Zebra Finch Husbandry Flashcards
(25 cards)
What is the average length of finch quarantine?
30 days
Why are finches routinely treated with ivermectin on arrival?
Prevalence of feather mites
What are important zoonoses that are tested for more frequently?
Chlamdyophila and Mycobacterium. M. genavense and M. avium complex have been documented in lab populations.
What dimension of cage design should be prioritized?
Height and length over width, as it supports free flight
When are canary cages preferable to aviaries?
When birds need to be frequently caught, as this is stressful for all animals in the cage.
What is the typical space allotment for birds in the US?
0.03 m3 or 1 ft3 per bird
What are larger cages and lower population densities correlated with?
Improved animal welfare and less aggression.
What clinical issue is most reported by personnel working with finches?
Conspecific aggression
What type of floor surface should be used with finches?
Solid, as finches like to eat and forage off the ground
How wide apart should finch cage bars be?
1cm
How are nest boxes typically provided?
Plastic boxes attached outside the cage so that they can be checked without disturbing birds inside the cage itself.
What nesting material should be avoided?
Loose threads that can entangle bird toes.
What are two concerns with nest boxes?
Parents may line them with nesting material to the level of the entrance, allowing nestlings to fall out. Investigators may be reluctant to sanitize boxes between clutches to maximize production.
What level of reproductive rest is recommended for finches?
Two, 30-day periods per year.
Describe perch placement.
Should be enough that all birds can roost comfortably at one time, but not so plentiful as to impact flight. Install perches at different heights, with some placed near the top (15 cm from top). Not positioned over feed or water containers.
In addition to perches, what are other options for finch enrichment?
Shallow bowls of water. Sand baths. Commercial pet toys. Hanging artificial vegetation to allow subordinate birds to shelter.
What can occur if only seed is fed to finches? How is this managed?
Protein deficiencies, especially in breeding birds and juveniles on their own.
Mash of hard-boiled eggs mixed with water and a powder containing dehydrated greens given every other day. Nutritionally adequate granular diets and powdered food mixed with water to form crumbles. Live insects
Do finches require cuttlebones? Grit?
Require cuttlebone in every cage as a source of calcium.
Grit is controversial. May not be necessary as they shell their seeds. If supplied, must monitor to prevent impaction from engorgement.
Do finches tolerate food or water deprivation better?
Water
What temperature are finch housing rooms kept at?
75F, although their wild counterparts do experience below freezing temps.
What is the impact of a long photoperiod on finches?
Increase body mass and fat reserves, along with readiness to breed.
What is the appropriate light level for finches?
500 lux. Low light levels (under 20 lux) can be stressful.
What light do finches perceive that humans do not?
Ultraviolet
Higher temporal resolution, so they may perceive the flicker emitted from low-frequency fluorescent lights
Why must emergency lighting be provided in the event of power failure?
Birds will not consume food in the dark.
