A Kiwi Health Check-up

The Forest Bridge Trust staff recently had the unique opportunity to learn from their colleague Paula, a newly qualified Kiwi handler. Paula, joined by two experienced Kiwi handlers from Kaipara Kiwi, conducted a health check on Eddie, a kiwi from the Maitaia population. This observational session offered invaluable insights into kiwi handling and health assessment.

The process began with locating and securing Eddie, a task handled calmly and professionally by the trio. With the bird safely in hand, the health check commenced, focusing on several key areas:

Initial Observation

The handlers started with a visual examination, observing Eddie’s posture, gait, respiration, and overall alertness. This hands-off approach minimizes stress and provides an initial snapshot of the bird’s health.

Full Body Scan

The next step was a thorough physical examination. The team checked Eddie for a brood patch (indicating if he had been sitting on an egg), assessed the bird’s back for signs of malnourishment, and looked for any obvious abnormalities or health concerns. Feather condition and the presence of external parasites like ticks or lice were also evaluated. The kiwi’s skin was carefully inspected for signs of trauma or dermatitis. As Eddie was missing facial feathers, further investigation is being carried out by Kaipara Kiwi.

Weight and Measurements

Eddie was then weighed to monitor overall health and detect potential issues. Measuring the bill length provided additional clues to the bird’s sex, as female kiwi generally have longer bills than males. While determining the sex of young kiwi can be challenging, these measurements are crucial for long-term tracking and conservation efforts.

Microchipping

Since Eddie lacked a microchip, one was inserted under the wing. Microchipping is a permanent form of identification that allows conservationists to track individual birds if they are caught again. This step also enables the team to document family lineage, linking young kiwi to their parents and monitoring survival rates.

Feather Sampling

In some cases, pin feathers are collected to determine the bird’s sex. While this isn’t always necessary, it can be helpful for identifying young kiwi, as only males are banded.

The session concluded with a deeper appreciation for the meticulous care and expertise required in kiwi conservation. For the Forest Bridge Trust team, learning from Paula and the Kaipara Kiwi handlers was an inspiring reminder of the importance of their work in protecting New Zealand’s treasured wildlife.

With the help of funding partners like Save the Kiwi and DOC and support from local communities and land owners The Forest Bridge Trust continues to build a thriving corridor from west to east coasts where native species like the kiwi can flourish, ensuring these iconic birds are safeguarded for future generations.