Bird dirtiness
Why is it measured?
Under normal circumstances healthy birds keep themselves clean, they will avoid dirty areas and carry out regular preening. Dirt around the vent can indicate diarrhoea. Dirt on feathers might indicate inadequate litter quality, a wet and muddy outside run and/or poor design of the perching/nesting area. It is a potential source for spreading disease and of relevance for general hygiene and bird wellbeing.
How to assess and score using the AssureWel measure
| 2. Bird dirtiness |
| Sample size: |
50 birds |
| Method of assessment: |
Assess and score 5 birds in each of 10 different areas of the house and/or range. Visual assessment of one side of the bird, except the feet and legs.
|
| Scoring: |
0 = |
Clean
The bird is clean
|
| 1 = |
Moderate dirtiness
There is soiling on at least one part of the bird but no area ≥ 5cm maximum dimension |
| 2 = |
Substantial dirtiness
There is soiling on one or more parts of the bird ≥ 5cm maximum dimension |
- Feather loss
- Bird dirtiness
- Beak trimming
- Antagonistic behaviours
- Flightiness
- Birds needing further care
- Mortality