A practice that risks crop blockage when feeding prey?

• A. Feeding whole necks
• B. Feeding small pieces
• C. Providing water
• D. Allowing exercise

Answer: (A)

Crop blockages happen when prey is too large or tough for the bird to handle in the esophagus and crop. Feeding whole necks introduces large bone segments and dense tissue that the bird may swallow before it’s adequately softened, which can lodge and form an impaction in the crop. By contrast, giving small pieces lets the bird swallow manageable amounts that are easier to pass into the stomach, reducing the risk of blockage. Providing water helps with digestion, and exercise doesn’t directly cause crop blockages. The key practice to avoid is presenting prey in a form that’s too large for the crop to process.