f6098d8b__and_Use_of_Laboratory_Animals__Comments
[ID] 496 [Entry Date] 04/25/2011 at 11:55:27 AM [Affiliation] Self [Organization Name] West virginia University [Comments] 
Comment 1: I have one comment regarding the new Guide and this relates to the avian cage sizing description. It lists 0.8 sq ft per pigeon. Pigeons escape predation by out flying predators. I note that I've seen pigeons housed for 20 years (+) where the caging does not allow normal wing use (e. g. flapping exercise or flight) although the individual housing area exceeds 0.8 sq ft. To me, flapping is a normal behavior of flighted bird species in general, and pigeons in particular. Galliformes do much more running than flying when given the choice, so the guidelines might be more applicable to them. The USDA has a policy for bats that they be exercised in a flight to retain flying ability. While birds seem to retain their flight capabilities a bit more easily than bats, the Guide does little to explicitly address this issue. For example, the new version alludes to quality space, but provides no real guidance in this regard, especially when it is considered that a large number of birds may be used in long-term psychological studies where enrichment and group housing are disallowed for scientific reasons over months or even years. I have personally observed birds moved from smaller to larger cages become more responsive, active and to start flapping as regular exercise when adequate space is provided. For White Carneau pigeons, this is means providing at least 1 area dimension of ~30 inches. In any case, the difference in regulatory treatment between birds (PHS) and bats (USDA) seems like an inherent inconsistency for flighted species.
Listing of Public Comments on Proposed Adoption and Implementation of the Eighth Edition of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals