ABSTRACT
Composed of more than 10,000 species of birds, the class Aves is extremely diverse. There is a dearth of information on the basic physiological and behavioral needs of many species, and the husbandry requirements of most are not well defined. The wide variation in species makes it impractical to offer specific recommendations in this work that will address all situations. Instead, the information provided herein contains general considerations and recommendations for animal facilities and is not meant to serve as a comprehensive guide for avian husbandry programs. When working with an unfamiliar avian species, the reader is advised to research the birds’ natural environment and to mimic these conditions as closely as possible. See Chapter 6: Resources, for commercially available housing options and products.
