HANDHELD EXAMINATION HOLDER FOR AVIAN HATCHLINGS, AND GENDER EXAMINATION PROCESS

摘要

A handheld, hatchling holder not simplifies manual examinations but alsobetterprotects the hatchling's welfare. The welfare concerns include not onlybruising but alsoyolk-sac rupture. The handheld, hatchling holder has a cupped seat portion forcuppingthe ventral-end of a hatchling. The cupped seat portion is apertured, as withan opening.The hatchling is seated on the handheld, hatchling holder such that the cuppedseatportion provides support to portions of the hatchling's perineal area thatsurrounds thealimentary vent (cloaca) as the alimentary vent is situated for exposure bythe opening.The holder and opening facilitates not only welfare-friendly discharge of themeconiumin the hatchling's alimentary vent through the opening but also welfare-friendlyexamination of the distended innards of the vent for markers of gender. Thequality ofthe meconium discharge (or absence thereof) also facilitates determiningwhether thehatchling exceeds a hydration standard or not.