Useful Addresses [chapter]

2013 Veterinary Nursing of Exotic Pets  
Preface v AVIAN SPECIES 1 Basic avian anatomy and physiology 2 Avian housing and husbandry 3 Avian handling and chemical restraint 4 Avian nutrition 5 Common avian diseases 6 An overview of avian therapeutics REPTILES AND AMPHIBIANS 7 Basic reptile and amphibian anatomy and physiology 8 Reptile and amphibian housing, husbandry and rearing 9 Reptile and amphibian handling and chemical restraint 10 Reptile and amphibian nutrition 11 Common reptile and amphibian diseases 12 An overview of reptile
more » ... nd amphibian therapeutics SMALL MAMMALS 13 Basic small mammal anatomy and physiology 14 Small mammal housing, husbandry and rearing 15 Small mammal handling and chemical restraint 16 Small mammal nutrition 17 Common diseases of small mammals 18 An overview of small mammal therapeutics Appendix 1 Legislation affecting exotic pet species in the UK Appendix 2 Useful addresses Index The colour plate section may be found following page 154. Contents Passeriformes This is the largest order of birds and includes the canary, the finch family, birds of paradise, the mynah birds, ornamental starlings, sparrows and others. Anseriformes This order includes: • the duck family, for example the mallard, shovellor and shelduck; • the goose family, for example the barnacle, and greylag; • the sea duck family, for example the eider and smew; • the swan family, for example the mute, Whooper's and Bewick's swans. Rhamphastidae This order includes the toucan, toucanette and hornbill families. Strigiformes This covers the owl families. Falconiformes This order covers: • the Falconidae family, for example the peregrine falcon, the saker, the llanner, the gyrfalcon; • the Accipitridae family such as the buzzards (common, rough-legged and honey), the sparrowhawk, goshawk, golden eagle. These are known as raptors } Fig. 1.1 Dorsal aspect of avain cerebral hemispheres showing lack of gyri. Cage requirements for Psittaciformes and Passeriformes The advice given in the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 is that the cage should be sufficiently large enough for the bird to be able to stretch its wings in all three dimensions. This is a bare minimum requirement, and the cage sizes should be as large as is feasibly and financially possible. Cages to avoid It is worthwhile avoiding certain cage types: • 'Hamster' style cages which are wider than they are high. Birds enjoy freedom of movement in a vertical plane and feel more at ease when caged accordingly. • Tall, narrow cages which prevent lateral flight and movement. • Cages coated in plastic which may be chewed off, as many plastics contain zinc and other compounds which may be toxic. • Cages which have a poor metallic finish. Many cages are made of zinc alloys and if the finish of the wire surface is poor, the zinc may become available to the bird. As parrots in particular use their beaks to manoevre themselves around the cage, the tendency is to swallow the zinc dust coating the wire. The zinc builds up in the bird's body over a number of weeks and can lead to kidney and liver damage and, in severe cases, death. • Cages with very small doors on them, which makes catching the bird difficult. The preferred construction material for cages for Psittaciformes and Passeriformes is stainless steel. This is non toxic and easy to keep clean. Unfortunately, stainless steel cages are heavier and can be more expensive to buy. Cage 'furniture' Various items are necessary to provide for basic needs and to improve welfare. Consideration should be given to the type and position of perches, food and water bowls, floor coverings and toys.
doi:10.1002/9781118782941.app2 fatcat:qt2nlkvsvnfhrm2gn6tzxqjoee