Birds Flashcards
What are the considerations for bird enclosures?
- Enough space for the bird to move and stretch
- Door should be wide to allow easy access
- Stainless steel is safe and easy to clean
- Location is important
- Feeding area is also important
What are the considerations for temperature, lighting and humidity?
- Water temp between 16-20
- UV is needed for vit D3 synthesis
- Light exposure is associated with normal circadian rhythm
MIsalignment of bones due to cold means no flight
What furniture is required for birds?
- Optimal type of perch
- Resting area
- Water and bathing bowls
- Toys-climbing and chewing
What substrate is required for birds?
- Dusty shavings and sawdust should be avoided
- Bark chips will be consumed by birds
- Paper shavings and kitchen towels are good options
- There is potential zoonosis
What disease can occur in birds due to substrate?
will effect immunosupressed humans
Psittacosis
Why may birds do podomandibulation?
due to zygodactyl foot
Name 7 common pet birds
- Lovebird
- Budgie
- African Grey
- Cockatiel
- Finch
- Parakeet
- Cockatoo
Why do birds require enrichment?
- increases activity, cognitive stimulus
- promotes species specific behaviour
- Social enrichment to promote companionship and improve owner bond (e.g games, mutual preening)
What is preening and why do birds do it?
Spreading preen gland oil for waterproofing, also acts as a precurser to vitamin D production
What are some examples of ‘excited’ bird behaviour?
- Eye pinning
- Tail flaring
- beak clicking
- Head shaking
Name 5 abnormal behaviours for birds
- Excessive screaming
- Feather plucking
- Swaying/ Head bobbing
- Sexual behaviour directed towards the owner
- Biting owner
Where should you avoid handling in the bird?
- Avoid handling lower back, inner thigh, belly, this can all function as sexual stimulation
What is the purpose of wing clipping?
Prevents full flight
How often do bird cages need to be cleaned?
Twice a week
What is preening a precursor to?
Vitamin D production
