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Wild Geese Judge us by the company we keep - Part2-

byBobElgas Big Timber, Montana

The Brant Family Within the brant family are five well defined . As is the case with true geese, they enjoy wide distribu­ tion throughout the northern hemi­ sphere. The five species consist of Canada geese, the true Brant, the Barnacle , Red-breasted Goose, USDA • US. Center for Disease Control • Mayo Clinic • Saudi Royal Family and the Hawaiian or Goose. Sloan-Kettering Institute • Walt Disney World • Busch Gardens • Opryland The is certainly the Six Flags • Lion Country Safari • US. Army • US. Air Force • VA Hospitals best known ofall North American spe­ Countless Zoos • Universities and Game Preserves throughout the Free World cies. It is found throughout much of North America where at least 11 sub­ Write for our free catalog! specific races have been recognized. These range in size from the very large , which has been The Humidaire Incubator Company recorded with weights in excess of 20 Department W, P.O. Box 9, New Madison, OH 45346-0009 pounds, to the tiny Cackling and Aleu­ tian Canada Geese weighing as little (513) 996-3001 • FAX (513) 996-3633 as three or four pounds. All races of Canada Geese are marked alike. The Serving the world for 61 years head and neck is black with the famil­ iar white cheek patch. As is true with all members of the brant family, feet and bills are black. The body color ranges from gray to brown, depend­ ing upon sub-species and, as is true with most geese, the pigmentation is darker on the back than on the under­ side. During recent years, certain races of Canada Geese have enjoyed a substantial increase in population. This is largely as a result of their capa­ bility to adapt to an environment which has a close proximity to humans. As an example, they are fond of golf courses, where they are fre­ quently encountered in substantial numbers. The tender green grasses and waterways are much to their lik­ ing, and they don't hesitate to partake of an inviting environment. The true Brant are represented by four sub-species. These are the Atlan­ tic Brant, the Pacific or Black Brant, the little known Laurence's Brant and the Russian Brant. Brant are unique among geese in that they are almost exclusively marine in habit. Other than when they come ashore during the nesting season, almost their entire life is spent upon salt water. They feed upon marine vegetation, especially afa WATCH 55 eel grass, which is a great favorite. In amount of red, which is unusual in back into their native habitat in captivity, they graze on green grass wild geese. The intricate patterns, . Unfortunately, restrictive leg­ and adapt to a terrestrial environment especially on the head and neck, are islation has prevented efforts on exactly like other geese. Brant are impossible to describe. The color pat­ behalf of the Hawaiian Goose from small, weighing three to four pounds. terns, diminutive size, and graceful being successful as might have been General plumage color is black and bearing make the little Red-breasted possible. Despite the fact it does noth­ white. Although they are not brightly Goose truly magnificent. They breed ing to protect Hawaiian Geese in their colored, they are dainty and graceful in northern Russia and winter in native lands, restrictive legislation has and pleasing in appearance. southern Europe. The total population been enacted which prevents avicul­ The Barnacle Goose is medium to of Red-breasted Geese is not large, turists in the continental United States small. It breeds in Iceland and Spitz­ possibly not more than 5,000 indi­ from fulfilling their potential to breed bergen and winters on the west coast viduals. them in captivity. Fortunately, Hawai­ of Europe, especially in Scotland and One of the most interesting of the ian Geese are easily propagated in the British Isles. They are largely black clan is the Hawaiian or Nene Goose. captivity, and it is estimated as many and white with a substantial patch of As the name implies, it is native to as 3,500 captive exist. If restric­ white on the head and face. The name Hawaii, and has become non­ tions could be made 'more realistic, Barnacle Goose originated in a most migratory. It has adapted to the high the number would increase dramati­ unusual way. They were described lava flows of the islands and has cally. The full story is too involved for long ago before bird migration was become almost entirely terrestrial. As inclusion here. However, it has been known. Observers of that time only a result, the feet and legs have well documented in an article knew the geese disappeared in the fall evolved to fit the environmental authored by Walter B. Sturgeon, Jr., and re-appeared the following spring. change. The legs are much longer and which was featured in the June/July The disappearance in the fall was heavier than those of other geese, and 1990 issue of Watchbird. Those inter­ explained by the possibility that the most of the webbing has disappeared ested in the history of the Hawaiian population simply disappeared and from the feet as befits a bird adapted Goose are referred to that article. perhaps died. This did not explain the to walking rather than swimming. Feet Wild geese adapt well to captivity re-appearance in the spring until an and bill are black, and there is black and their requirements are quite easily enterprising observer of the time "dis­ feathering on the head. General plum­ met. Geese are essentially ani­ covered" that geese were produced age pattern is buffy to brownish gray. mals and fresh, tender green grass is a by Barnacle trees! Barnacle trees, it They are very handsome. The history basic food. Captive birds should be was explained, produced barnacle surrounding the Nene is quite interest­ provided with supplemental food. shells. As these shells matured and ing. There are a number of specula­ Whole grains, such as wheat and corn, ripened, they would split open allow­ tions regarding their origin. One that provide needed nourishment in win­ ing the contents to be released. Those has an element of credence, and con­ ter when green grass might be in short contents that fell upon the ground siderable acceptance, is that they orig­ supply. As an additional supplement, came to naught. However, the con­ inated from a common ancestor to the commercial rations prepared for tents that fell upon the water would Canada Goose when individuals of chickens or turkeys are also good. In develop and become Barnacle Geese, that race made their way to the Hawai­ feeding such rations, it is important to thus the species was able to per­ ian Islands, became non-migratory avoid medicated varieties. Although petuate itself. Verification of this residents, and evolved into the Hawai­ geese are more terrestrial than , remarkable phenomenon was authen­ ian Goose as we know it today. His­ they are still waterfowl. At least some ticated by eye witness accounts, torically, the Hawaiian Goose was water area should be available and, including sketches and drawings of comparatively abundant. However, indeed, if geese are to be bred suc­ the actual event. It was not until much when early traders introduced such cessfully, swimming water is a re­ later, as bird migration became predatory species as pigs, goats, rats quirement. Actual copulation is known, that it was realized Barnacle and especially the mongoose, the accomplished in the water, and with­ Geese actually spent their summers Hawaiian Goose populations began out it any eggs produced will not be and reared their young in Iceland and to decline. By the mid-1900s, the pop­ fertile. The term swimming water is Spitzbergen and returned to their win­ ulation had been reduced to approxi­ often misunderstood. The amount of ter home in Britain and Europe with mately 50. Fortunately, a few had water need not be large - just the arrival of the fall. Old tales can die been maintained in captivity by a pri­ enough that both birds can float them­ hard, and the story of Barnacle trees is vate individual in Hawaii. From that selves at the same time. A pool as little still remembered today. The name source, Peter Scott of the Wildfowl as four feet across and six inches in Barnacle Goose has endured and, per­ Trust in England obtained three birds. depth will suffice. Geese are territorial haps - just perhaps - maybe a few As a result of that acquisition, the during breeding season and if more Barnacle Geese, indeed, do still come Trust was able to embark upon a suc­ than one pair is in a single pen the from Barnacle trees. cessful breeding program. Ultimately, dominant pair will assume control. In One of the most beautiful of all handreared birds from that program larger areas, where there is an waterfowl is the tiny Red-breasted were sent to breeders in the United expanse ofspace and water, a number Goose of Russia. As is true with others States where further breeding success of pairs can be kept together. Geese of the clan, there is considerable black was achieved. Eventually Hawaiian are very hardy and weather and tem­ and white feathering. However, in Geese were reared in sufficient num­ perature fluctuations present little addition there is a considerable bers to return the birds for release problem. Exclusive of Hawaiian 56 March / April 1994 utensils will need to be provided. Shallow pans work well for food, and chick watering founts will suffice for water. Open water containers are ill advised. If given the opportunity, goslings will get directly into the water and can easily soak themselves, caus­ ing chilling and frequently death as a result. Water containers should be designed so the chicks can drink, but cannot get into the water. Appropriate water founts can be obtained at any poultty or feed store. When placing food and water con­ tainers in the pens, they should be spaced sufficiently far apart that the Though seldom babies must walk froln one to the known, the other to feed and drink. If placed close endangered together, they will dabble first in one Hawaiian goose, and then the other, making a 111ess of NeneGoose, themselves, the water and the food belongs to the Brantfanlily and dishes. is not a true goose. When handrearing goslings, it is important they be kept warm. They must also be provided with shade fronl hot sun. It is in1portant to protect them froln cold showers or rain. When Geese, which have acclimated to what Larger species take 28 to 30 days, and left with the parents, of course, this is is essentially a tropical climate, geese smaller species somewhat less. Inas­ no problem as the parent birds will handle cold very well. Indeed, sub­ lnuch as incubation is not initiated cover and brood them when neces­ zero temperatures hold little fear, until the full clutch is complete, the sary. At night, handreared babies will especially if open water is available. goslings hatch at the saIne time. The need to be either brought inside Hawaiian Geese are not accli111ated to young are precocious and as soon as where appropriate warmth can be cold and must be protected fron1 sub­ they are dry they are ready to leave provided, or, if left outdoors, they freezing conditions. the nest and follow their parents. In must have adequate protection from Geese normally form permanent the wild, the young subsist aln10st the elements and proper wannth must pair bondings. Once mated, a pair will exclusively on tender green grasses. be provided. In 1110St instances, it is ill remain faithful to one another. How­ In captivity, it is wise to provide some advised to leave thenl outdoors at ever, if one or the other of the pair for supplemental feed in the form of a night as lnarauding predators are an any reason should be lost, the remain­ good poultry ration. Chick or turkey inevitable possibility for tragedy. Far ing bird will usually remate. Breeding grower works well. It should be non­ better to bring them in and be sure is seasonal and is largely triggered by medicated, and the protein level than to gamble they will be safe out­ weather conditions and the length of should not be much above 16 percent. doors. daylight hours. Most geese will nest It is worthy of note that the digestive For those who have appropriate during April and May. At an appro­ systetD of geese is geared to the intake acco11l11l0dations, wild geese are a priate time, the female (known as a of large quantities of low protein, high splendid addition to an aviary. In goose; males are ganders) will scratch roughage food. Supplemental foods addition to being relatively easily out a depression in the ground. With are lnuch 1110re concentrated which 11laintained, they are also highly orna­ help from the male, she will gather needs to be taken into account in the mental and adapt very well to an asso­ nearby dry material, usually dry vege­ feeding progran1. It goes without say­ ciation with hUlnans. Perhaps one of tation, which is the basis for the nest. ing that being waterfowl, they will the 1110St pleasant surprises of all, par­ Eggs are usually deposited on alter­ consume, and need to consun1e, large ticularly for those who are fa111iliar nate days. As each egg is deposited, it quantities ofwater. with the price stnlcture of S0111e of the is 'covered with dry nesting material When goslings are incubator psittacines, is the fact that a pair of until the clutch is complete. A normal hatched, or taken from the parents for comparatively rare geese can be pur­ clutch is five, but the number can vary handrearing, certain provisions are chased for as little as two or three either way. Once complete, the necessary for their well being. One of hundred dollars. In view of the adapt­ female lines the nest with a blanket of the first requirements is to be certain ability of geese to an avicultural facil­ down plucked from her own breast. they are kept warm and dry. Of neces­ ity, the natural grace and beauty of the Incubation is done by the female sity, they will have to be confined to a birds the111selves, the ownership of a alone but the gander stands close by pen area sufficiently well constructed pair or two of these fine birds can add and protects her and the nest. Incuba­ to prevent them frOID wandering off IDuch enjoyn1ent to an avicultural col­ tion periods vary according to species. and becolning lost. Food and water lection.• afa WATCHBIRD 57 AvianTrade Shows & Seminars Carolina Ornamental Bird Society Tennessee Valley Exotic Bird Club West Pasco Exotic Bird Club's Bird Swap, Sale and Raffle presents its Fifth Annual Bird Fair April 9, 1994 6th Annual Spring Exotic Bird Fair May 15, 1994 from 7:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. May 6 & 7, 1994 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Craven County Fairgrounds Knoxville Convention Center at the Hudson Community Club Hwy. 70 east of New Bern, NC World's Fair Park Hudson, Florida For information call: For information call: For information call: Ken Bradley (910) 842-9245 Barb Kimmitt (615) 693-7841 or Jackie (813) 863-7217 or Cindy (813) 868-0521 Sandi Brennan (615) 753-9841 Bird Clubs of Virginia or write to TVEBC, P.O. Box 51425 Central New York Caged Bird Club sponsor the 10th Virginia Bird Convention & Bird Mart Knoxville, TN 37950-1425 Spring Sale and Exhibition April &-10, 1994 The TVEBC is the host club for the May21,1994 National speakers, bird care mini seminars, huge AFA '94 August 4-6 Convention. Great Northern Mall bird mart, bird sale room, giant raffle. Prepare yourself for a good time! Route 31, Clay, NY Omni International Hotel at Waterside For information contact: 777 Waterside Dr., Noriolk, VA Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club Dave Dixon (?) 598-5927 Call (804) 622-6664 Spring Bird Fair or Debbie Johnson (?) 598-5024 For info call Dick Ivy, (804) 898-5090 May 7, 1994 Hattendorf Center 3rd Annual Upper Midwest Bird Mart Greater Dayton Bird Expo and Auction 10:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. May21,1994 April 10, 1994 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL Minnesota State Fairgrounds Montgomery County Fairgrounds Half mile east of Arlington Heights Road Empire Commons Building Dayton, Ohio For information call: (708) 705-6260 SI. Paul, Minnesota For information contact: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Paula or Pete DiSalvo (513) 848-4819 Northwest Exotic Bird Society Admission $3, and under 12 $2 15 W. Franklin SI., Bellbrook, OH 45305 sponsors the For information contact: Way Out West Bird Expo, Washington Exotic Bird Fair P.O. Box 20601, Bloomington, MN 55420 Arizona's Biggest Bird Mart May 7, 1994 Call Nellie (612) 854-6439 April 17, 1994 Puyallup Fairgrounds or Dallas (612) 427-1046 State Fairgrounds Puyallup, Washington 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Central Mississippi Bird Club Everything from finches to macaws, For information call: presents their cages, feed, bird toys and more. Susan Hoyer (206) 441-0360 2nd Annual Bird Fair $3.50 adults I $2.50 seniors May 21-22,1994 $1.50 children 5-12 Family Pet Show Miss. State Fairgrounds For vendor info: (602) 973-9282 Detroit, Michigan Jackson, Mississippi Buffalo Hookbill Assocation May 13, 14, 15, 1994 For information contact: 3rd Annual Exotic Bird Show See more than 300 exhibitors, W. Nations (601) 825-7809 April 17, 1994 hundreds of handlers, Mary Moore (601) 924-1180 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 4000 pets and 200 barnyard dwellers Candy Lott (601) 924-3893 in the Grange Bldg. at the Erie County Fairgrounds, Hamburg, NY Michigan Exposition and Fairgrounds Central Pennsylvania Cage Bird Club For info. call: (716) 496-6046 Contact: Jerry Schoenith (810) 777-0369 Bird Mart & Pet Bird Show May 22, 1994 5th Annual America's Family Pet Show Portland's Rose City Exotic Bird Club's Holiday Inn, Grantville, PA at the Fairplex - Pomona, California Spring '94 Bird Expo and Sale located at the Hershey-Harrisburg Exit #28, Los Angeles County Fairgrounds May 14 and 15, 1994 off 1-81 at Route 743 April 22-24, 1994 Washington County Fairgrounds For information call: Birds, dogs, , fish, reptiles, pigs, llamas, etc. Hillsboro, Oregon Janet Landvater, bird mart mgr. For info. contact Tom H. Mclaughlin, For information contact: RD #1, Box 135-K, Hershey, PA 17033 Western World Pet Supply Assn. Louise DUbe, P.O. Box 1016, SI. Helens, OR 97051 Phone (717) 533-4251 406 South First Ave., Arcadia, CA 91006-3829 or phone (503) 366-0161 Phone (818) 447-2222. Fax (818) 447-8350 Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club Madison Area Cagebird Assn. of Wisconsin Arizona Aviculture Society presents its (M.A.C.A.W.) Spring Bird Mart Bird Fair presents its May 15, 1994 May 28, 29, 1994 7th Annual Bird Fair 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. at the Middle Tennessee State University Campus May 1,1994 Admission: $3.00 Agriculture Pavilion-Livestock Center Dane County Forum Exposition Center New location: 38th SI. & Thomas, Phoenix Murfreesboro, TN Madison, Wisconsin Vendors welcome Contact Fair Chairman: Larry Crawford Vendors, hOUrly raffles, morning seminar. (602) 957-6034 or 973-0667 1447 Twin Oak Dr., Murfreesboro, TN 37130 For info. call: Phone (615) 890-6906 Rita Shimniok (608) 798-4877 National Capital Bird Club's For table rental call: Annual Bird Mart Greater Rochester Hookbill Association Jenniler Dobson (608) 241-2635 May 15, 1994 Sale and Auction Macaw Landing Foundation 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. June 4,1994 Public Viewing Aviary John C. Wood Complex 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Third Thursday of each month 3730 Old Lee Highway Admission free Jantzen Beach Center, exit 308 off 1-5 Fairfax, VA 22030 Genesee Conservation League Mon. - Fri. 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. For information: 1570 Penfield Rd., Penfield, NY 14526 Sal. & Sun. 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. P.O. Box 5, Libertytown, MD 21762 For information write: Bird care seminar. Speaker Pat Huff, D.V.M. (301) 898-5965 or (703) 471-1231 GRHA, P.O. Box 427, Penfield, NY 14526-0427 Macaw Landing 7:30 p.m. or phone: Gloria Giraulo (716) 342-9529 or For information call: (503) 286-0882 Linda Matteson (315) 597-4836

58 March / April 1994 AvianTrade Shows & Seminars

Gold Country Avicultural Society Chester County Bird Breeders Exotic Bird Club of Florida presents its and Keystone Cockatile Club Bird Show 3rd Annual Exotic Bird Mart Annual All-Bird Show October 29,1994 June 12, 1994 September 10, 1994 Holiday Inn Cocoa Beach Resort Mother Lode Fairgrounds, Sonora, CA 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 1300 N. Atlantic Ave., For vendor information, write: Sheraton Valley Forge Cocoa Beach, FL 32931 Gold Country Avicunural Society Convention Center, Plaza Entrance Reservations: (407) 783-2271 P.O. Box 3692, Sonora, CA 95370-3692 Valley Forge, PA For information contact: Attn: Rodney P. Silva For information contact: Maureen O'Steen or call (209) 533-3496 Doris Rickards (215) 647-4632 For directions call: 613 Dianne Dr., Melbourne, FL 32935 Erie Cage Bird Club's Sheraton Hotel (215) 337-2000 4th Annual Bird Fair Middle Tennessee Cage Bird Club June 18, 1994 Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club hosts its annual Perry Hiway Hose Co. Spring Bird Fair Fall Show/Fair Extravaganza Route 19, Erie, PA September 17, 1994 October 29-30, 1994 Public welcome, no admission charge 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Nashville, Tennessee State Fairgrounds 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Hattendorf Center Creative Arts Building Info: Sue Turner (814) 838·1858 225 E. Elk Grove Blvd., Elk Grove Village, IL One day judged show - Sat., Oct. 29 or Debbie Foote (814) 967·2866 (1/2 mile east of Arlington Heights Road) Show chairman Bill Hite (615) 643-2617 Semi-annual event, open to the pUblic. runs simultaneously with a American Federation of Aviculturists Features awide variety of birds, cages, toys, , treats, two day sale/fair Oct. 29-30. 20th Annual Convention and equipment for sale. Fair chairmen: August 4-6,1994 For everyone from single pet owners to serious breeder/ Wilma Crawford (615) 890-6906 or Knoxville, Tennessee hobbyists. Joy Johnson (615) 895-3386 Hosted by Tennessee Valley General information: (708) 705-6260 Exotic Bird Club Greater Chicago Cage Bird Club Holiday Inn/Convention Center, Erie Cage Bird Club's Annual Auction Worlds Fair Park September 18, 1994 62nd Annual Cage Bird Show Seminar topics: 2306 Norcross Rd., Erie, PA November 5, 1994 "Out of African and Down Under" Public welcome, no admission charge 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Speakers from Africa, Australia, Canada and the Starting at 1:00 p.m. Rolling Meadows Holiday Inn United States. For info.: Diane Holtz (814) 898-2675 3405 Algonquin Rd., The Convention will take place on Friday and Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 Saturday and have exhibitors from allover the Coastal Bend Cage Bird Club's Phone (708) 259·5000 Unned States. Don't miss this once·in-a-I~etime 5th Annual Bird Fair Judges: opportunity to meet with some of the world's top September 25, 1994 Type Canaries - Harold Sodamann avicunurists. 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Hartz Canaries - Harold Sodamann For more information: Moose Lodge, 8001 S. Padre Island Dr. American Singer Canaries - Mike Bacon Cindy Aident (615) 690·7252 or Corpus Christi, Texas Colorbred Canaries - Ignacio Perea Gary Reid (615) 690-0613 For more info: Finches & Soltbills - Brian Binns (England) Unda Young (512) 991-2704 Lovebirds· Lee Horton Mid·South Budgie Club Hookbills • Ray Johnson will host a South Jersey Bird Club Budgerigars· Don Langell Budgie Bird Show Bird Show American Cockatiel Society - Carl Helton August 20, 1994 October 1, 1994 National Cockatiel Society - Lee Horton Quality Inn·Executive Plaza Garden State Park Racetrack 823 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN Cherry Hill, New Jersey Juniors· to be announced For additional information: Open to the public: 10- 6 National Finch &Softbill Society Regional Show and the Candice Patrick, Apt. B3·7, JUdging, educational seminars, vendors, DNA sexing, bird Border Breeders of Chicago All Border Show will be held in 400 Forrest Park Road, Madison, TN 37115 sale room, and more. conjunction with our show this year. Phone (615) 868·8840 or For more information, contact: General information: (708) 705-6260 Carrol Dunn, 115 Chippendale Drive, Bob Hence, show manager (609) 753-8949 Hendersonville, TN 37075 Way Out West Bird Expo, Phone (615) 324-8642 Avicultural Society of Tucson (Arizona) Arizona's Biggest Bird Mart Ninth Annual Bird Fair November 13, 1994 Mid-South Budgie Club October 16, 1994 State Fairgrounds will host a Tucson Exposition Center, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Bird Fair Marketplace, USA, Irvington Road Everything from finches to macaws, August 21, 1994 9:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. cages, feed, bird toys and more. Quality Inn·Executive Plaza Demonstrations, lectures, raffles $3.50 adults / $2.50 seniors 823 Murfreesboro Road, Nashville, TN (hand-fed bird grand prize). $1.50 children 5-12 For information contact: Contact Su Egen, P.O. Box 41501 , For vendor info: (602) 973-9282 Mary Russell Tucson, AZ 85717-1501 416 West Cherry St., Glasgow, KY 42141 Phone &fax: (602) 325-0009 Phone: (502) 651·8150 Alamo City Bird Mart Connecticut Association for Aviculture "Biggest Little Bird Mart in Texas!" Central Alabama Avlcultural Society presents its December 10, 1994 presents its 18th Annual Exotic Bird Show 10:00 a.m.• 6:00 p.m. Annual Show & Fair October 22,1994 Uve Oak Civic Center September 3• 4, 1994 "Tails-U-Win" Hall 8101 Pat Booker Rd., 011 Loop 1604 Howard Johnson Governors House Hotel 175 Adams Street, Manchester, CT 06040 24,000 sq. ft. of breeders cages and supplies, 2705 E. South Blvd., Montgomery, AL For information call: seminars, microchipping clinic, rallie. Hotel reservations: 1-800·334-8459 Show Secretary Chris Voronovitch For vendor info call: (210) 648-0788 For information call: at (203) 649-8220 or send for space application: (205) 857,3817, (205) 892-2204, or (205) 279-6829 2611 Tucker, San Antonio, TX 78222

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