Comparison of two regimes for artifically incubating kiwi eggs

Kiwi hatching success and chick survival were compared under two incubation protocols and two chick-rearing procedures, to fine-tune the procedure and determine best practice in terms of hatching rate, chick survival and growth. Analysis of the combined 1998/1999 and 1999/2000 data show 10 live chicks from 12 eggs incubated under Protocol 1, compared with 7 live chicks from 13 eggs under Protocol 2, suggesting that the old incubation protocol (Protocol 1) is more successful than the new one (Protocol 2). This impression is misleading because there were more cracked eggs in Protocol 2 (8 from 13) than in Protocol 1 (4 from 11) that may have contributed to several embryo deaths under Protocol 2. Two embryos placed into Protocol 2 were severely deformed (almost certainly prior to removal from the wild) and would not have survived under any protocol. When these factors are taken into account, there appears to be little difference between the success rates of the two protocols. There was no significant difference in the average length of artificial incubation between Protocol 1 (old) and Protocol 2 (new). There was also little difference in the duration of hatching between the two, or in chick hatch weight. Modifications needed to define the best protocol include: Improve egg recovery and transportation to reduce the number of cracked eggs arriving at Rainbow. Continue to modify and improve one standard artificial incubation protocol to attempt to minimise the time chicks spend hatching, and also assess the benefits of forced air incubation. Improve the palatability and nutrient content of the artificial diet to reduce the time taken for chicks to regain hatch weight. Transfer chicks to outside pens at 400 g when possible. Release chicks to the wild as soon as possible after they reach 1000 g.