Avian behavior

Why should veterinary technicians understand avian behavior?

To help clients with behavior problems.

Why do many birds end up in shelters, rescues, or being euthanized?

Owners don't understand natural or adapted behaviors.

Are birds domesticated?

No. Birds have been companions for hundreds of years but are not domesticated.

How is avian intelligence?

Birds have higher-than-average intelligence.

How can owners help alter unwanted bird behaviors?

Provide entertainment and challenges.

How do birds use their feet?

To hold items for eating, manipulating, and exploring.

How do birds use their beak and feet to move around a cage?

They use a combination of their beak and feet.

What does a bird wagging its tail back and forth usually indicate?

It is happy and relaxed.

What does beak grinding indicate?

The bird is comfortable and ready to fall asleep.

May birds regurgitate food?

Yes, for an owner or another bird.

What may a bird's tail do when it is defecating?

Slightly wiggle, followed by a squat and uplifted tail.

When do birds defecate more frequently?

When stressed.

Do birds stress easily when fearful?

Yes.

How should veterinary visits for birds be handled?

Make them as stress-free as possible.

What can be done when capturing and restraining a bird?

Darken the room and remain quiet.

What is mouthing in juvenile parrots?

Using the tongue to explore surfaces.

What is the "beaking" phase?

A phase where birds attempt to taste or chew almost anything.

Is the beaking phase outgrown like the puppy chewing phase?

No. Birds don't outgrow this stage.

What should owners do when birds are out of the cage?

Observe them and provide safe toys.

What are examples of safe bird toys?

Paper-based manufactured toys, homemade toys, and natural wood toys.

What can be embedded in bird toys?

Nuts.

What is another characteristic of safe toys?

They can be safely destroyed.

What can biting express in birds?

Dominance, fear, or jealousy.

Can hormones contribute to biting?

Yes.

When does hormone-related biting commonly occur?

During puberty or breeding season.

Is biting instinctual in captive birds?

No. It may be a developed behavior.

Why might wild birds be less likely to bite?

They can fly away rather than engage in conflict.

How much pressure can some birds exert with a bite?

Up to 300 pounds of pressure.

What type of birds can exert very strong bites?

Large psittacines, such as macaws.

Which birds listed in the lecture can draw blood with biting?

Cockatiels and budgies.

What is the first step in resolving a biting problem?

Identify why the bird is biting.

Is biting a common behavior problem in birds?

Yes.

What may psittacine birds attempt to do?

Become dominant over the flock.

Who do captive companion birds consider their flock?

Humans.

What commands can help prevent or limit dominance?

Teach the bird to step up or step down when asked.

How can wing clipping help limit dominance?

It limits flight.

At what level should a dominant bird be held?

Chest level.

Where should birds NOT be allowed to sit?

On the owner's head or shoulders.

Why are high perches associated with dominance?

A high perch represents a position of power.

How can lower perches help with dominance?

They help diminish the bird's perceived power.

Where should the cage and perch be positioned?

Below eye level.

Which birds are naturally loud?

Parrots.

Why do birds commonly vocalize?

Communication, entertainment, exercise, or response to discomfort/restraint.

When do birds vocalize more frequently?

At dawn and dusk.

What should you wear when working with loud birds?

Ear protection.

Can bird vocalizations become a behavior problem?

Yes.

What can happen if an owner shouts at a bird?

The bird may become louder.

How loud can some birds be?

The lecture notes that they can burst human eardrums.

What is feather-destructive behavior?

Plucking or picking at feathers.

Is feather plucking well understood?

No, it is poorly understood.

What medical factor may contribute to feather plucking?

An underlying health issue.

Can stress contribute to feather plucking?

Yes.

What are examples of stressors that may contribute to feather plucking?

Separation anxiety, new pets, or new locations.

Can feather-destructive behavior become chronic?

Yes.

Which birds most commonly exhibit feather-destructive behavior according to the lecture?

Cockatoos and African greys.

What is the first step when trying to solve feather-destructive behavior?

A thorough medical exam.

Is inappropriate bonding usually intentional by owners?

No, it is usually unintentional.

What owner behaviors can contribute to inappropriate bonding?

Petting, cuddling, and hand feeding.

What can inappropriate bonding lead to?

Unwanted solicited sexual behavior and panting.

What physical problems can result from inappropriate sexual behavior?

Prolapsed cloaca or a dilated vent.

How long does correcting inappropriate bonding take?

Time and patience.