Bird husbandry

Question 1

What species of passerines (songbirds) are commonly kept?

Answer 1

Canaries

Finches

Question 2

Is it best to keep canaries in pairs or singly? Do both females and males sing? What is the life expectancy?

Answer 2

Singly
Only males
9-10 years

Question 3

What are the most common type of finches? How many should be kept together? What is their lifespan?

Answer 3

Zebra, society
Pairs or small flocks
5-10 years

Question 4

What are the most common species of psittacines kept?

Answer 4

Budgies
Parrots
Cockatiels

Question 5

What is the life expectancy of budgies? are they kept better in pairs or alone?

Answer 5

Up to 10 years

Better in pairs, colonies. Better pets if kept alone

Question 6

What is the life expectancy of cockatiels? Are they kept better in pairs or alone?

Answer 6

Up to 20 years

Better in pairs or flocks (males can fight), like human company if kept alone

Question 7

What are the 4 species of parrots? What is their lifespan?

Answer 7

Macaw
Amazon 
West African grey 
Cockatoo
Up to 50 years

Question 8

For each species, should they be kept in pairs or singly?

Answer 8

Macaw - pairs
Amazon - can be single
West African grey - best talkers, can be single

Question 9

What legal requirements are required for passerine housing?

Answer 9

Must fully stretch wings and flap them

Question 10

Why should perches be wooden?

Answer 10

Plastic or sandpaper causes pressure sores

Question 11

What shape should psittacine cages be?

Answer 11

Square

Horizontal bars

Question 12

What position should parrot cages be kept?

Answer 12

Eye level
In busiest part of house not kitchen
Warm, no drafts

Question 13

Why should parrots have a dim light on at night? They are tropical species - what do they require?

Answer 13

Prevent damage if startled

Regular spraying or baths

Question 14

What is the diet for passerines?

Answer 14

Mixed/seed grain with soft or egg food

Supply grit

Question 15

What is a problem with psittacine nutrition?

Answer 15

Selective eating
Over eat due to boredom
Malnutrition common

Question 16

What should psittacines be fed? (2 diet types)

Answer 16

Home made - 30% fruit, veg, pulses, seeds and nuts with minerals
Pelleted food - give fresh food

Question 17

Should grit be given to all birds?

Answer 17

No - passerines only

NOT psittacines

Question 18

What foods are poisonous harmful to birds?

Answer 18

Any human junk food!

Tomato, avocado, onion, garlic, mushroom

Question 19

Why is it very important to carefully handle a bird?

Answer 19

Lack of functional diaphragm

Question 20

How should birds be handled/restrained?

Answer 20

Easier with two people
Quiet, dark rom
Towel for protection and to prevent bird flapping
Approach bird from the back