Enrichments, fittings and fixtures

Question 1

What is a fixture and give an example

Answer 1

Often a permanent features in an enclosure that suits a purpose for the bird
Example - fixed nest box, shelving, perches, wire mesh, electric lighting or heating

Question 2

What is a fitting (furnishing) and give examples

Answer 2

Fittings are removable items or equipment used to decorate and comfort the animal

Examples - hides, plastic plants, feeding and drinking apparatus and enrichment devices

Question 3

What considerations should be done

Answer 3

The species
The age
Health
Lifestyle - diurnal, crepuscular or nocturnal
Arboreal or terrestrial
Feeding habits - how the animal eats or finds its food and drink
Social needs

Question 4

What would flighted birds need more of and what fittings and fixtures

Answer 4

• Branches trees are needed
• Hard, artificial or natural textured branches to wear down birds claws
• Fixed nest box raised off the ground act as good shelter
• all branches and nest boxes need to be secure to avoid injury

Question 5

What would ground dweller birds need more of and what fittings and fixtures

Answer 5

• terrestrial they are known as and spend most time on the ground
• they require shelter, food and water provision and perches close to the ground
• substrates should be selected - consider how they would affect their feet

Question 6

What would breeding birds need more of and what fittings and fixtures

Answer 6

• need a safe, secure place to nest as well as correct nesting material
• they will not tend to initiate breeding behaviours if theses environmental needs aren’t met

Question 7

Different types of enrichment

Answer 7

• puzzles
• toys
• roped
• hanging object’s
• enrichment to deliver food- stimulate natural feeding behaviours

Question 8

What are the 3 types of enrichment

Answer 8

-> Naturalistic
-> mechanical
-> Nutritional

Question 9

What is Naturalistic ENrichemnt

Answer 9

-> looks like the natural habitat
-> contains materials similar to what found in nature
-> consider the environment found in wild

Question 10

What is mechanical enrichment

Answer 10

-> usually puzzles for enrichment
-> often linked to nutritional enrichment

Question 11

What is nutritional enrichment

Answer 11

-> often involved novel ways of making bird “work” for their foods
-> stimulates natural foraging behaviours

Question 12

What is scatter feeding

Answer 12

Scattering food can enhance natural foraging behaviours and can be enriching

Question 13

What furnishing for enrichment might a bird need

Answer 13

• often need a sand or dust bath. This keeps them clean off any ectoparasties and body oils
• many birds need a large water bowl where they can properly bathe