Avian and Exotics Digestion and Nutrition

What is important in a parrots diet for phycological stimulation?

diversification to encourage foraging; smell, taste, different textures

Why is a “lixit” water bottle or covered water bowls important for parrots?

they poop in their water

What are common calcium supplementation?

cuttlebone, mineral block, ground oyster shell, and ground eggshell

What is recommended in pigeon diets but not parrots?

the non-digestible mechanical material that helps with breakdown but has no nutritional benefit; grit

What is the difference between pressed and extruded pellets?

pressed pellets are described in the name as the nutrients are pressed into a pellet form and you can see all the different ingredients in the pellet where as extruded is when you ground it into a powder and form a shape similar to cereal

What is the special diet requirement for lories?

nectar drinkers that need special diet

What is the special diet requirement for toucans and myna birds?

low iron to prevent “hemochromatosis”

What are the three food groups needed with herbivores?

hay, greens, and pellets

Why is hay the best alternative to natural diets for rabbits?

high levels of complex CHO with adequate Ca and balances Ca/P ratio

What should be the staple of a rabbits diet?

grass hay free choice

What is the recommendation between timothy and alfalfa hay?

alfalfa is okay until 6 months old and then strictly timothy/grass hay after 6 months

What is a good supplement for hay?

pesticide free hand-picked grass clipping NOT lawn mower clippings

What kinds of greens should you avoid feeding rabbits?

those with high or low oxalic acid

What are examples of greens with high oxalic acid?

spinach and some cabbages

What are examples of greens with low oxalic acid?

kale, boc choy, sweet potatoes, broccoli

What is the mainstay for production rabbits?

pellets

What kinds of pellets should you avoid feeding rabbits?

mixes with seed, dry fruits, etc.

What is the required measurement of pellets to give a rabbit per day?

¼ cup of protein pellets per 0.5 to 1 kg body weight

What are extreme emergencies for rabbits? Need to seek veterinary care immediately.

anorexia and diarrhea

What animal has a true requirement for vitamin C supplementation?

guinea pigs

What are the required measurements of vitamin C to give a rabbit?

10 mg per kg body weight per day

What are the required measurements of vitamin C to give a rabbit during gestation?

30 mg per kg body weight per day

Should you put vitamin C in a guinea pigs water to ensure maximal needed exposure?

no, you don’t want to overdose it on vitamin C

What are the characteristics of ferrets?

true carnivores with short GI tract (4-6 hrs motility)

Since ferrets are true carnivores, what are the requirements of their diet?

relatively low carbohydrate with high animal protein and fatty acid content

What animals are examples of omnivores?

hedgehogs, sugar gliders, and rats

What is the hay requirement for omnivores?

minimal to none

What animal is prone to obesity in captivity and neoplasia?

hedgehogs

What is the problem with herbivore reptile nutrition?

limited offerings but recommend to restrict fruits

What should you restrict with omnivore reptiles such as bearded dragons?

commercial diet

What should you keep in mind when recommending a diet to a carnivorous reptile?

always pre-kill mammalian prey

Direct exposure is important when considering light requirements for reptiles. What else is also important about the distance?

not over 18”