeding a balanced diet to our psittacine species at home is valuable in order to provide our birds long and healthy lives. Parrots fed inappropriate diets are at risk of developing fatal diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hepatic lipidosis, reproductive disease, or cardiac disease to name a few. In many of these cases it all comes back to what we are feeding them in captivity – diets higher in fats, cholesterol, and omega 6 fatty acids. There’s a common misconception that these birds need primarily seed diets, but what many people do not realize is that most seeds lack basic vitamins and nutrients. Birds on seed-heavy diets often become obese, develop fatal diseases early in life, and require lifelong treatments to manage their symptoms. Because it is often difficult to recreate the natural diet parrots eat in the wild, we recommend combining formulated pellets made especially for parrots with fresh veggies, preferably organic, to ensure their main requirements are being met. Since food is often a way we bond with our birds, seeds can be used sparingly as treats for training and other fun enrichment activities! Of course, every bird comes with its special quirks and needs, so check out our new series with species specific bird care handouts! 

While the backyard chicken certainly dominates the poultry aviculture scene, some bird owners may eventually explore the wonderful world of turkey keeping! While the management of chickens and turkeys may seem similar, there are several key differences between these groups of poultry. Native to North America, turkeys were originally bred for their beautiful feathers. In the 1930s, turkey production shifted to focus on meat quality over appearance. The typical commercial variety is the Broad-Breasted White, but there are also several heritage breeds that persist today, including Bourbon Red, Black Spanish, Slate, Holland White, Narragansett, Bronze, and Royal Palm.

Similar to chickens, a hobbyist can start turkeys either by hatching fertilized eggs or raising baby turkeys (also known as poults). It is very important to source eggs and poults from hatcheries that are members of the National Poultry Improvement Plan (NPIP). The NPIP ensures that poultry suppliers are maintaining healthy stock and conducting regular disease surveillance testing. While all baby birds can be considered fragile, poults are known to be especially delicate. Their nutrition and environmental conditions need to be tightly regulated to ensure success in raising healthy turkeys. In addition, it is essential to keep turkeys separately from chickens due to the concern for infectious diseases - Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) and Histomoniasis (Blackhead disease) are potentially deadly infectious diseases that can be transmitted to turkeys from chickens. These organisms are very resilient in the environment, so it’s recommended to avoid keeping turkeys on grounds where chickens have lived in the previous 3-5 years. While commercial turkey farmers often vaccinate their flocks against diseases such as Marek’s disease, Newcastle disease, Turkey coryza, and others, vaccination is typically not recommended for backyard or small flocks unless there is a history of disease in the area or if the birds will be frequently transported for shows.

Since turkeys are much larger than chickens, it only follows that they require more space! The space requirement for these large birds is potentially the most important difference between keeping turkeys and chickens; it is recommended to have a minimum of 3 to 5 square feet of indoor housing space per turkey. It is also essential to provide adequate air space and ventilation, which aid in cooling and keeping litter dry. Surprisingly enough, turkeys are excellent fliers! They are known to roost high in trees and can easily reach the roofing of a two-story home. These majestic birds are intelligent, highly social, and peaceful companions to have on a hobby farm. Plus, who can resist their infectious “gobble!”

When aviculturists consider companion bird species, the typical feathered friends include Psittacines such as parakeets, cockatiels, or larger parrots. However, this post is dedicated to the under-appreciated Columbiformes (pigeons and doves)! Known across Hindu, Islamic, and Christian cultures as symbols of peace and resilience, pigeons make incredible household pets, too. They are far more intelligent than they are given credit for, and many pigeon owners engage their feathered friends in elaborate flight, target, and recognition training. Pigeons have gentle dispositions and incredibly affectionate personalities, often described as forming close bonds with their caregivers. Keep reading to learn how these feathered companions are distinct from more commonly kept pet bird species!

Pigeons have a lifespan of around 10-15 years. So, like all other birds, excellent husbandry and regular visits to an avian veterinarian are key to ensuring they live a long, healthy life! For housing, typically a longer cage suits Columbiformes better than a traditional tall parrot cage. This allows them to fly and jump between perches as they do not have a well-developed beak for climbing like parrots do. Pigeons are considered ground-dwelling birds, and so they spend the vast majority of their time on their feet. For this reason, appropriate, varied perching is essential. For pigeons and doves, flat platform surfaces are typically preferred for most of their perching. However, conventional bird perches are also commonly used by pigeons, and their diameter must be wide enough for the bird’s foot to wrap ~70% around the perch, just like parrots. Despite what most people think, pigeons prefer to be clean! They require regular baths in fresh water to maintain their beautiful plumage and they spend ample time preening every day. Unlike most parrots kept in captivity, nesting behavior is normal and encouraged in captive pigeons. As such, pigeons require an appropriately sized nest box in their enclosure. Keeping pigeons in pairs or groups is generally recommended, although some singly housed birds can still do well if they are closely bonded with their human companion. Males tend to be extremely assertive, especially during the spring and summer months, and so housing males together is typically not recommended except in larger aviary settings with ample space and nesting resources. Unlike Psittacines, Columbiformes can be fed a diet primarily comprised of seeds and grains (though pelleted diets are also available), which they consume whole without hulling them first. Digestion of whole seeds and grains requires strong contractions of the gizzard. As such, pigeons fed seeds and grains exclusively also require a source of grit to aide in digestion. These birds are quite smart and are resourceful foragers in the wild. Scattering their food in a clean cage or utilizing foraging mats (such as turf or fabric mats) encourages these natural behaviors. Before considering owning a pigeon, be sure to check your country’s regulations on Columbiform ownership. AAV members - download our education handout, “Pigeon Husbandry” from the Bird Owner Resources page or Publication Library at AAV.org. 

Colorful birds of South and Central America, such as the Ramphastidae family, are commonly housed by aviculturists in households, zoos, and aviaries. This family of birds includes the toucan species, toucanets, and aracaris. Their unique calls and iconic large bright bills can pique anyone’s interest, but there are several things to consider to provide for them in captivity! These birds are social and require large spaces with ample perching to encourage normal levels of activity. For aviculturists interested in breeding toucans, it's important to place hollowed logs or tree limbs in their enclosure since they are cavity-nesting birds. Ramphastids’ diet mainly consists of fruit, but includes seeds, invertebrates, and rodents as well - like other birds, variety is vital to keep your toucan healthy! 

In captivity, ramphastids are highly susceptible to hemochromatosis, or iron storage disease. Hemochromatosis is associated with incorrect husbandry, namely a poor diet, but other causes have yet to be fully fleshed out in current research. If there are high levels of iron in a toucan’s diet, their liver will retain the excess iron. This, in turn, results in necrosis, or death, and degeneration of the organ. Birds may present anorexic, lethargic, dyspneic, neurologic, and can develop coelomic distention or even sudden death in extreme cases. Some treatment options have shown improvement in patients with iron storage disease, but hemochromatosis remains one of the most common causes of mortality in captive populations of ramphastid species. Aviculturists should take preventative measures such as feeding low-iron pelleted diets made for soft-billed birds with a variety of fruits. More specifically, providing fruits like apples, bananas, grapes, melons, or blueberries while avoiding foods with high levels of vitamin C can prevent the development of iron storage disease. Vitamin C, or ascorbic acid, and citric acid found in citrus fruit, tomatoes, and pineapple have been thought to predispose birds to iron storage disease by increasing the body’s ability to uptake iron. Unsure what diet is best for your bird? Ask your avian veterinarian about commercial soft-billed pellet diets to ensure your bird is happy and healthy!  AAV members - download our client education handout, “Basic Care for Ramphastid Birds” from the Publication Library at AAV.org. 

The Andean Condor is a charismatic scavenging bird currently considered “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature. The Andean Condor Foundation in Ecuador has been actively working towards conserving native habitat for condors and returning these incredible birds to the wild. There are currently fewer than 150 wild condors in Ecuador, and to date there have been 9 releases of condors back to their native habitat in Ecuador. The most recent of these releases occurred on April 22, 2025, with the successful rehabilitation of a male Andean condor named Valentino. On February 14, 2025, Valentino was found near the Yanuncay River, unable to fly. He had been the victim of 5 gunshot wounds, a not uncommon fate for scavenging birds in this area due to human-animal conflict. After two months in care at an Ecuadorian zoo, Bioparque Amaru, Valentino was deemed ready for release! He is now flying free in the Cajas National Park and his success will continue to be monitored via satellite tracker.

Bioparque Amaru provides veterinary training and hands-on support to multiple ongoing condor conservation projects. Amaru also has a close working relationship with the National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which has for many years participated in a Species Survival Plan to build a sustainable population of Andean condors in captivity. Through this established route of communication, the National Aviary was able to support Valentino’s rehabilitation at Amaru by providing a wealth of knowledge in condor medicine and care. 

Not only does aviculture contribute to avian conservation by maintaining breeding programs for many declining species, it also provides opportunities for us to learn from lesser-known species while they are in captivity. Even outside the walls of zoos, wildlife centers, and breeding facilities, aviculture has far-reaching positive effects in the world of conservation through shared knowledge and experience. We wish Valentino luck and look forward to following his journey in the wild! 

The roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja, is an eye-catching ibis-like bird that any aviculturist can appreciate! These pink and white wading species utilize their unique flat bill to sift through the water and muck they inhabit to collect food. Commonly found in the southern United States, they seasonally move as far south as Cuba or Mexico! Often seen in large colonies, spoonbills have an elaborate courting process. First the pair will greet one another with aggression, but move on to perching together until a male presents the female with sticks of her liking. They end courtship by clasping bills and build bulky, hollow nests for breeding. 

Although these pink beauties are of least concern currently, they were endangered in the mid-late 1900s due to fashion industries hunting them for their feathers. Aviculturists advocated for laws to prohibit such hunting, and now manage a Species Survival Plan for roseate spoonbill populations throughout zoos and aquariums. However, there is still work to be done! Little is known about spoonbill nesting behaviors, and we lack significant demographic data of known roseate spoonbill populations. Understanding their survival rates, emigration, gene flow between populations, and immigration patterns is important for focusing habitat conservation efforts. Since this species occupies dwindling habitats like everglades, estuaries, and marshes, aviculturists can utilize spoonbills as indicator species for habitat restoration projects by monitoring the birds’ population size, reproductive success, and distribution in certain areas. Next time you’re visiting a local zoo, or if you find yourself in the states along the Gulf of Mexico, keep an eye out for a charismatic colony of roseate spoonbills!

The Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus), or more affectionately known as the “budgie,” is a pint-sized parrot species from the desert and grassland regions of Australia. Although sometimes overlooked due to their commonality, budgies are unique birds that make wonderful pets. Thanks to their small size, budgies are excellent companions for those who may live in a smaller space, such as an apartment, or those looking to travel frequently with their avian companions. While budgies are very vocal, their chattering and chirping is quieter compared to that of larger parrots. Budgies are also highly intelligent, quick to tame, and easy to train. These special little birds can be taught to shoot hoops, put rings on a peg, mimic sounds and words, and much more! As a highly social species, budgies thrive in pairs or small groups in captivity. In the wilds of Australia, parakeets will form flocks ranging from a few to thousands of individuals! Companionship is very important for this species, so consider starting out with a pair or introducing a friend for any singleton bird. As natural ground foragers, consider spreading your budgie’s pellets and seeds across different surfaces in their home environment rather than feeding out of a bowl. Budgies are known to hull seeds before eating them, so grit is not a required part of their diet unlike some other bird species. Budgies can also be prone to certain diseases, including obesity, certain infections (see our November 2024 post on Macrorhabdus), reproductive disease, and cancer. For this reason, it’s important to work closely with an avian veterinarian for regular health checkups and reliable husbandry and diet information. These adorable birds are packed with personality and charm. The budgie certainly deserves its own spotlight within the realm of psittacine aviculture! 

Content and photo contribution courtesy of Shelby Parks, DVM

Owning ducks has become more and more popular, especially amongst backyard chicken enthusiasts! Their eggs are large and rich, bringing more flavor to your table, plus domestic ducks make adorable additions to an aviculturist’s collection! For beginners or seasoned aviculturists looking for new birds, we wanted to showcase some of the best breeds of domestic ducks for egg laying.

It is important to note that ducks will require a pond or pool of some sort, but the extra husbandry is certainly worth year-round egg laying! Domestic subspecies like Indian Runner ducks, Welsh Harlequins, Magpies, and Khaki Campbell will lay up to 300 eggs a year. Magpies in particular can live up to twelve years old, are great sitters, and are generally not broody layers. If you’re looking for colorful eggs, though, Indian Runner ducks and Welsh Harlequins may be better suited! Indian Runner ducks lay blue and green eggs that contain one of the highest protein contents of any duck species. These sweet-natured ducks are also excellent pest control, eating bugs, snails, and slugs in their environment. Welsh Harlequins also produce blue and white eggs, but they are better suited for meat production than Indian Runner ducks despite still being labeled “light class” for their smaller size. If you live in a colder climate, Khaki Campbell ducks may be the breed for you! These birds can survive extreme heat and freezing conditions, lay around 280 eggs a year, and provide excellent meat if desired.

Hopefully this brief overview will spark our aviculturists’ interests in raising their own ducks! Be sure to check out AAV’s handout on Caring for Ducks, available in several languages on our Bird Owner Resources page!
https://www.aav.org/birdowners

Aviculturists know the ins and outs of how to “bird-proof” a home for our sensitive avian companions, but it’s also important to know what to look for in your birds should they come into contact with common toxins. It is no secret that parrots can be a bit mischievous, chewing and picking up things they shouldn’t to get our attention. Although this may come across as endearing at times, this behavior could quickly result in an emergency if they get ahold of the wrong thing. Veterinarians commonly see pet birds present with neurologic and gastrointestinal signs after ingesting lead from jewelry, blinds, furniture, toys, zippers, or other everyday items. This can cause your bird to experience diarrhea, regurgitation, lethargy, instability, weakness, or even seizures as the bird’s gastrointestinal tract digests the metal and releases it into their bloodstream. Zinc, another metal, can be found on galvanized items such as toys, keys, wires, and pennies that when ingested can result in similar clinical signs.

What if your bird has some of these neurologic and gastrointestinal signs, but the onset was slow over time rather than an immediate change? Maybe the metal has been sitting in their ventriculus all this time releasing toxic compounds, or they consumed a less common toxic substance, like lead paint! In older homes, lead paint remnants are a serious, albeit sometimes forgotten, danger to our avian roommates. This can be tricky to diagnose without obvious metallic objects on a radiograph, but worth mentioning!

With the growth of social media and online communities, aviculturists have become a source of information for people seeking to acquire their first bird. In conjunction with avian veterinarians, together we can ensure all bird owners are educated on household toxins to establish safe environments for our birds!

Avian gastric yeast should be considered in any bird that shows gastrointestinal signs. Birds infected with M. ornithogaster may present with vomiting, regurgitation, diarrhea, weight loss, or even sudden death within a population. These signs are quite alarming, so it’s important to monitor your birds’ fecal production during daily cleanings and feeding routines.

If you do see any of the aforementioned clinical signs know you can contact your avian veterinarian for help! To diagnose a bird with M. ornithogaster, fecal gram stains and fecal floats can be performed to try and visualize the organism. Microscopically, M. ornithogaster is long, slender, slightly curved to straight rods that round off at the end and stain gram positive if stain is added. Other options to diagnose an infection include fecal PCR, fecal cultures, or postmortem histopathology of any deceased birds from the aviary. 

It’s important for aviculturists to know M. ornithogaster is easily transmitted between birds, and that birds who do recover may relapse and potentially continue to shed the organism in their feces. However, with successful treatment rapid cessation of shedding and resolution of clinical signs can be achieved. Currently, treating with amphotericin B at 100 mg/kg by mouth twice daily for 14 days has been successful in achieving these goals. Ultimately, discuss treatment and biosecurity with your avian veterinarian to protect your birds, aviculturists! 
 
 

Any aviculturist of backyard poultry is likely to be familiar with the problem of aggressive pecking between chickens. To effectively tackle this issue, it is essential to understand the underlying reason for the behavior. 

So, why are my chickens pecking at each other? Some pecking behavior is normal – this is how chickens communicate with each other and investigate their surroundings. Typically, one or two hens will establish a dominant position in the flock, and those dominant individuals may peck and pluck other birds occasionally to maintain the hierarchy. 

Pecking becomes a problem when it escalates to aggression and causes trauma to other birds. This can escalate further within a flock as chickens learn from and copy each other, so aggressive pecking begets worsening pecking by others in the flock. 

A common factor in the escalation of pecking behavior is the environment. Are the birds bored? Do they have enough enrichment in their environment? Pecking often worsens in the fall and winter months, when birds are spending more time inside the coop. Are the chickens too crowded? To reduce stress from overcrowding, aim for a minimum of 4 square feet indoors and 10 square feet outdoors per bird. Do the birds have to compete for water or feeder access? Is there activity or threats outside of the coop that are causing stress? Have new birds been introduced? It takes time for the social hierarchy to reestablish after being thrown off-balance. Investigating the unique environment and social dynamics of each flock will often unearth the underlying cause for the behavior. 

Some ideas for keeping your flock entertained (and keeping their minds off pecking!) include adding elements to the coop, such as logs, branches, and chicken swings. A wide variety of chicken toys sold online can be used to spice up the coop. Products like “flock blocks,” treats (such as corn kernels) frozen in ice, or whole food items such as melons and squashes, may redirect pecking behavior towards a food source and away from their flockmates.

Lastly, don’t forget that chickens need baths, too! Clean feathers can reduce the amount of pecking between flockmates, and dust bathing is a natural chicken behavior that is essential to maintaining their welfare. To create a chicken bath, provide a container at least 12 inches deep, 15 inches wide and 24 inches long, and combine an equal blend of sand, wood ash and natural soil. 

With persistent and patience, any aviculturist can troubleshoot aggressive pecking in their backyard flock!

#amazingaspectsofaviculture

What is brooding?
If one of your hens is spending excessive time in her nest box, plucking her chest or abdominal feathers, and acting more aggressive she might be broody! In actively laying hens, broodiness is the term used to describe maternal behavior in response to hormone increases because the hen is attempting to hatch her eggs. This can be brought on by environmental conditions such as warm weather, eggs accumulating in the nesting box, decreased light exposure, or the presence of baby chicks in your group. Some breeds are more predisposed to these behaviors such as Cochins, Silkies, and Buff Orpingtons so be sure to do research before picking up new breeds!

Not wanting to raise chicks?
If you aren’t wanting chicks or don’t have a rooster around to fertilize any eggs, let’s discuss some ways to avoid broodiness or help a hen break out of it! To help avoid broody hens, remove eggs out of the nesting boxes each day and keep the hens out of the nesting box after they laid for the day if possible
You can try leaving her to sit over her eggs for the normal 21 day period before moving her, and she should break out of it naturally. Another option would be to physically move her out of the box each time you find her nesting, even block it off completely, and return her to the rest of the chickens.

What can you do for a brooding hen?
Make sure to check on her daily if you do opt to let her sit for 21 days. She may come out of the brood earlier if she isn’t one to normally nest, but she will still need water and food brought to her. Additionally, sitting still for multiple days in warmer weather may predispose her to ectoparasites and fly strike! Keep a close eye on any nesting girls for these reasons, aviculturists.

Falconry has a place in many cultures, but this avicultural practice also possesses an important role in conservation for raptor species. This “sport of kings” began as a means of obtaining food centuries ago in the Middle East and has remained a unifying artform, pastime, and passion across the world. In the aviculture community, falconers and licensed raptor rehabilitators are steady advocates for birds of prey and their environments, helping educate communities on their importance and streamline reintroductions of endangered species, such as the saker falcon in Mongolia or the peregrine falcon in North America. 

The saker falcon (Falco cherrug) was named Mongolia’s national bird in 2012, and like the peregrine, this bird is revered for its speed and agility, but remains an endangered red list species. Saker falcons represent freedom to Mongolian cultures and these nomadic falconers consider the falcons central to their traditional means of hunting. They represent freedom and endurance to the Mongolian government. Saker falcons are one of the largest falcon species, with some females being over a kilogram in weight! They have a notoriously piercing call that can be heard throughout the cliffs and grasslands they typically inhabit. Despite this species' ability to survive the varying Mongolian environments, as well as migrate across country lines in the winter, they still fall victim to habitat degradation, illegal trade, scarce food sources, and electrocution. The saker falcon's story echoes that of the peregrine's quite closely, as well as many other avian species that face the challenges of human encroachment. What sets these falcons apart is the communities that value them so dearly, and the conservationists that seek to protect their nation’s symbol and its habitat. 

Falconers in the Arab Peninsula and Mongolia seek to protect wild populations of saker falcons by using only captive bred individuals for their sport. Additionally, the push to condemn illegal trafficking of this species is a priority amongst falconers. The Mongolian Nest Project provided nesting places in areas the birds were previously unable to inhabit due to the loss of natural niches. Finally, educating the public continues to be an effective means of adding value to species conservation, and saker falcons act as a natural pest control for farmers. Aviculturists in the falconer world are using their unique skills to actively work towards mitigating climate change and negative human impacts to preserve this amazing species.

Did you know...

AAV offers a series of educational handouts on medical issues in falcons to our members through the AAV Publications Library.

Topics include:

• Aspergillosis in Falconry Birds
• Avian Pox Infection in Falconry Birds
• Falcon Herpesvirus Hepatitis
• Lead Toxicosis in Falconry Birds
• Newcastle Disease in Falcons
• Pododermatitis in Raptors

AAV also offers a series of online courses on raptor medicine through the AAV Online Education Portal.  These are available at no cost to AAV members. 

• A Novel Technique for Femur Fracture Repair
  
• Acute Toxicity After the Administration of High Doses of Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) in Falcons
  
• Anatomical Radiology
  
• Beak and Talon Trimming
  
• Endoscopy in Falcons
  
• Falcon Physical and Clinical Examination
  
• Feather Repair
  
• Introduction to Radiology
  
• Orthopedic Surgery in Falcons
  
• Point-of-Care Blood Gases & Critical Care Blood Chemistry & Haematology Reference Values in Captive Gyr Falcons
  
• Newcastle Disease in Falcons in the Middle East
  
• The Basics of Raptor Care
• And more!

Photo credit: Spix's Macaw. Photo by Danny Ye, Shutterstock.

The Spix’s macaw (Cyanopsitta spixii), or little blue macaw, was declared extinct in the wild in 2019 after facing decades of decline. This species of macaw is native to a specific region of Brazil known as the caatinga, a semi-arid tropical shrubland and thorn forest that comprises about 10% of Brazil. The success of the Spix’s macaw is even further constrained by their dependence on a specific type of tree, the caraibeira tree, for food and nesting sites. Human activity (specifically livestock farming) drastically reduced this already limited range. Invasive Africanized honeybees further challenged the macaws’ success by competing for nesting sites within the caraibeira trees. Throughout the late 1900’s, illegal poaching for the pet trade was the final contributing factor towards their extinction in the wild. 

The Spix’s macaw’s bleak future began to turn around when the blockbuster animated film “Rio,” released in 2011, drew international attention to this species and spurred conservation efforts. In 2018, the President of Brazil signed a decree that established both the Blue Macaw Wildlife Refuge and the Blue Macaw Environmental Protection Area. Captive breeding programs (located in Brazil, Belgium, and Germany) have faced multiple hurdles in building a sustainable and healthy population of Spix’s macaws. One of which was a fatal infectious disease called Avian Bornavirus (ABV), which is the known etiological agent of proventricular dilatation disease (also known as macaw wasting disease). This disease had to be selectively bred out of the captive population. In addition, scientists had to overcome the genetic bottleneck of developing a captive breeding program from only seven birds. And of course, parrots are some of the most intelligent and opinionated animals on Earth! Avian artificial insemination protocols had to be adapted to the Spix’s macaws in order to overcome their choosiness for mates. This ensured that all future birds would have maximum genetic diversity. 

Once a healthy population was established in captivity, aviculturists then had to figure out how to teach captive-bred birds how to succeed in the wild. In March of 2020, Spix’s macaws bred in Germany were sent to a “parrot school” in Brazil – this facility was designed to teach the birds strong flight skills and wild parrot behavior. On June 11th, 2022, eight Spix’s macaws were soft-released near this facility alongside a supporting group of eight Illiger’s blue-winged macaws (another species of parrot still found wild in the caatinga). Following the success of this first release, another group of twelve were released in December of 2022. 

Unfortunately, the project has faced new challenges since the successful releases in 2022. Political differences between the program’s branch in Germany and the Brazilian government have temporarily stalled future releases. In addition, climate change has made parts of the caatinga more arid (desert-like), making it more difficult for the birds to survive and thrive after release. However, there is still an abundance of hope for this project. Efforts are underway to reforest the more arid regions of the caatinga to create a more suitable habitat for the macaws. The released birds have even begun breeding in the wild – with at least one clutch raised successfully to fledging! Though there are still many challenges to come in the reestablishment of this species, its success thus far would not have been possible without the dedication and hard work of hundreds of aviculturists!

References: 

• https://daily.jstor.org/the-rise-and-fall-of-the-pet-bird/
  
• https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/presidents-their-parrots/
  
• https://be.chewy.com/parrot-history-yesterday-today/
  
• https://ornithology.com/a-brief-history-of-parrots/#:~:text=Parrots%20were%20domesticated%20by%20the,Alexandrine%20Parrot%2C%20back%20to%20Greece.
  
• https://news.mongabay.com/2020/09/for-brazils-most-trafficked-parrot-the-poaching-is-relentless/
  
• https://cites.org/eng/disc/what.php
  
• https://www.parrotfunzone.com/explore-parrots/parrots-in-history
  
  

In recent years, production poultry farmers have had to adapt and respond to the new challenges brought by the highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) outbreak. What can urban and suburban poultry aviculturists do to protect their flocks from HPAI? There are many ways to monitor your flock’s health from your own backyard and maintain biosecurity on a smaller scale! The University of Minnesota recommends eliminating wildlife exposure, quarantining new birds, and instilling equipment sanitization protocols to start. These include keeping your enclosures covered and cleaning up any excess feed to avoid attracting wild waterfowl, which are the natural carriers of this virus. Practicing frequent hand washing, routine cleaning of feeders and waterers, and designating a pair of shoes just for working with your poultry can also improve your flock’s biosecurity. As always, be vigilant for signs of illness in your birds, including sudden respiratory, neurologic, or gastrointestinal signs, which may be indicative of this fatal disease. With the right information, urban and suburban aviculturists can protect their flocks and help reduce the spread of HPAI. See AAV’s “Avian Influenza Resources” page for the most up-to-date information and shareable handouts! 

Careful attention to perch selection is important. For example, the perch on the left has Astroturf that extends down the sides so that the entire perching surface is softer, The image on the right shows an example of stage 3 bumblefoot. Image credit: Victoria Joseph, DVM, DABVP (Avian Practice)

A common issue seen in captive raptors, particularly those that have lost their ability to fly, is a disease process involving their feet called bumblefoot. Bumblefoot, or pododermatitis, is inflammation of the bottom of birds’ feet from excessive weight bearing. The classic lesions begin as circular reddened pressure sores, but without preventative care they can develop into abscesses, ulcers or bone infections which can severely affect a captive raptors’ quality of life. Raptors aren’t the only ones at risk though! Chickens, waterfowl, and psittacines can develop these abscess-like lesions with poor diet, obesity, and improper husbandry.

To reduce risk of bumblefoot for captive raptors, aviculturists provide a variety of sizes and shapes of perches as well as covering surfaces with astroturf/carpeting or utilizing natural tree branches in enclosures. This helps birds redistribute their weight when they’re standing for prolonged periods. In the hospital, perches can be wrapped with bandage tape or vet wrap to create padding and different widths to diversify their foot placement. 

If you have a bird with beginning signs of bumblefoot, here are a few ways to prevent the lesions from progressing: make sure their diet has adequate vitamin A, increase exercise, alter perching materials as previously described, and reduce the bird's weight if obesity is a concern. Severe bumblefoot lesions may require medical intervention, such as bandaging or surgery, so all aviculturists should be aware of this common issue!

For more information on bumblefoot in raptors, parrots, and poultry/waterfow. , see the handouts below in the Publication Library (members only). Not an AAV member? Learn more about membership here.

The Rhode Island Red chicken is a favorite amongst backyard poultry owners. Known as a dual-purpose breed, Reds can produce high quality and quantity of both eggs and meat. They are known for their prolific egg laying; each hen can lay up to 200-300 medium to large, light brown eggs per year! Unlike many other breeds, Reds often will continue to lay even in times of stress or on substandard feed (although this is not recommended). The Rhode Island Red originated in – you guessed it – Rhode Island in the late 1800’s. Originally produced from the pairing of a Malay rooster with Brown Leghorn hens, this breed has exploded in popularity and is now seen all around the world. Hens are typically exuberant, curious, and friendly, while the roosters can be particularly aggressive. While they tend do well in confinement, these ladies love to forage for insects, seeds, and even small vertebrates. This hardy, adaptable breed is ideal for the small-flock aviculturist!

Backyard poultry is a booming area of aviculture that brings many unique challenges and situations associated with small-scale agriculture in densely populated areas. Aviculturists keeping small flocks of fowl for meat and/or eggs are providing a local and sustainable food source while benefiting from the companionship of an amazing avian species. Chickens are also known to produce excellent fertilizer to support urban farms or gardens and reduce populations of pests such as ticks and roaches. While there are many benefits to keeping backyard poultry, urban and suburban aviculturists also must consider the health and safety implications for their neighbors. General guidelines, as written by the University of Wisconsin Extension Division, include keeping outdoor animal enclosures at least 150 feet away from property lines, always containing your birds to your own property, storing feed in rodent-proof containers, and designing enclosures to provide a minimum of 1 square foot of space per pound of body weight. Specific requirements are typically regulated at the local level through county and city ordinances and zoning. For those looking to begin individual urban agriculture by keeping poultry, compliance with local regulations and permitting are of the utmost importance for maintaining a healthy flock that is beneficial for both the owner and the surrounding environment. For dedicated aviculturists in urban and suburban environments, poultry can provide an excellent source of food security, community engagement, and companionship!

Turkeys have been intrinsically linked with the holiday season for nearly 200 years. So where did this tradition come from? Many attribute the origin of the Thanksgiving turkey to American author and activist Sarah Josepha Hale, who was the first female editor of a magazine. Hale was a prolific writer during the early 1800’s, influencing many of the attitudes and thoughts of women during this time. In 1827, Hale campaigned to establish Thanksgiving as a United States national holiday in an effort to unify the country as it neared the civil war. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as an official holiday. By the early 1900’s, advances in agriculture made turkey a widely accessible feature of Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday meals, as well as staple protein in the diets of many Americans. Today, the top turkey-producing states in the US include Minnesota, North Carolina, Arkansas, Indiana, Missouri, Virginia, Iowa, and California. The National Turkey Federation, founded in 1940, works closely with turkey producers and veterinarians to develop and maintain Standards of Conduct and Animal Care Guidelines to ensure that animal welfare standards are upheld across the industry. For many Americans today, turkey is an essential feature of the holidays and a reliable and affordable product at the grocery store – all made possible by aviculture! 

Check out AAV's client education handout on Pigeon Husbandry located on our Bird Owner Resources page to learn more! 

For avian veterinarians in clinical practice, store-bought psittacines will be our most commonly seen patients. Veterinarians are trained to take this crucial piece of patient history into consideration when formulating a differential diagnosis list. Many of our clients are unaware of the infectious diseases their pet may have been exposed to before purchase, or the preventative measures that have already been implemented to protect their pet from disease. For example, many larger pet stores require all psittacines to be vaccinated against Polyomavirus before purchase. 

Polyomavirus can be transmitted between birds by direct contact or via fomites. This disease primarily affects younger birds, which is why vaccination is so important for aviculturists who breed and keep young psittacines. Unfortunately, polyomavirus can result in 100% mortality in young birds, and often death will occur rapidly with no preceding clinical signs. If clinical signs are observed, these can include lethargy, anorexia, weight loss, delayed crop emptying, regurgitation, changes in feces, dehydration, dyspnea (trouble breathing), coelomic distension, skin hemorrhages, and tremors, followed by death. However, some birds will survive infection and continue to spread the virus as asymptomatic carriers. Budgerigars are unique for what’s known as “French molt,” which is a type of feather dystrophy (abnormality) that can occur after surviving Polyomavirus infection as a young budgie. For veterinarians working directly with breeders, keep Polyomavirus on your differential list if a client is reporting sudden deaths of young birds. Thankfully, the vaccine provides good protection to a variety of psittacine species, making this disease uncommon in the clinical setting but still very important for all aviculturists to be aware of!

Marek’s disease is a ubiquitous poultry disease that many aviculturists, poultry producers and backyard flock owners alike, must consider. Marek’s is caused by a herpesvirus, and we all know that herpes is forever! This virus can result in latent infections in chickens and may also produce asymptomatic carriers. It is shed in feather dander and oronasal secretions and is highly contagious between birds. Clinically, there are four forms of Marek’s disease: cutaneous, neural, ocular, and visceral. In each form, the virus causes mutation of white blood cells into neoplastic cells in the various tissues. For avian veterinarians seeing pet chickens in the clinic, keep this disease in mind especially for birds presenting at ages 12-30 weeks, which is when clinical disease is most common. Unfortunately, there is no effective treatment for Marek’s and the disease is almost always fatal. Therefore, poultry producers and chicken owners can protect their birds only through vaccination and good biosecurity measures. While the vaccine does not prevent infection, it mitigates disease and reduces mortality. Live attenuated vaccine is administered in ovo at days 17-19 of incubation. Alternatively, chicks can be vaccinated subcutaneously at hatch. For backyard poultry owners, it is recommended to purchase from a hatchery that vaccinates for Marek’s or be prepared to vaccinate your chicks immediately upon arrival. The vaccine can take up to two weeks to be protective, so keeping chicks separated from older birds is recommended. If not vaccinated in ovo or at hatching, the vaccine can be administered later in life though it may be less efficacious as unvaccinated birds have likely already been exposed to the virus. Marek’s disease prevention is just one aspect of how aviculturists protect and care for their birds. 

AAV members, visit our Golden Egg on Backyard Poultry Medicine to download a client education handout on this disease. https://www.aav.org/page/poultry

The California Condor Recovery Program was established by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service in 1979 after the California condor was declared an endangered species. This program was developed with the goal of improving the species status from endangered to threatened by mitigating threats to wild condors and promoting captive breeding. Unfortunately, by 1982, there were only 22 condors left in the wild. To prevent extinction, the decision was made to capture all surviving wild condors for breeding in captivity. 

Through the work of many of governmental and non-governmental organizations, international partners, and Tribes, the California Condor Recovery Program successfully raised the total population of wild condors to over 300 birds! Captive breeding efforts are still ongoing at several locations, including the Los Angeles Zoo, the San Diego Zoo, the Oregon Zoo, the World Center for Birds of Prey, and the Chapultepec Zoo in Mexico. 

The reestablishment of wild condors is a conservation success story and is an excellent example of how aviculture can make a direct positive impact on our environment. Captive breeding, avian research, and health management programs will continue to be essential in the future of this species as the condors battle the current HPAI outbreak. Follow updates on the condors’ health and the work that is being done to manage HPAI in birds of prey at the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service website (fws.gov). 

As backyard chickens become increasingly popular, veterinarians are more likely to encounter these birds (and their parasites!) in the clinic. As with any pet, the first step for adequate parasite prevention is educating owners on the importance and principles of biosecurity. New birds should undergo a quarantine period, and immature birds should be separated from older, hardier hens.

Chickens can be hosts to a variety of ectoparasites and endoparasites. The most common ectoparasites include poultry lice and mites such as the red poultry mite and northern fowl mite, both of which are zoonotic and can cause dermatitis in humans. Common endoparasites include coccidia, roundworms, and capillarids. Coccidia is a frequent cause of significant morbidity and mortality in backyard chickens, and routine screening and treatment should be considered.

Owners of backyard chickens are aviculturists! The avian veterinarian plays an essential role in ensuring the long-term health and productivity of these flocks through adequate and appropriate parasite control.

#amazingaspectsofaviculture #backyardchickens 

The Species Survival Plan (SSP) Program is one application of aviculture that serves to conserve and promote avian populations. Organizations accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums participate in SSPs by managing captive breeding plans to maintain healthy, genetically diverse populations of threatened and endangered species. Many of the world’s most charismatic avian species are managed through SSPs, including the California condor, grey crowned crane, burrowing owl, and roseate spoonbill! Each SSP is managed by a Taxon Advisory Group, which is made up of experts across multiple institutions who work together to ensure optimal breeding pairs. SSPs are a great example of how aviculture helps to build biologically sound avian populations!

#amazingaspectsofaviculture

Falconry is the art of keeping, training, and hunting with birds of prey. This ancient sport is one of the oldest applications of aviculture that we can document – prehistoric cave paintings may have depicted falconry work, and stone inscriptions portraying falconers have been dated to the 13th century BCE. 

Depending on the country, falconers may legally trap wild birds of prey, or they must obtain birds bred in captivity. Many checks and balances are in place to ensure that falconry birds are procured and kept ethically. Becoming a Master Falconer requires a minimum of seven years of training, and in the US, beginner falconers must apprentice under an experienced falconer for two years before acquiring their own young or captive-bred bird. 

After a season in training, many falconers will release their birds back into the wild in peak physical condition with the skills to successfully hunt prey for a lifetime. As a private practitioner, you may have falconers bring you their birds to ensure top health before release. 

Looking to learn more about falconry? The North American Falconers Association is the largest membership organization for falconry in the world!

Aviculture has been influencing our traditions for hundreds of years - egg dyeing dates back to the 13th century! Though in the typical Easter holiday depiction an egg-laying rabbit is the maker of these decorative eggs, we know that this practice can only be maintained today thanks to the poultry industry. The United States alone produced 109.5 billion eggs in 2022! Commercial egg production is one application of aviculture that keeps food on the table and maintains our cultural traditions, like dyeing eggs for Easter. 

So how are eggs made anyway?

Egg development begins when the forming yolk is released from the ovary into the infundibulum of the oviduct. The yolk then moves down the oviduct and enters the magnum, where the protein albumen creates the white of the egg. The forming egg spins as it moves down the oviduct, forming the chalazae (the white stringy structures on either side of the yolk), which keep the yolk suspended in the center of the egg. The egg then passes through the isthmus, where it gains inner and outer shell membranes. Finally, the formation of the eggshell takes place over several hours in the uterus of the bird, also known as the shell gland. Not quite as magical as an egg-laying rabbit, but fascinating nonetheless! 

Aviculture is the practice of keeping and breeding birds. It is an all-encompassing term that includes everything from avian research to falconry, private psittacine breeding, and poultry production! Even for those who don’t work or live with birds every day, aviculture is an important part of life as we know it. Imagine a trip to the grocery store where there are no eggs and no chicken breasts, or a Thanksgiving meal with no turkey! For avian veterinarians, aviculture is the foundation of our trade – without aviculture, we would be without our favorite patients. In this blog we will explore the many avenues of aviculture and how it impacts our lives as bird lovers and caregivers. 

Birds in captivity are not just for hobby and it is not a new trend in the last few decades. There have been records to indicate that birds have been kept in captivity as far back as 2000 years B.C. This was the foundation for the poultry industry as birds were being used for food (meat and eggs), but they were kept for entertainment as well. Can you imagine how our lives would be different today, if we had to “hunt” a chicken every time you wanted to prepare a meal for your family?

Certainly, the domestication of jungle fowl and subsequent aviculture has had one of the most significant impacts on the lives of humankind today.

In entertainment, history is littered with royalty that were fascinated with birds in their menageries from all over the world. Additionally, in the sporting industry pigeons and raptors can be found. Primarily in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, people have hunted with trained raptors or even kept them for sport, for many centuries. Pigeons have been bred and kept in aviculture for racing; they have used their homing skills for message delivery for over 2000 years. They were even used during wars to carry these messages and they were known as war pigeons. 

Photo credit: Unknown - Harper's New Monthly Magazine, No. 275, April, 1873.

Citation: http://afabirds.org/

Aviculture is the practice of keeping and breeding birds, especially of wild birds in captivity.^[1] Aviculture is generally focused on not only the raising and breeding of birds, but also on preserving avian habitat, and public awareness campaigns. Aviculture has a broad definition and can include anyone who keep birds as pets, breeds birds as a hobby or a business, to include even raising chickens for selling their eggs or meat. 

We invite you to subscribe to this new blog and follow AAV's social media for more great information about aviculture!

1.     https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aviculture

Resources: 

American Federation of Aviculture