CAS CAS Avian Husbandry & Care 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which common household item poses a significant inhalation toxicity risk to birds due to PTFE off-gassing?
- Stainless steel cookware
- Non-stick (Teflon-coated) cookware (Correct answer)
- Cast iron skillets
- Ceramic-coated bakeware
Correct answer: Non-stick (Teflon-coated) cookware
Non-stick cookware coated with PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) releases toxic fumes when overheated, which can rapidly kill birds due to their sensitive respiratory systems.
Question 2: What bathing frequency is generally recommended for most companion parrots?
- Once a month is sufficient
- Only when visibly dirty
- Several times per week (Correct answer)
- Daily submersion baths are mandatory
Correct answer: Several times per week
Bathing several times per week helps maintain feather condition, supports preening behavior, and promotes skin health in most companion parrots.
Question 3: When trimming a bird's nails, what is the critical anatomical structure to avoid cutting?
- The keratin sheath
- The quick (blood vessel) (Correct answer)
- The periosteum
- The digital flexor tendon
Correct answer: The quick (blood vessel)
The quick is the blood vessel inside the nail; cutting into it causes bleeding and pain, and can lead to infection if not properly managed.
Question 4: Which of the following signs most strongly indicates that a bird's environmental temperature is too cold?
- Active preening
- Fluffed feathers and shivering (Correct answer)
- Increased vocalization
- Rapid wing fanning
Correct answer: Fluffed feathers and shivering
Fluffed feathers trap air for insulation and shivering generates body heat, both being physiological responses to cold stress in birds.
Question 5: What is the recommended humidity range for most tropical psittacine species kept in captivity in the US?
- 10–20%
- 30–50%
- 50–70% (Correct answer)
- 80–100%
Correct answer: 50–70%
A humidity range of 50–70% mimics the tropical environments of most psittacines and helps prevent dry skin and respiratory issues.
Question 6: Which substrate is generally considered safest for the bottom of a bird cage?
- Cedar shavings
- Aromatic pine chips
- Plain newspaper or paper towels (Correct answer)
- Corncob bedding
Correct answer: Plain newspaper or paper towels
Plain newspaper or paper towels are safe, easy to clean, and allow monitoring of droppings; aromatic wood shavings can cause respiratory issues.
CAS CAS Avian Husbandry & Care 2
Which common household item poses a significant inhalation toxicity risk to birds due to PTFE off-gassing?