FEATURE
tail. This species is rarely seen in zoos and Germany-wide can only be seen at Weltvogelpark.
Hummingbirds have special requirements in their environment and much thought was put into their housing in the new breeding centre at Weltvogelpark Walsrode. Many factors are constantly regulated and the room is kept as sterile as possible, as pathogens can be a very serious danger to the birds. The temperature as well as daylight are artificially controlled, the water used is specially filtered and a sprinkling system especially adapted to the needs of the hummingbirds regulates the air humidity.
In the breeding centre the hummingbirds are kept at a temperature of 26°C by day which is reduced to 17 to 20 °C during the night. The humidity in the enclosures is 60 – 70 %. To give the birds a good start into the day, the dawn is controlled automatically. Shortly after 8 am the basic lighting is slowly increased and half an hour later UV- daylight-lamps are turned on as well. After twelve hours, shortly after 8 pm, the artificial dusk is started and the lamps are phased down to 0% within one hour. During the night their room is completely dark to give the birds the necessary period of rest.
The birds in the breeding centre are observed and cared for all day long
by dedicated keepers despite all the automation, because scientific work and documentation is an important part of the work of Weltvogelpark. The behaviour patterns of each bird are observed and recorded. The artificial nectar is prepared fresh twice daily - it consists of proteins, fats, carbohydrates as well as vitamins, which are strictly aligned to the needs of the birds. Free- hanging tube feeders in the enclosures are filled with fresh liquid nectar twice a day. Every 45 minutes hummingbirds need to feed on the nectar. During the breeding season the hummingbirds are additionally offered fruit flies, which they prefer for feeding their offspring. The breeding enclosures are densely planted and offer sufficient hiding places for these very sensitive birds. Fibres of these plants can also be used for nest building. Additionally, silk and cotton threads are provided as nesting material. It is important that the plants or silk cocoons are not chemically
BIRD SCENE 11
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