ANIMAL HUSBANDRY - Avian Flashcards
What are two common small bird breeds kept as pets?
Budgerigar
Cockatiel
What are three common medium-sized bird breeds often kept as pets?
African grey parrot
Amazon parrot
Macaw
Identify this breed of bird
Budgerigar
Identify this breed of bird
Cockatiel
Identify this breed of bird
African grey parrot
Identify this breed of bird
Amazon parrot
Identify this breed of bird
Macaw
What are the two main methods used to determine the sex of birds?
External characteristics in dimorphic birds
DNA test using feathers or blood
Should parrots be housed independently or in groups?
Parrots are highly social animals that should be housed in pairs or groups
What type of metal should never be used for bird housing and why?
Galvanised metal should never be used for bird housing as this can cause heavy metal toxicity when the bird bites at the metal
Why should birds never be housed in the kitchen?
Birds should never be housed in the kitchen as the cooking fumes and teflon can be toxic to them, leading to lung and feather irritation
What is the best type of perch that can be provided for a pet bird?
Natural tree perch is the best perch to provide for birds
Why should parrots have access to UV light?
UV light helps parrots to synthesise vitamin D3 required for dietary calcium absorption
Why should wing clipping of pet birds be avoided?
Wing clipping can lead to psychological problems, splintered feathers, keel injuries and feather plucking
Why type of diet do budgerigars and cockatiels have?
Budgerigars and cockatiels are granivores meaning they mainly eat grains and seeds
Why type of diet does the amazon parrot have?
Amazon parrots are frugivores so mainly eat fruits
Why type of diet do macaws have?
Macaws are florivores so mainly eat fruits and flowers
What type of diet does the African grey parrot have?
African grey parrots are omnivores
What should 80% of a pet bird’s diet consist of?
80% of their diet consists of completed formula pelleted food
What should 20% of a pet bird’s diet consist of?
20% of their diet consists of dark green vegetables, seeds, nuts, fruits
Why should seed mix be avoided when feeding pet birds?
Seed mix contributes to an unbalanced diet, selective feeding and is poor in vitamins and minerals
Why should water and food bowls be positioned near the perch?
Water and food bowls should be positioned near the perch to avoid faecal contamination
How is it best to handle a small bird during a clinical exam?
To handle a small bird, it is best to control their head by placing your thumb under their lower mandible, and to control their wings and body by holding them with a small towel/cloth
How is it best to handle a larger bird during a clinical exam?
To handle a larger bird, it is best to control their head by placing your thumb under their lower mandible and index finger over their upper mandible, and to control their wings and body by holding them with a towel
What does whole body feather plucking indicate in a pet bird?
Whole body feather plucking often indicates systemic disease in pet bird
What does localised feather plucking indicate in a pet bird?
Localised feather plucking often indicates localised pain in a pet bird
What does feather plucking from the neck down indicate in a pet bird?
Feather plucking from the neck down often indicates behavioural problems such as boredom, anxiety or hormonal frustrations
What is bumble foot?
Bumble foot is a chronic and invasive infection of the foot
What are the three most common causes of bumble foot in pet birds?
Penetrating injury
Pressure sores due to inactivity
Inadequate perches
What are three of the most common pathologies related to an inadequate diet in pet birds?
Obesity
Vitamin A deficiency
Hypocalcaemia
What are the three main clinical signs of vitamin A deficiency in pet birds?
Sneezing
Nasal discharge
Diarrhoea
What are the two main clinical signs of hypocalcaemia in birds?
Lethargy
Seizures
Other than an inadequate diet, what also causes hypocalcaemia in birds?
Not having access to UV light doesn’t allow birds to synthesise vitamin D3 which is essential for the absorption of dietary calcium, leading to hypocalcaemia
