Psittacine Facts and Fiction Trivia Quiz

Answer: False

It may be more cruel not to clip. My friend's cockatiel isn't clipped and has crashed into numerous windows and walls. Such crashes can cause concussions, broken bones, sprains, and death. Some birds, though, can cope well with free flying, so you may want to assess your particular pet first.

Answer: True

A parrot can be nippy, some are very fragile, some are too rowdy, some are powdery and can aggravate allergies. A parrot should NEVER be left alone with a young child. The risk of harm to both of them is too great.

Answer: False

Even the smallest budgie chirps at the sound of the door. Some of the yellow-headed Amazons will even latch onto intruders and refuse to let go.

Answer: True

Without sufficient exercise, they can become nasty, vicious, and noisy.

Answer: True

My female cockatiel once got her little head stuck in my Cape parrot's cage bars and I had to get her loose. If I hadn't been there, she could have broken her neck.

Answer: False

They are fine as a once in a while treat, but long term feeding can result in liver, lung and heart problems. There are a few types of mold that grow on peanut shells and that can also cause allergies in the bird or fungal respiratory illnesses such as aspergillosis.

Answer: True

Many formula recipes call for monkey chow, which commonly contains E. coli, a bacterium that can kill any bird if the bacteria level gets high enough. E. coli is not a natural resident of most parrots' intestines, contrary to popular belief.

Answer: True

Kakarikis need this as they are natural fliers. If it is to be out of the cage for a portion of the day, the cage can be smaller, but at least 2 or 3 ft tall. A bird's cage needs to have enough room so it can spread its wings, flap a bit, move around, and eat.

A large macaw or large cockatoo can need a cage about 5 ft tall and 4 ft wide. A medium macaw or cockatoo, a Poicephalus, an Amazon, a large conure or ringneck or other birds in the size range needs a cage at least 4 ft tall and 3 ft wide. A cockatiel, conure, or similar sized bird needs it to be 2 or 3 ft tall and 1 or 2 ft wide.

The bar spacing varies with species, but the beak should be able to fit out of the bars, but not the whole head. A cage should never be taller than your head, to insure your dominance.

Answer: False

Some birds housebreak themselves, leaving a mess only on newspaper and in the trash. Never use the real toilet as a bird toilet, the bird can fall in and drown.

Answer: False

B, P, and a few other consonants are difficult for parrots to pronounce as they have no lips. They use "G" sounds instead.