Changes in Environment and Management Practices Improve Foot Health in Zoo-Housed Flamingos
Foot lesions are a highly prevalent phenomenon among zoo-housed flamingos, with up to 99.8% of birds affected. These lesions are a recognized welfare concern, increasing the likelihood of bacterial infections, and even septicemia. Although several risk factors have been linked to foot lesions in flamingos (including age, climate, and substrate), there have been few studies […]
Effects of feeding enrichment on the behaviour and welfare of captive Waldrapps (Northern bald ibis) (Geronticus eremita)
One of the contributing factors leading to the development of serious foot problems such as bumblefoot (pododermatitis) in captive birds is an abnormally sedentary lifestyle. This study investigated the effects of feeding enrichment on the activity levels of a captive colony of seven Waldrapps or Northern bald ibis (Geronticus eremita) at Tilgate Nature Centre in […]
Evaluation of potential variables contributing to the development and duration of plantar lesions in a population of aquarium-maintained African penguins (Spheniscus demersus)
Bumblefoot (pododermatitis), often described as the most significant environmental disease of captive penguins, is commonly due to excessive pressure or trauma on the plantar surface of the avian foot, resulting in inflammation or necrosis and causing severe swelling, abrasions, or cracks in the skin. Although not formally evaluated in penguins, contributing factors for bumblefoot are […]
A Novel Approach to the Treatment of Bumblefoot in Penguins
Bumblefoot in penguins is a serious disease that, if left untreated, can lead to death. Although unproven in penguins, the cause may be analogous to that in raptors where environmental conditions and husbandry practices are central to the cause and prevention of the problem. We developed a treatment protocol for bumblefoot in penguins that involves […]
In search of the behavioural correlates of optical flow patterns in the automated assessment of broiler chicken welfare
Assessment of chicken welfare using camera surveillance of behaviour has great potential as a supplement to good stockmanship and as an aid to improving flock management. Suitable cameras are now readily available and the automated analysis of the lengthy video sequences from the cameras can be accomplished from statistical descriptors of the ‘optical flow’ patterns […]
The effect of fine granular sand on pododermatitis in captive greater flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Pododermatitis is a worldwide health and animal welfare problem in captive flamingos (Phoenicopteridae). Since sub-optimal substrate or flooring has been described as a factor in the development of pododermatitis in poultry and raptors, it is also suspected to play a role in flamingo foot health. Small groups of flamingos were separated from the main group […]