Humane Disposal of Myna Birds

Treatment

• Always use gloves when handling live or dead birds as wild birds may carry disease. 
• Any traps used are to be designed specifically for Indian Mynas and to have a mechanism to allow immediate release of any native birds. 
• The traps are to contain food and clean water for any trapped birds. 
• The birds are not to be exposed to undue stress while trapped. 
• Avoid manhandling or approaching the traps too frequently. 
• Trapped Indian Mynas are to be disposed of in a reasonable period (within two days), rather than kept captive for days on end. 
• If decoy birds are used in traps, they and any trapped birds are to have access to adequate food, clean water, shelter and shade. 
• Traps are to be checked morning and evening 
• The birds are not to be treated cruelly or left in harsh conditions: please observe the requirements of the Animal Welfare Act 1992 

Disposal 

• The method used for doing away with trapped birds is to be quick, painless, and stress-free 
• Acceptable euthanising methods in most Australian states include gassing with carbon dioxide or carbon monoxide(# which can be produced by petrol car engine exhausts). 

# Rules & regulations are constantly changing. The NSW Department of Primary  Industries have recently outlawed this practice in NSW suggesting the exhausts can cause severe irritation before death. Please check with your relevant state body if you require more information in this regard.

 

 If using carbon monoxide via engine exhaust, use a car with a cold engine; do not use diesel vehicles. Place the containment chamber with the trapped birds in anear-airtight  bag or box, connect a grey water hose / pipe from the car exhaust pipe into the bag / box and run the cold car for a minute or so. The birds should be unconscious within 10-15 seconds and dead within 30-40 seconds. If it takes longer than 30-40 seconds for the birds to die peacefully there is something wrong with your technique.

• It is preferred that cervical dislocation (breaking their necks) is not used, except by qualified professionals and then is to be instantaneous, with minimal handling of the birds.  
• Dead birds are to be disposed of in a hygienic and environmentally sound way 
• We stress that you should contact your local council to check on rules and regulations for your area and/or the nearest RSPCA for more details on disposal methods. Some branches of the RSPCA have agreed to euthanize and dispose of trapped birds free of charge. 

Not sure of the regulations in your area? Contact you local Indian Myna action group.