The laboratory building is being reconstructed in the rare birds nursery of Altai State University

The rare birds nursery of Altai State University "Altai-Falcon" continues the reconstruction of the laboratory complex. Its opening will solve several important issues at once: improving the process of breeding birds in captivity or artificially created conditions, conducting laboratory classes for students and improving the working conditions of the nursery staff. At the same time, the amenity premises are freed up, which, after reconstruction, can be used for breeding rodents as live food for birds.

The building that will house the laboratory has been used as a warehouse for many years. The builders had to almost completely reconstruct it. A new blind area was arranged, the building was insulated, sheathed with siding on the outside, new windows were inserted, water was supplied and a sewer was installed. The interior decoration is the next step.

The renovated building will house a reproduction laboratory, where all conditions will be created for the successful breeding of chicks. The incubators, which are now at the university, in building L will be moved there. The necessary air temperature and cleanliness will be maintained in the room. Thus, the laboratory located on the territory of the nursery will significantly simplify and improve the quality of the bird reproduction process, said Lidia Mendel, head of the laboratory.

"The most important thing is that the issue of transporting eggs will be resolved. Transportation is always a risk, because inside the egg there are cords that hold the yolk, and if shaken, they can be torn - then the fertilized zygote cell will not develop. While we have to accumulate eggs laid by birds, then take them to the university. Placing incubators within “walking distance” will reduce the time from the appearance of an egg to its laying for incubation, this is an important point,” said Lidia.

The building also provides accommodation for employees. Now they are in a small house with stove heating without running water. Initially, this building was conceived as a vivarium for breeding food animals.

“We hope that in the future we will indeed use the premises as a vivarium. Now we give the birds pre-frozen and then defrosted (thawed) feed - mainly day-old chicks. In nature, of course, they do not eat this. They catch prey, they do not eat it all, but pick the most tasty parts. Live, fresh food is difficult to replace with anything. And in conditions of captivity, the organization of good nutrition for birds is the key to success. For breeding pairs during the breeding season and young animals, live food is a mandatory addition to the main diet. Having a vivarium would solve this problem,” Lidia shared.

A classroom will be located on the second floor of the building under construction. The new classroom will allow laboratory and other classes to be held year-round.
The reconstruction of the laboratory building is planned be completed by November of this year. Employees hope that the new breeding season (it starts in March) will occur in new comfortable conditions.