Avian husbandry

Question 1

What factors are influencing the surge in nontraditional pet ownership?

Answer 1

• Lenient restrictions in urban areas
• Exotics more compatible with our mobile/active lifestyles
• Media
• The “cool” factor
• Acquiring an animal on a “whim”

Question 2

How long is the commitment for birds?

Answer 2

Question 3

Where should bird cages be located? size? types?

Answer 3

• Location:
  
  • Warm, brightly lit areas free of drafts
  • conducive to social interactions with family
  • Minimize stress from visitors, noise, children
  • Free from hazards like toxic plants, pets, fumes, fans
• Size:
  
  • Largest size for size of bird
    
    • small birds - longer length for flight
    • Large birds - taller height for climbing
  • Bar spacing < 1” for smaller birds
• Type:
  
  • Stainless steel or powder coated
    
    • Non-toxic
    • Durable
    • Aesthetically pleasing
  • No galvanized wire or zinc latches
  • Bird-proof latches on all doors
  • No sharp edges
  • Easy to remove liner to clean daily

Question 4

What type of food bowls do birds need?

Answer 4

• Stainless steel
• Clean with warm soapy water

Question 5

What is an ideal perch for a bird?

Answer 5

• Diameter should match bird’s size
  
  • should allow bird to wrap their foot around comfortably
    
    • too big = standing flat footed
    • too small = constantly adjusting balance
• Varying diameters and levels
  
  • pressure sores if bearing weight on the same areas of their feet all the time
• Near food dishes and toys
• Material
  
  • Natural wood
    
    • make the best perches
    • wears down the nails
    • come in varying sizes to avoid pododermatitis
    • birds can chew on them safely
      
      • avoid toxic trees
  • Rope - hemp / untreated cotton
    
    • Softer surface, comfortable
    • may become tattered
  • Cement / sandpaper
    
    • provide texture
    • can safely wear down their beaks and nails
    • can be abrasive to feet, resulting in irritation and sore formation
  • Plastic
    
    • sturdy, easy to clean
    • slippery, less texture for gripping
    • may splinter into sharp pieces

Question 6

What should a pet bird diet consist of? why?

Answer 6

• 75% Formulated Pellets
  
  • All nutrients packed into a pellet, fortified with vitamins, minerals
  • eliminates selectivity
  • easier to monitor consumption
• 20% Greens, Grains, Fruits
  
  • High in essential nutrients (vit A, etc)
  • Add variety and enrichment
  • Limit fruits - high in fructose
• 5% seeds, nuts, millet
  
  • “Junk Food”
  • Deficient in many nutrients (Vit A, Ca, Essential FA, AA imbalance)
  • High in fat

Question 7

What Foods need to be avoided for pet birds?

Answer 7

• Limit animal fats and protein
• Limit seeds, nuts
• Avoid salty or high sugar foods
• Avoid dairy - lactose intolerant
• Toxic Foods:
  
  • Onions, garlic
  • Caffeine, Chocolate
  • Alcohol
  • Avocados - “persin” - found in all parts of avocados
    
    • fungicidal
    • leads to myocardial necrosis
    • clinical signs in as little as 15-30 min
      
      • weakness/lethargy/depression, fluffed, increased respiratory rate or effort, collapse, sudden death
  • Rhubarb - high in oxalates
  • Fruit pits, Apple seeds - contain cyanide (cardiotoxic)
  • xylitol

Question 8

What can happen when birds are bored?

Answer 8

• Become depressed/angry
• Undesirable behaviors:
  
  • aggression toward humans
  • screaming
  • destruction
  • feather picking

Question 9

What are different ways to meet the enrichment needs of birds?

Answer 9

• Physical
  
  • toys, swings
• Social
  
  • human interaction, other birds
• Occupational
  
  • Foraging
  • training
  • bathing
• Sensory
  
  • Auditory - music talking
  • Taste - treats, textured foods
  • Visual - mirrors
  • Tactile - touch, petting

Question 10

Why are TVs not good visual enrichment for birds?

Answer 10

• Have a critical flicker fusion frequency
  
  • can see the flickering much more than humans

Question 11

What are the potential dangers of toys for birds?

Answer 11

• Heavy metals - Zn Pb
• Dyes / other chemicals
  
  • glues, paints, tanned leathert
• Poly Vinyl Chloride

Question 12

What household products are toxic to birds

Answer 12

• Insecticides
• Ammonia
• Bleach
• Oven cleaner
• glues
• Nail polish remover
• Paint
• Perfumes
• houseplants
• Air fresheners
• Candles

Question 13

Why are non-stick (Teflon) pans dangerous for birds?

Answer 13

• Polytetrafuoroethylene (PTE)
  
  • Very common - waffle irons, space heaters, blow dryers, etc
  • Emitted when overheated
• Once inhaled - severe pulmonary irritation and hemorrhage
  
  • agitation
  • rapid/labored breathing
  • wheezing
  • incoordination
  • weakness
  • coma
  • seizures
  • sudden death