Avain Revision

Question 1

What are some of the common signs of poor health in birds?

Answer 1

Look for subtle fluffed up appearance, drooping of wings, head under wing, rapid blinking, open mouthed respiration

Question 2

What is the “placing reflex”? Explain what you should be observing in it:

Answer 2

This type of reflex involves holding the bird close to the body. As soon as the bird touches any surface the legs should place themselves accurately on the surface to bear weight.

Question 3

What is important not to take too much nail of when clipping the nails of a bird?

Answer 3

Too much nail off will lead to haemotoma

Question 4

Describe the level and the number that a birds wings should be clipped to:

Answer 4

Should be taking 4-7 primaries to the level of the primary convert feathers

Question 5

What should you do if a bird starts to regurgitate material when it is being tube fed?

Answer 5

The bird should be put down and allowed to clear it’s oral cavity

Question 6

Briefly describe the process of crop feeding a bird:

Answer 6

Firstly, you need to ensure that full extension of the birds neck has occurred. Entry should occur from the left oral commissure and should be directed right and caudal to the oesophagus

Question 7

How much blood can safely be taken from a bird?

Answer 7

10% of blood volume or 1% of body weight can safely be taken

Question 8

What are the available sites for blood collection?

Answer 8

1. Right jugular vein 2. Cutaneous ulnar vein 3. median metatarsal vein

Question 9

What type of needle should be used for blood collection within a bird?

Answer 9

25-30 gauge or tuberculin syringe

Question 10

What is the result of bad technique is bird blood collection?

Answer 10

Haematoma formation w/ the cutaneous ulnar vein being the most susceptible

Question 11

What needle should be used for intramuscular injection in a bird?

Answer 11

Fine needle (26-28 gauge)

Question 12

How much intramuscular injection should be given at one site in a bird?

Answer 12

less than 0.5ml/kg given at any one site

Question 13

How much fluid can be injected via subcutaneous injection?

Answer 13

1-3ml/100g of body weight of fluids can be administered in this way

Question 14

Name the follwing feathers on the diagram below

Answer 14

1. Primaries
2. Secondaries
3. Alula
4. Converts
5. Primary converts
6. Secondary converts
7. Scapulars
8. Median converts
9. Lesser converts
10. Tertials