Waterfowl of Chenoa, founded in 1980, has as a major goal the collection of at least one pair of each of the sixteen species of true geese and the six species of shelducks. The waterfowl associated with this goal are presented under True Geese: Anser Species, True Geese: Branta Species, and Shelducks. The true geese and shelducks serve as the focal point for field trips, although a significant number of Ducks are also observed. In addition to the birds of water, there are usually cochin bantams and standards, peafowl, and turkeys which also reside at Chenoa.

The collection presently includes all six species of the shelducks and all 16 species of true geese. Included among the 16 species of true geese are 27 of the 37 subspecies. The most recent additions are the Aleutian Canada, Atlantic Brant and Tule White-fronted. In order to maintain or extend the collection, Waterfowl of Chenoa is constantly trying to locate breeders of certain "textbook-type" representatives of waterfowl.

Waterfowl of Chenoa is a family project of the Field family, Maurice and Carla. In addition to the personal enjoyment received by the family, many boys and girls of West Tennessee have had an opportunity to see and study wildlife, waterfowl in particular, that they might not have been likely to see without this effort. As field trips have declined since the retirement from UT Martin of the Chenoa Waterfowl curator, attention has shifted more toward propagation of the species and an expansion of the virtual presentation of the waterfowl where physical presentation had previously been the high priority. Particular attention is being placed on the propagation of endangered species and the identification and propagation of sub species which may be lost for future generations due to less distinct migration patterns which may lead to interbreeding of the sub species.

Maurice Houston Field Curator at Waterfowl of Chenoa

Waterfowl of Chenoa has been constructed so that few adult birds are kept in small pens. Instead, the birds reside in large areas where the environment is as close to the wild as is possible under artificial conditions. This management decision makes possible wildlife study which simulates investigations that might be carried out in the natural state.

The facilities include a large lake area, two smaller lake areas, five small pond areas, an aviary for duck breeders, an aviary for growing out the hatchlings, some small pens for raising young birds and pairing adults. The office area of a former boarding kennel serves as the hatchery where the incubators are located. A separate building provides space for brooder areas. During the hatching season this area also serves as the "hardening" area for baby waterfowl as they become too large for the brooder, yet are not mature enough to be placed outside on a permanent basis.

This area is an enclosure of approximately 6.5 acres with a 2.5 acre lake. The fence is 42 inch chain link, hog ringed to a tightly stretched barbed wire at the bottom. Although repairs have been made by securing the chain link to the barbed wire by bending down a knuckle of the chain link, inserting the barbed wire and bending the knuckle back into position. A strand of electric fence is stretched along the top. The barbed wire aids in keeping digging intruders out of the enclosure, while the electric fence keeps climbers out. Since the waterfowl share the area with Pygmy goats, cross fences are built from the perimeter out into the lake on the south and north ends of the lake to prevent the goats from entering the west side of the area where trees and shrubs have been planted into islands of weeds to provide nesting sites.

Large Lake Area

The birds in this area have been pinioned (removal of the last section of one wing) to prevent them from flying. This makes the 42 inch fence sufficient to prevent them from escaping from the area, but 48" fencing is now preferred. Pinioning is required for all birds covered by the Migratory Waterfowl laws (Canada Geese, Wood Duck, etc.). The process of pinioning has been enhanced by the development of Chenoa Pinion-aid which originated at Chenoa and allows a bloodless transformation. In addition to pinioning, a Federal license and a State license are required to possess and/or dispose (sell) of birds covered by the Migratory Waterfowl laws.

The Pygmy goats serve as lawn mowers on the east side of the lake although the area is also mowed. These two actions provide better grazing for the geese, since the grass does not have a chance to become tall and mature. Guests viewing the waterfowl are generally allowed only in this area.

Pygmy Goats

The west side includes the bird feeder and nest boxes. The feeder, a calf creep feeder with steps added to accommodate the waterfowl, is filled with a 17% protein waterfowl feed January through July. The feed is specially made for Chenoa and two other waterfowl breeders in northwest Tennessee by Purina Feed Company and distributed by Reed Brothers, South Fulton, Tennessee. The feed is labeled Duck Breeder #8861 and is based on a formula developed by Mike Lubbock at Sylvan Heights Waterfowl in North Carolina. From August to December the waterfowl are normally feed 50% to 100% wheat with the remaining percentage being Duck Breeder. The percentage of wheat is lowered as December is approached.

In addition the west side is mowed to leave corridors of weeds which are approximately 10 feet in width. The weeded areas, along with the trees and shrubs provide food variety, nesting, and resting places for the waterfowl.

Freezing of the water area is often a problem during the winter months. Open water is maintained during the freezing periods by forcing air put under pressure by an air-compressor through very small holes in a black plastic pipe which is weighted to the lake bottom. Small streams of air rise through the water and keep ice from forming in a 1400 square foot area even when the temperature is as low as -15 F.

Floating rafts have been made by cutting used telephone poles into sections 12 to 15 feet long. Two lengths of telephone pole are attached in three places with treated 2x6 pieces of lumber which are approximately 4 feet long. The rafts are anchored using a heavy chain with a swivel which allows the raft to turn in a circle when blown by the wind. Ducks and some geese use the rafts as resting places. The rafts present a good alternative to resting on the lake bank. In the event of an approaching "flying" predator the raft allows quicker entry into the water and safety than the lake bank does.

The watershed area for this lake is not sufficient during the summer months to maintain a constant level. To aid in maintaining the desired water level, water from a well is pumped into the ponds and lakes described below. The water flows from the first pond into the second pond into the third pond and finally into this lake, while another route is through the west small lake which receives water from a pond in the duck breeder aviary which is feed by water from a water heat pump. Thus the small ponds and the west small lake are constantly provided with fresh water and the overflow aides in maintaining a constant water level in this lake.

The lake area has nest boxes for ducks and nesting aides available for geese. Ducks that might nest on the ground are provided with bottomless nest boxes constructed from l" x12" shelving. The boxes are the width of a l" x 12" board and are 24 inches long. The top is 28 inches and is hinged on one side with a screen door hook on the other to secure the top. One of the narrow ends has an entrance hole which is 5 inches in diameter. A 24 inch, bottomless, entrance tunnel is constructed from l" x10" shelving and secured to the entrance. The entrance tunnel helps to darken the inside of the nest box and to provide protection from larger birds, particularly those with long necks.

Tree-nesting ducks are provided upright boxes which are constructed from l" x12" shelving. The boxes are the width of a l" x12" board with a front which is 23 inches high and a back which is 25 inches high. The roof is a 24 inch board which is hinged on the back side and hooked on the front. The entrance hole is football shaped and is about 4 inches high in the center and 5.5 inches wide. Since the birds have had one wing altered to prevent flying, a ramp leads from the ground to the entrance hole. The nest boxes are generally mounted in the edge of the lake, about one foot above the highest water level, on a length of pipe. Nest material of rotted sawdust, pine bark or peat moss is provided.

The geese which choose a nesting aid can select from old tire casings, with the sides wired together, or A-frames. The A-frames are approximately 20 inches high at the end crests. The bases are 32 inches on the sides and 42 inches on the ends. Both ends are left open.

Wildlife to be found in the large lake area are: Cape, and Common, Shelducks; American Black, Canvas Back, Mandarin, Maned Geese, and Ring-necked Ducks; and Barnacle, Brant - Atlantic, Brant - Pacific, Cackling, Canada - Atlantic, Canada - Dusky, Canada -Giant, Emperor, Greylag - Western, Ross', Greater Snow - White, Red-breasted, Lesser White-fronted and Greater (Pacific) White-fronted Geese. The pairing pen contains various birds of all ages based on the time of the year and the particular need. The area is well suited for the introduction of new birds to the Chenoa environment.

This small lake area is approximately 3 acres in size with a .5 acre lake. Construction is of the same basic design as the large lake area, but 48 inch wire was used. The banks have been covered with large rock (riprap) to accommodate high and low water levels. This measure preserves the banks from erosion by wave action and keeps the waterfowl from eating the banks as they are obtaining grit. In general you would expect to find young geese and possibly shelducks in this area. There are often other waterfowl awaiting mates which are kept in this area. If either of these groups are placed on the breeder lakes, they cause problems with the paired birds.

East Lake Area

This small lake area is approximately 5 acres in size with a 1.5 acre lake. Construction is of the same basic design as the east small lake area. The area serves as the home for the Canada - Aleutian, Canada - Interior, Canada-Moffit's, Nene, Lesser Snow - Blue, Lesser Snow - White, Western Bean, and Swan geese. In addition to the geese, Paradise, Radjah, and Ruddy Shelducks; Carolina Wood Ducks; and Red-crested Pochards also share the enclosure. Water for this lake also comes from the non-waterfowl lake previously mentioned with the overflow going into the large lake. Like the large lake area, this area is mowed to leave corridors of weeds which are approximately 10 feet in width.

West Lake Area And Small Pond By Broodery

A 7500 square foot flight pen has been constructed away from water. This area serves as the permanent home for Blue India Peafowl, Black and Blue Standard Cochins, and Bronze Turkeys. The flight pen is constructed of 10.5 foot walls made from 48 inch chain-link topped with 78 inch plastic netting. The roof is also constructed from plastic netting.

Three areas east of the large lake area have been fenced for a variety of waterfowl. Construction is of the same basic design as the large lake area, but 48 inch wire was used. All three areas have a small pond for drinking and swimming. The pond banks have been riprapped for protection from erosion.

A third small pond has been built beside the broodery. Its major purpose is to provide a home for young ducks. However, the area does serve as the home for Gray Call and Welsh Harlequin Ducks. Water for this pond is provided by using water which has circulated through a water-type heat pump. The overflow from this pond goes into the large lake.

The hatchery proper contains an incubator constructed from a discarded two-door refrigerator. The heat source is two 100 watt light bulbs located in the area which was formerly the freezer. Temperature is controlled by an electronic thermostat and is backed up by two wafer thermostats. One electronic thermostat controls the hatching area, while the other two serve as safety switches in the heat generating area in the event of a failure by the first thermostat.

The temperature is monitored by digital-electronic medical thermometers. This particular type of thermometer has a probe on a flexible wire. The probe is inserted through the side of the incubator, thus allowing readings to be taken without opening the incubator. One thermometer is placed high in the incubator, the other is placed low in the incubator. An automatic egg turner has been installed which turns the eggs every two hours. The incubator is in constant use during the year. Ducks are given preference during the spring and early summer. A variety of game birds, bantams and chickens are hatched at other times. Two other incubators have been constructed using the design discussed above. A pie safe employs two 100 watt heat cables to hatch rheas and a school-size refrigerator uses two 100 watt bulbs to hatch geese.

Eggs from wild ducks and geese are taken from the females approximately two days after the last egg is laid. The eggs are placed in an incubator. This process assures a better hatch and makes impossible the confusion on the lake produced by young birds. Another important factor is that the wild bird will very likely lay a second clutch of eggs which would be unlikely if the eggs from the first nest were hatched by her.

The broodery is a concrete block building of approximately 80 square feet. A concrete apron 7 feet in width has been enclosed on two sides of the building. Electric heaters, when needed, are used to furnish heat during the cold months and an air conditioner keeps the building from getting too hot during the summer.

The young are kept for approximately three weeks in brooders located in the same area before being moved to the apron area, weather permitting. The brooders have 1/4 inch hardware cloth floors, which cover water resistant brooder bottoms with drains. This arrangement allows for washing of the brooder floor and bottom on a daily basis with a garden hose. The water and waste enter a drainage system for removal from the building.

The apron area often serves as the home for a variety of birds. During the hatching season, young waterfowl as well as other young game birds reside here, as they mature sufficiently to withstand the stress of less protection outside the hatchery.

Most species are represented by four to five pairs of birds. Every effort is made to locate birds within a species which are unrelated in order to maintain the largest possible gene pool. The breeder, date of hatching, and parents of Chenoa hatched birds are kept for each bird in a computer file. Females are banded with a numbered band on the left leg and males on the right leg. A colored band is placed on the opposite leg, thus the colored band and/or the numbered band is used to match each bird with the appropriate computer file. The advantage of the colored band is that it can be seen from a distance, but it is more likely to be lost by the bird than is the numbered band, which requires catching the bird before being read.

A large gene pool is desirable to support a high level of hatchability of eggs, a healthy collection, and breeding stock capable of being reintroduced into the wild. Several species of geese, the Nene for one, are evident in the wild today because captive bred stock, like those at Waterfowl of Chenoa, were available when the wild population had been reduced to a very small size because of demands placed on the species by the movement of man and/or environmental changes.

Nenes Thrive Because Someone Cared 1950 "Wild" Population Estimated At 39

It is important to note that waterfowl in collections like those at Waterfowl of Chenoa must be legally obtained. Waterfowl cannot be captured from the wild for the purpose of domestication.

In Tennessee a propagation license is required to possess and raise wild waterfowl native to the United States. In all states a Federal permit must be obtained prior to selling waterfowl which are native to the United States.

Wild waterfowl possessed by individuals should have an appropriate "paper trail" of permits indicating legality of possession.

This is the 182798th time this file has been accessed since 12/20/95.

The University of Tennessee at Martin is not responsible for the information or views expressed here.

CE/CE Online Home Page

Last Modified Wednesday, 13-Jul-2005 13:44:32 CDT