Bird Behaviour Husbandry FULL

Wild or feral birds typically spend 2-5% of their remaining time vocalising.

Wild or feral birds spend 10-40% of their remaining time on social interaction.

Both male and female birds feed fledgling or older chicks, ensuring they receive adequate nutrition as they grow.

Here are some common bird housing methods along with their advantages and disadvantages:

Choosing the right housing method depends on the species, number of birds, and available space.

The controversy lies in whether companion birds are truly domesticated or not, as definitions of domestication, taming, and captivity vary, leading to differing opinions on where pet birds fit within these categories.

Common pet bird species include:

Domestication involves a change in genotype and is a process where species are bred to live with humans. In contrast, taming refers to individual animals that do not undergo genotype change but learn specific behaviors to coexist with humans.

A captive bird is a wild animal that is kept in a contained environment, typically for the purpose of companionship or care by humans.

Birds are commonly used for:

1. Conservation - Efforts to protect and restore bird populations.
2. Research - Studying bird behavior, ecology, and biology.
3. Entertainment - In zoos and aviaries for public enjoyment.
4. Mining - Historically, canaries were used to detect toxic gases.
5. Showing - Birds are showcased in competitions and exhibitions.
6. Breeding - For specific traits or species conservation.
7. Pets - Birds serve as companions in households.

Parrots exhibit sensitivity to:

1. Novel items - They may react cautiously to new objects in their environment.
2. Sudden movements - Quick movements can startle them.
3. Changes in environment - Any alterations in their surroundings can cause stress.

Parrots inhabit a range of environments including:

1. Amazon rainforest
2. Australian Outback
3. Tropical habitats
4. Subtropical habitats
5. Subantarctic regions
6. Forests
7. Grasslands
8. Coastal dunes
9. Scrub
10. Open woodlands

Canaries are typically found in:

1. Pine forests
2. Sand dunes
3. Open woodland
4. Mountain sides

Finches are commonly found in:

1. Grasslands
2. Forests

Birds have large, laterally placed eyes that provide a wide field of view. Their visual acuity is 2-8 times better than that of mammals, allowing them to detect movement and detail more effectively. Additionally, birds have a mobile head but limited eye movement, enhancing their ability to scan their environment.

The primary sensory receptors involved in touch for birds include mechanoreceptors that detect touch, pain, and heat.

Smell is important for birds in several ways:

1. Orientation/navigation - Helps in finding their way.
2. Selection/returning to nest sites - Aids in locating their nests.
3. Selection of nest material - Influences the choice of materials for building nests.
4. Reproduction & rearing - Plays a role in mating and caring for young.

The initial responses of birds to a perceived threat include:

1. Stare or freeze
2. Avoidance/escaping behavior such as flight or panic
3. Warning signals:
   • Feathers fluffed up to increase body size
   • Vocalizations like hissing or screeching (e.g., in cockatiels)
   • Eye contact and dilated pupils

When threatened, birds may exhibit aggressive behaviors such as:

1. Beak gape and turning towards the threat
2. Lunging or peck threats
3. Fight behaviors:
   • Beak sparring
   • Pecking or biting
   • Wing flapping
4. Sidle approach, slow advance, rushing, or flight approach

Feather plucking is an extreme stress response in birds, indicating high levels of anxiety or distress.

Allopreening is a social behavior where birds groom each other's feathers. This behavior is significant because it helps strengthen social bonds, promotes hygiene, and can reduce stress among birds. It is often observed in species that form close social groups or pairs.

Pair bonding in birds is characterized by behaviors such as mating and rearing young together. It often involves mutual grooming, feeding, and close physical proximity, which help to reinforce the bond between partners.

Proximity refers to the physical closeness of birds to one another, such as perching together. This behavior is important for social interaction, providing comfort, and facilitating communication among flock members.

Social behaviors with owners, such as seeking attention or engaging in play, indicate that pet birds can form strong attachments to their human caregivers. These behaviors enhance the bond between the bird and the owner, contributing to the bird's overall well-being and mental health.

Grooming typically takes up 20-66% of the remaining time after sleep/rest/perch.

Wild or feral birds spend 40-60% of their remaining time foraging, which is the largest portion after sleep/rest.

Captive birds spend more time on vocalising, socialising, interacting with toys, and sleeping.

The different types of locomotion observed in birds include:

1. Flying
2. Climbing and perching
3. Jumping
4. Walking and running

Additionally, parrots have zygodactyl feet, while songbirds or perching birds have anisodactyl feet.

Birds exhibit various sleep positions, including:

1. Back sleep - Beak tucked under or resting on the scapula.
2. Front sleep - Head and neck held stationary with beak pointing forwards.
3. Head on ground - Resting with the head directly on the ground.

Additionally, birds may rest with their eyes open or closed, and engage in grooming, preening, foraging, and social interaction during their awake periods.

The diet of wild birds is influenced by:

• Species: Different species have different dietary needs.
• Habitat: Availability of food sources varies by habitat.
• Life stage: Young birds may have different dietary requirements compared to adults.

Common food sources for wild birds include:

• Seeds and nuts
• Grasses, leaves, and shoots
• Nectar, pollen, and fruit
• Wood-boring grubs, insects, spiders, and worms
• Grit

Bird beaks have evolved to be specialized for their diet, allowing them to efficiently access and consume specific types of food, such as cracking nuts or seeds.

Water intake in birds varies based on:

• Size: Larger birds may require more water.
• Diet: Birds that consume more dry food may need more water.
• Temperature: Hotter environments may increase water needs.

Large parrots typically reach sexual maturity at 4-5 years old.

Budgies reach sexual maturity at approximately 5 months of age.

Most parrots are monogamous, forming breeding pairs that stay together for life, although some may exhibit polygamous behavior.

Male parrots engage in several courtship behaviors, including:

• Vocalising/singing
• Displays such as:
  • Head shaking
  • Head bobbing/bowing
  • Strutting
  • Flaring wings
  • Showcasing color/fluorescence of feathers

During mating, the male parrot:

1. Steps onto the female's back.
2. Engages in a behavior known as the cloacal kiss.
3. The mating process typically lasts between 30 to 90 seconds.

Nesting site selections can vary and include:

• Tree cavities
• Cliff faces
• Mounds
• Colony or dispersed nesting

Some birds may return to the same site annually and use materials such as leaves, sticks, and feathers for nesting.

The typical clutch size for birds during incubation is between 4 to 8 eggs.

In most parrot species, the female incubates the eggs while the male allofeeds her. In some bird species, both sexes may participate in incubating the eggs.

The incubation period for budgies is approximately 18 days.

Asynchrony occurs because incubation starts with the first egg laid, but additional eggs may be laid over several days, leading to different sizes and stages of offspring at hatching.

Chicks maneuver and rotate themselves within the egg, pip the eggshell, and push against the egg wall to assist in hatching.

The male feeds the female, and the female feeds the chicks by regurgitating food from her crop, distributing food based on the age and needs of the chicks.

1. Neonate: Very dependent, blind, and featherless.
2. Neophyte/Nestling: Eyes open, significant development occurs.
3. Fledgling: Further development as they prepare to leave the nest.

Socialization is crucial during the developmental period of altricial birds. It influences their visual, tactile, and auditory development, which is shaped by interactions with parents and siblings.

Altricial birds are born very dependent, blind, and featherless, while precocial birds, such as chickens, quail, ducks, and geese, are more independent at birth and are often feathered and able to move around shortly after hatching.

Examples include:

1. Running
2. Rolling over
3. Lying on back
4. Hanging upside down
5. Swinging on branches

Birds engage in object play by:

• Exploring their environment
• Picking up, dropping, and rolling objects
• Being attracted to bright colors
• Splashing water with objects
• Ensuring that available objects are non-toxic

Social play behaviors include:

• Games such as hide and seek, chase/tag, and tug
• Mock fighting and mounting

To identify play fighting:

• Roles switch between participants (e.g., aggressor/defender, chaser/chasee)

Birds come from various habitats including:

• Amazon
• Australian outback
• African rainforest
• Cage in house

Key considerations for setting up an aviary include:

1. Space: Ensure there is enough room for birds to fly and move around.
2. Maintenance: Regular cleaning and upkeep are essential for the health of the birds.
3. Design: The aviary should mimic a natural habitat, incorporating plants and structures for enrichment.

• Vertical & horizontal space: Allows birds to stretch wings, fly, jump, and perch.
• Appropriate for bird type & number: Housing must accommodate the specific needs of the bird species and the number of birds housed.

• Metal: Durable, easy to clean, and can be electroplated to prevent lead/zinc poisoning.
• Wood: Should be non-treated to avoid toxicity.

• Solid wall: Provides safety for the birds.
• Sunlight: Housing should receive sunlight, but birds must have the option to escape direct sun exposure.
• Hiding spots: Important for safety from predators.
• Noise levels: Should be considered to ensure a comfortable environment for the birds.

Natural branches are softer on birds' feet and can be arranged in interesting ways, promoting better foot health and providing a more stimulating environment.

Sandpaper perches should be avoided as they can harm the birds' feet, and perches should not be placed over food or water to prevent contamination.

Birds should have opportunities to perch, fly, groom, bathe, play, and forage to ensure their well-being.

Social opportunities can be enhanced by providing companionship with other birds and interaction with their owner.

Toys should be rotated regularly rather than crammed all in at once to maintain the bird's interest and engagement.

Examples of environmental enrichment items for a bird cage include:

1. Foraging toys - Encourage natural foraging behavior.
2. Millet foraging toy - Provides a food source while promoting activity.
3. Cuttlebone - A source of calcium and helps with beak maintenance.
4. Swing - Offers a place for exercise and play.
5. Natural perches - Mimic natural environments and provide varied textures.
6. Hanging toys - Stimulate play and exploration.
7. Ladder - Encourages climbing and physical activity.
8. Pumice perch - Aids in beak and nail maintenance.
9. Grit - Supports digestion and provides minerals.
10. Food and water bowls - Essential for nutrition and hydration.

The key components of environmental enrichment for birds include:

1. Social interaction

   • Interaction with owners and other species.
   • Parrots crave more interaction compared to canaries and finches.

2. Mental stimulation

   • Engaging in training, puzzles, and toys.

3. Diet variation and foraging

   • Providing a varied diet and opportunities for foraging.

4. Exercise

   • Allowing time out of the cage for flying and exploring.

5. Appropriate housing

   • Ensuring the housing is suitable and stimulating for the bird.

Parrots traditionally fed on seeds and nuts do not receive a complete or balanced diet. Pelleted diets are recommended as they are balanced. Mixtures of seeds may lead to unbalanced diets as parrots often eat only the tasty bits and leave the rest.

Fresh fruits and vegetables should make up 20% of a parrot's diet, including calcium-rich foods like kale, broccoli, swiss chard, or almonds.

Some parrots soak their food in water, which can lead to dirty water. It is recommended to provide two bowls: one for food and one for clean water.

In addition to pellets and fresh produce, parrots can benefit from grit and cuttlebone for calcium. Insects can also be included in their diet, but they should not be sprayed with chemicals.