The avian alimentary system differs immensely from the basic mammalian design. Food can move in a retrograde fashion from the [[Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|proventriculus]] to the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology|crop]]. Food can also pass from the [[Gizzard - Anatomy & Physiology|gizzard]] back into the [[Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|proventriculus]] depending on particle size, which is similar to that in mammals. The egestion of bones occurs once the nutritious material has been ingested. During reflux, gastric motility is inhibited and the pellet is expelled through the [[Avian Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|oral cavity]] by oesophageal antiperistaltis. This cleans the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology|crop]] out and checking the pellet of captive birds should be undertaken daily to assess health. | The avian alimentary system differs immensely from the basic mammalian design. Food can move in a retrograde fashion from the [[Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|proventriculus]] to the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology|crop]]. Food can also pass from the [[Gizzard - Anatomy & Physiology|gizzard]] back into the [[Proventriculus - Anatomy & Physiology|proventriculus]] depending on particle size, which is similar to that in mammals. The egestion of bones occurs once the nutritious material has been ingested. During reflux, gastric motility is inhibited and the pellet is expelled through the [[Avian Oral Cavity - Anatomy & Physiology|oral cavity]] by oesophageal antiperistaltis. This cleans the [[Crop - Anatomy and Physiology|crop]] out and checking the pellet of captive birds should be undertaken daily to assess health. |