Free‐Living Waterfowl and Shorebirds

Waterfowl (ducks, geese, and swans) are aquatic birds within the family Anatidae, order Anseriformes. Shorebirds belong to the order Charadriiformes, of which three species of the family Scolopacidae are discussed in this chapter. The chapter focuses on respiratory control, monitoring, anticholinergics, vascular access, and field techniques on waterfowl and shorebirds. Obesity, a very common problem in domestic waterfowl, reduces tidal volume due to air sac compression. Birds at different stages of their life cycle have different anesthetic risks. A fast of 3-12 hours is recommended to empty the crop to reduce regurgitation and aspiration. Physical restraint is used in captive and wild birds if the procedure is of short duration, causes minimal pain or distress, and the holder is experienced.