CAS Avian Reproduction & Breeding

Question 1

What is the approximate incubation period for a Budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) egg?

Accepted Answer

18 days

Answer

Budgerigar eggs typically hatch after approximately 18 days of incubation under normal conditions.

Question 2

Which term describes the featherless, highly vascularized area of skin that develops in many birds during breeding season to transfer heat directly to eggs?

Accepted Answer

Brood patch

Answer

The brood patch is a vascularized, featherless area of abdominal skin that develops hormonally during breeding to provide direct heat transfer to eggs.

Question 3

What is the typical clutch size for a Double Yellow-headed Amazon parrot (Amazona oratrix)?

Accepted Answer

2–4 eggs

Answer

Double Yellow-headed Amazons typically lay 2–4 eggs per clutch, consistent with most Amazon parrot species.

Question 4

During egg candling, what should a fertile egg display at approximately day 7 of incubation?

Accepted Answer

A visible network of blood vessels

Answer

At day 7 of incubation, a fertile egg will show a visible network of blood vessels when candled, indicating active embryonic development.

Question 5

What temperature range is generally recommended for artificially incubating most parrot eggs?

Accepted Answer

98–99°F (36.7–37.2°C)

Answer

Most parrot eggs are artificially incubated at 98–99°F (36.7–37.2°C) to simulate the natural heat maintained by the sitting parent.

(CAS) Certified Avian Specialist Practice Test

(CAS) Certified Avian Specialist Practice Test

CAS Avian Reproduction & Breeding