Abstract: The invention provides a device, a system and a method for handling, grading and vaccinating living birds, wherein the device comprises a main member; a receiving member rotatably attached to the main member and configured to receive and hold the birds by their scapula-humeral joints in a first position and to release the birds in a second position; and a locking member movably attached to the main member and configured to lock the receiving member in the first position and to release the receiving member to rotate from the first position to the second position to release the birds.

Abstract: Bird carriers and methods of restraining birds are disclosed. Each bird carrier may include a torso support, one or more leg clamps, and a head support. The head support may further include a beak receiving passage such that at least a portion of the birds' beaks are exposed. The bird carriers may restrain one or both legs and heads of the birds while supporting their torsos. Restraining the legs and the heads of the birds while supporting their torsos may produce a calming effect such that the birds exhibit significantly reduced struggling in an attempt to free themselves from the carrier.

Abstract: A decoy tethering device for deploying and retrieving a decoy assembly includes a housing. A line is selectively extensible from and retractable into the housing. A fastener is selectively couplable to the line. A coupler that is coupled to the housing is configured to couple to a keel of a decoy. A connector that is coupled to a second end of the line is configured to couple to a weight. The fastener is positioned to decouple from the line to both extend and retract the line from the housing, and to couple to the line to retain the line in an extended configuration. The coupler is configured to couple the housing to the keel of the decoy. The connector is configured to couple to the weight to position the weight to retain the decoy in place on a surface of a body of water in which the weight is positioned.

Abstract: A vaccination system for delivering a vaccine substance to avian pullets is provided. Such a system includes a vaccine delivery assembly configured to perform a vaccine delivery procedure for delivering a vaccine substance to the avian pullets. A plurality of positioning devices is provided, with each positioning device receiving an avian pullet for presentation to the vaccine delivery assembly. Each positioning device is transported to individually mate with the vaccine delivery assembly to deliver the vaccine substance during the vaccine delivery procedure. Associated methods, devices, and assemblies are also provided.

Abstract: A positioning device for presenting an avian bird is provided. Such a positioning device includes a frame and a plurality of positioning assemblies engaged with the frame. The positioning assemblies are configured to entirely support and restrain an avian bird in a flight-replicated position such that the avian bird is presented for various reasons, such as undergoing a vaccine delivery procedure, evaluation, or any other process. An associated method is also provided.

Abstract: A poultry support and protection device includes a body portion shaped to cover a crop of poultry. The body portion has opposing top and bottom edges (defining a width) separated by opposing side edges (defining a length). First and second securing straps are attached respectively to the first and second side edges. Each of the first and second securing straps extend longitudinally along an entirety of the body portion length and have a strap length greater than the body portion length such that each securing strap extends beyond at least one of the top and bottom edges. The first and second securing straps are operable to be releasably secured at a back of the poultry to attach the device to the poultry such that the body portion substantially covers the crop and to provide a non-constricting and adjustably secure fit.

Abstract: A protective shield for an animal comprised of two sleeves connected by a strap which extends across the animals back. The sleeves and strap are made from a continuous blank of elastic fabric which allows flexibility, ensures a secure fit and conforms the to the animal's body.

Abstract: A mobility assistance vest can be easily donned by placing the vest inside up under the dog, then pulling the right and left side sections together over the top line fastening the Velcro strips, and then pulling the chest section by the front shoulder straps through the front legs and securing the shoulder straps to the side sections on either side of the neck. The semi-detachable handle straps at the front legs are then crossed to the opposing side and attached with a snap to D-rings on the shoulder handles for the human handler to provide counter weight or upward support as they both descend the stairs side by side. Alternatively, the detachable handle straps at the front legs can be attached with the snap connector to the D-rings on the rear section of the vest to provide support for assisting the canine while ascending stairs, walking and standing up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for waterproofing game birds is provided. The game birds are sprayed with a waterproofing composition in amounts that prevent excessive water absorption by the feathers of the birds in wet weather, while still permitting the game birds to fly.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic correction system and technique for a pet containment system in which the correction levels of the electrical stimulus and/or audio or visual warning are adaptively adjusted in accordance with the behavior of a particular dog or other animal. In one mode of operation, the system is set to a baseline correction level at which a predetermined warning such as an audible beep is provided when the animal enters a first detection zone, and a predetermined electrical stimulus is provided when the animal enters a second detection zone. The correction levels are automatically adjusted in response to one or more parameters of the animal's behavior. One example of animal behavior to be corrected is repeated challenge by the animal to the system by repeated entry into the first or second detection zone within a defined period of time. Another example of behavior to be corrected is the animal remaining in a detection zone beyond a specified time period.

Abstract: A dog handler system for assisting dog handlers wearing camouflage to effectively transmit hand signals to their dog. The dog handler system includes a sleeve member having a first sleeve surface and a second sleeve surface, a flap member having a first flap, surface and a second flap surface attached to a lower portion of the sleeve member, and a plurality of hook and loop fasteners attached to the sleeve member and the flap member for allowing selective securing of the flap member about the second sleeve surface. The first sleeve surface and the first flap surface are comprised of a camouflage color and design. The second sleeve surface and the second flap surface are comprised of a non-camouflage color and design that is easily viewed by a dog.

Abstract: A garment for the transporting, training and displaying pet birds on the shoulder of their owners. The garment consists of two front panels and a back panel joined at the shoulders with the front panels removably attachable to each other using adjustable fasteners. At the apex of the shoulders are removable wooden dowels that are attachable with ties or similar mounting, which provide perches for the pet birds to hold onto. The ties or similar fasteners also provide attachment to the garment for toys and paraphernalia to entertain the bird and to adorn the garment. This garment allows that the bird has a natural removable wooden perch to hold onto and the owner has the ability to hold and transport his pet bird without damaging or soiling his clothing. Also, the owner can remove the perches for laundering the garment and the perches may be provided in a plurality of different diameters to allow mounting of the appropriate sized perch for the grip size of the bird.

Abstract: A new and improved therapeutic collar for birds comprising, in combination, an sheet formed in a rectangular configuration having a first vertical end edge, a second vertical end edge, an upper horizontal end edge, a lower horizontal end edge, a front face and a rear face. The sheet has a linear width and height. The linear width being between 1.8 and 3.0 times the height. The sheet is formed into a cylindrical configuration when the first vertical end edges and the second vertical end edge are overlapped and coupled with a fastener means at opposite end edges. The end edges are releasable coupled therebetween. The sheet is resilient in its circumference when formed in a cylinder but sufficiently rigid with a high-beam strength to preclude bending of the sheet in the direction of the axis of the cylinder. A fabric covers the circumference of the sheet for softness of contact between the collar and the neck of a bird to which it is applied.

Abstract: An orthopedic leg brace to correct "cow hock" and "splayed" leg conditions of large birds such as ratites. The brace comprises a spring steel band which arches over the bird's back and fastens to leather cuffs above the hock of each leg. For a "splayed" leg condition another piece of spring steel is hinged to each end of the steel band and the other end is fastened to another set of leather cuffs just above each foot to pull the feet back into normal position.

Abstract: A ratite restraint device including a parent material section having a length dimension and a width dimension, a secondary material section affixed to one surface of the parent material section, and a plurality of straps affixed to an opposite surface of the parent material section. Each of the plurality of straps has an end extending outwardly beyond an edge of the parent material section. Each of the straps includes a buckle at one end. This buckle serves to receive an opposite end of the strap. The parent material section is made of a waterproof, tear-resistant mesh material. The secondary material section is centered along the length dimension of the parent material section. A plurality of webbing strips are affixed to an opposite surface of the parent material section. These webbing strips extend transverse to a longitudinal axis of the parent material section. The webbing strips define a plurality of loops for receiving the plurality of straps therein.