Quiz Access Page and Sample Questions

Chicken Quiz Access Page

The Chicken Quiz is done online on WEBct.

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Requirements for Certification to work with Chickens

Part 1 (self-study Information with Quiz)

For certification you need 85% on the Chicken Quiz
It is an open book Quiz that can be taken as many times as it takes
Once you reach 85% a Certificate to work with Chickens valid for three years will be sent to you by e-mail.

Part 2 (Practical Training)

Sample Questions

Poultry can be used for both biomedical and agricultural experiments and the standards of care may vary depending on project and housing location. Which one of the following is true:

Chickens kept only to provide eggs for various diagnostic procedures need to be housed and cared for in a similar manner as poultry being sold at feed stores.
Chickens on an IACUC approved project which are housed at UAC facilities must be kept according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals.
Chickens used to study diabetes insipidus and housed at the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory must be kept according to the Guide for the Care and Use of Agricultural Animals in Agricultural Research and Teaching.
a and b are true
b and c are true

The main method of protecting oneself from a zoonotic disease is to practice good personal hygiene. Which one of the following is true:

Since lice and mites are not considered zoonotic, you needn’t wear gloves when handling infected birds.
If a person has cancer, they may be more at risk of contracting a disease from handling chickens or eggs.
When birds come from a disease-free source, you needn’t wear gloves or special clothes.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Birds housed at the University need to be free of infectious diseases. Which one of the following is true:

If possible, buy birds from flocks free of disease.
Every new bird coming to the university should have the date of arrival marked on the card. This information helps veterinarians track the progression of disease.
If all persons exposed to birds and bird products observe good hygiene: wear gloves, wear outerwear, wash hands, shower, etc., there is zero chance that avian tuberculosis could occur at the university.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Bird anatomy is unique. Which one of the following is true:

The keel bone is shaped like a boat and is another name for the fused vertebra which support the wings.
Several adaptations for flight include the fused vertebra, the hollowed bones, and the enlarged breast bone.
Contrary to popular belief, turkeys and chickens do have brains, however the cortex is quite small.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Husbandry and care for birds, whether housed at UAC or the farms, have some common requirements. Which one of the following is true:

All feed must be stored in cans with tight fitting lids. The lid needs to be kept on to prevent entry of vermin.
Since the suppliers of poultry use automatic water systems, birds new to the university will already know how to operate valve type water systems.
As long as water is provided, chickens can tolerate extreme heat (>110o F).
a and b are true
b and c are true

Chickens and to a lesser extent Turkeys form a hierarchical social structure, called a "pecking order." Which one of the following is true:

The bird on the bottom of the pecking order will always look in bad shape and needs to be euthanized.
A bird needs to be removed from the group of birds if it has open wounds, is losing weight, is not allowed to approach a feeder to obtain food, or if so intimidated that it sits in one corner and never moves.
Once a group of birds has fought and established the pecking order, you can remove and reintroduce birds without problems, even if reintroduction is delayed for a day or two.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Each and every bird, no matter where it is housed at the university, must be observed each day by a person trained to recognize illness or problems. Which one of the following is true:

If a flock of turkeys all of a sudden show a loss of feathers, the first thing to suspect is lice. The caretaker needs to wear special hair bonnets since the turkey louse readily infects the scalps of humans. YIKES!
A bird which is hunched up, tucking its head under its wing, and with its feathers fluffed is trying to sleep. This bird should not be disturbed and one should carefully, back away and try to walk as softy as possible.
Sudden loss of feathers may be due to normal molt but should be reported to the supervisor or veterinarian.
a and b are true

When a bird is placed in a cage or pen, identification requirements are enforced. Which one of the following is true:

As long as you can recognize and put the correct name to each bird, no other identification is needed.
Only adult birds need any form of identification. Chicks are chicks and most will die before they reach maturity, it is a waste of time trying to tell one from another.
A card needs to be attached to the enclosure and on this card MUST be the scientist’s name, protocol number, date of birth of bird, source of bird, and date of arrival of the bird.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Many projects require some use of the egg. Which of the following is true?

Eggs from university birds should never be eaten; since they are a special research breed with a malformed reproductive tract and digestive tract, both feces and eggs have passed through the same opening.
Eggs should be identified by using a soft lead pencil; ink may diffuse into the egg.
Eggs from university birds should never be eaten, because this would be exploitation of another species.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Picking up an adult chicken or turkey is not always easy. Which one of the following is true:

The key to success is to be gentle but firm, quiet, and if necessary, cover the bird’s head with a soft cloth.
The key to success is convincing the bird that you are the most dominant member of the pecking order. It may be necessary to shake the bird a couple of times and act like you’re going to peck out its eyes.
The key to success is to hold the bird, much like a cat, one hand on the back of the neck and one hand under the tail to support the weight.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Birds die easily if stressed by heat and rough handling. Which one the of following is true.

When moving birds from the University farm to the laboratory, place one bird into each pillow case, tie a knot so the birds can’t escape and place the bags into the trunk of the car.
Birds in carriers must be covered by a clean coat or sheet whenever they are outside the housing area.
A shoebox (10" x 5" x 5") works great to hold an adult, twenty-pound turkey, simply be sure to tape the lid shut.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Moving birds from place to place requires planning and the proper equipment. Which one of the following is true?

Transport cages should be lined with paper towels or another absorbent material to soak up feces.
The transport cage/box needs to be large enough to allow normal movement and allow the bird to breathe.
A soft, clean pillowcase is the ideal way to carry a bird from place to place. The bird feels safe and cuddled.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Many projects require samples of blood to be taken. Which one of the following is true:

The best blood sampling method is to open the alar vein with a scalpel, then, fill a micro hematocrit tube from the blood pooled around the slit in the vein.
The best blood sampling method is to introduce a small gauge needle directly into a suitable vein, then, fill a micro hematocrit tube from the blood in the needle hub.
If large volumes of blood need to be collected and if it is a final, terminal procedure, the heart puncture method is ideal.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Many projects require injections to be made. Which one of the following is true:

Injections must NEVER EVER be in the muscles of the thigh-the bird will immediately die.
Injections into the muscles of the thigh are more dangerous because a higher concentration of drug goes quickly to the kidneys, where depending on the drug and concentration, they may cause damage.
Injections in the muscle either side of the breast bone are generally safer than the muscles of the thigh because of the renal portal system.
a and b are true
b and c are true

When performing euthanasia, it is imperative that the proper technique be observed. Which one of the following is true:

To use CO2 gas, put the bird in a plastic bag and place the end of the bag over the exhaust pipe of a running car.
To use Isoflurane, turn the concentration up (5-7%) and continue until there is no respiration or heart beat.
To use a barbiturate, inject an overdose into the heavy muscle mass on either side of the keel bone.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Euthanasia is from two Latin root words meaning, "good death." Which one of the following is true:

An AVMA approved method of euthanasia is to place the body under the armpit, and then swing the head down with a forceful motion. This painlessly breaks the bird’s neck.
An AVMA approved method must be used to kill the bird and the IACUC must also approve the method.
An AVMA approved method of euthanasia is to restrain the bird on a hard surface and to cut off the head in one swift motion. This painlessly decapitates the bird.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Birds are tricky with regards to depth of anesthesia. Which one the following is true:

Since adult chickens weigh about 2 kg (4.4 lbs.); always calculate anesthetic dose using this weight.
Start with a low dose, about 1/4 of calculated amount. Add anesthetic as needed, in small, incremental steps.
No matter what drug is used, devote one person’s time to watching the bird for signs of problems.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Before surgery, birds may be prepared by fasting, or nothing by mouth (NPO). Which one of the following is true:

Birds can’t draw easily from body glycogen stores, limit fasting to a few hours.
As long as the bird is intubated, there is no reason to fast the bird, since regurgitation can’t occur.
As long as the gizzard and proventriculus is empty of fresh food, there is no reason for the bird to be fasted.
a and b are true
b and c are true

The structure of the chicken’s body is quite unique from more familiar mammals. Which one of the following is true:

As Garry Arson cartoons show, most chickens have terrible eyesight and therefore need glasses.
The air sacs are small, bladder or balloon like structures found just beneath the skin’s surface on the neck.
Chickens lack lips or teeth, but can bite or pinch a person stupid enough to put a finger in their mouth.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Poultry housed at the university are used for a variety of teaching and research projects. Which one of the following is true:

Chickens are raised at University farms to provide a cheap source of meat and eggs for graduate students.
Chickens are often used as a source of antibodies; a hen is injected with antigen and her eggs collected.
Turkeys, being stupid, are used to study brain cell destruction, quite similar to students who drink too much beer.
a and b are true
b and c are true

Which of the following is true?

In general, the right and left reproductive organs are functional.
The left reproductive organs develop initially, followed by the right organs.
Both right and left reproductive organs are formed initially but the right organs later regress.
None of the above.

Correct Answer = c

Which of the following is true?

The ovary is broadly attached to the cranial division of the left kidney.
The ovary is broadly attached to the cranial division of the right kidney.
The ovary is broadly attached to the ureters.
The avian oviduct represents only a minute portion of the genital tract.

Correct Answer = a

Which of the following is true?

A corpus luteum is formed in birds, as in mammals.
The larger follicles make contact with the left kidney.
Very few follicles are contained within the ovary.
The larger follicles make contact with the stomach, spleen, and intestines.

Correct Answer = d

Which one of the following is NOT a function of the oviduct?

Conduction of the fertilised ovum to the cloaca.
Formation of the corpus luteum of pregnancy.
Provision of nutrients for the developing embryo.
Formation of the membranes and outer shell of the egg.

Correct Answer = b