Issue #5

Companionship • Health • Behavior • Aviculture • Conservation

Investing in their health. Committed to their future.

Green Winged Macaw Ara chloroptera

At the forefront of Avian Research. HARI (Hagen Avicultural Research Institute) is a world class Psittacine captive breeding, nutrition and disease research facility. HARI’s continuous progress in animal husbandry have resulted in advancements that enhance the quality of captive breeding and 100% EDIBLE A perfect blend of Fruits, maintenance of companion birds. Consulting Nuts and Legumes with Tropican. with Avian veterinarians, and technicians, HARI works to develop new diets, healthy treats, bird supplements, and is responsible for innovations such as Tropican and Tropimix formulas. These diets combine the highest quality ingredients with strict standards to ensure that your bird receives the highest quality nutrition. www.hagen.com/hari TOTAL NUTRITION Lifetime and High Performance formula for a healthy diet. Understanding the Personality Schema of our PARROT LIFE Birds ContentContent Features By: Sylvie Aubin in this issue page 38

Meet U.S. HARI Parrots Aviculturists Update International By: Melanie Allen Projects By: Mark & Marie Stafford page 5 page 20 page 42

Loving Restraint Where the Wild or Luring techniques for Work is Done large Parrots By: Kevina Williams By: Nathalie Lemieux By: Josee Bermingham page 7 page 34 page 24

Is Your Home Thinking on On the Road to HomeHome Parrot Safe? the Wing Companionship By: Steve Hartman

page 8 page 26 page 49

Grooming Observations of Weaning Techniques the Little Corella Rotary Tool Part II By: Josee By: John McGrath Bermingham By: Josee Bermingham page 30 page 50

page 9

Empowering Blood: What can ? Feather Quiz

Our Parrots we learn from it? ? ? By: Kristi Flemming By: Diane Noël DMV ? ? ? page ? ? 55 page 10 page 34 ? ?

Macaw Apple Cider World Parrot Mountain Vinegar Trust By: Steve Hartman By: Gabrielle Laurent page 56 page 15 page 36

1 EDITORIAL NOTE: Respect, nurturing and compassionate caretaking of feathered companions is perhaps part of our profound nature. Eight years old Thalia Klinger feeding & nurturing this orphaned wild chick until it can be old enough to fledge back into the wild. The love of birds can come as a surprise at any age. Note: hand feeding formula combined with mealworms and insects can provide a nutritious diet for orphaned wild bird chicks. We hope you enjoy this issue of Parrot Life that features numerous behavior topics, training techniques, grooming, health, first aid, and news from the wild & conservation Cover page art description highlights. and acknowledgements Josee Bermingham, The mask was made from Editor molted feathers from the Hartman Aviaries by Gwen Bennett of Eureka Springs, AR. She is one of 120 of America's finest artists and craftsmen chosen to exhibit at the 27th annual Smithsonian Craft Show. Exemplifying innovation, creativity and technical merit, the Smithsonian Craft Show features superb craft artists from across the country. HAND FEEDING FORMULA Gwen was selected in the fiber, decorative category for her Unique formulation with feather work. Using natural colored feathers from birds in optimum nutrition for babies captivity, applied to handmade forms she creates elaborately Exceptional quality control detailed masks evoking ancient - Each batch is tested for quality and guarantees and tribal civilizations. analysis; plus fed exclusively at HARI's nursery before being released. Daily health monitoring including Funds raised by the Craft Show growth rate charts, crop motility feather development go to the Smithsonian museums and colouration, and weaning progress evaluated by and research centers to support the nursery staff. cutting edge science, preserve and display national treasures, Easy to prepare educate children and adults, and - Just add hot water to dry formula and mix. Contains much more. "human grade" Sunflower kernel and peanut meat. http://smithsoniancraftshow Optimum nutrient density and gut motility org/ExhibitorContent/DecorativeF - Contains optimum levels of vitamins, minerals, amino iber5/Bennett5.asp acids and other nutrients required by birds. Micro-ground extruded formula - Unique processing improves digestibility and water absorption. HARI, under the direction of Psittacine High level starch gelatinization Aviculturist Mark Hagen, M.Ag has fed more than 350 pairs of over 58 different - No solid/liquid fractioning results in effective crop species of parrot since 1985, exclusively peristalsis and no impaction. Fully processed and on the Tropican diet. pasteurized to eliminate bacterial and Our second generation breeding colony fungal organisms. has also proven the extent of the quality GWEN BENNETT with her beloved late Rudy. Photo by: John Rankine of this optimum diet.

2 ~INTHENEWS~ LORO PARQUE FUNDACIÓN NEWS THE YELLOW-EARED PARROT REACHES A RECORD NUMBER

The critically endangered Yellow- Eared Parrot (Ognorhynchus icterotis) disappeared from Ecuador in the mid-1990s, and in 1999 only 81 could be found in Colombia. Since then, the Loro Parque Fundación has supported Colombian NGO Fundación ProAves to bring this species back from the brink of extinction. The project has had great success, reinforced in 2007 with 60 nests producing 132 successfully fledged juveniles, the most ever. This excellent production has raised the global population to a minimum of 724 birds, and ProAves believes it may exceed 850. Although still confined to the central Andes of Colombia, the ProAves team registered two new areas visited by the species, as well as a new roost site, all indicative of an expanding population. The increase is partly due to an increased number of One of the 132 juvenile Yellow-Eared Parrots fledged in 2007. cavities in dead Wax Palms, the tree essential in the ecology of the parrot, but also due to the multiple conservation efforts of the project with local people. These include a nationwide awareness campaign, the negotiation of private protected areas, and the production of 14,155 seedlings for re-forestation of neglected land! by: David Waugh Loro Parque Fundación

Photos: (Credits: Fundación ProAves/LPF)

International Parrot Convention In Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain at Loro Parque. Runs every four years. Next one in September 2010 www.loroparque-fundacion.org Wax palm forest.

3 Hello Police

dictionary. And, with each Define updated version of Webster's dictionary since, I've made a point AVICULTURIST of checking for the word “aviculturists.” We have amazing About fifteen years ago, while new words that reflect our current OrderOrder transporting a pair of Yellow- culture, but “aviculture” is still Naped Amazons from a fellow missing from the widely used aviculturist's farm, I was pulled lexicon. your First over for a traffic violation. It was your First Over the years I've asked those already dark, and since it was who I considered “aviculturists” by easier to transport the napes in my definition to help define the AidAid kitkit their flight cage, I opted to take word. The much predicted answer our rarely used van, of which I had usually consisted of “a person or forgotten to renew the license group of people who studied the today!today! plates. As the glare of the patrol care of avian species, and lights came through the back of This avian first aid kit was designed in perhaps they bred avian species the van, the napes naturally got for either the pet industry or conjunction with the Avian specialists excited and started that typical at the OVC Avian and Exotics Clinic to conservation efforts.” amazon call with their whoops Like many things in life, it appears equip you with the basic tools needed and A-R-R-E-E-B-A-S. After to stabilize your bird during an that the definition has indeed foraging the glove compartment emergency, until your bird is brought evolved. But, that's evolution- to your avian veterinarian. This kit for the essential paperwork, I change over time due to contains a first booklet, professional rolled down the window to environment or circumstances. grade supplies along with a few added discover a patrolman with the One thing remains the same bonuses. All proceeds from the sale of most quizzical look on his face at however; new words like ParrotMedics kits will be donated to my window, “Ma'am, you realize “gigabyte” and “bling” appear in Psittacine Disease Research at the your license plate is expired…and the Webster's dictionary, the word Ontario Veterinary College. WHAT is in the back of your “aviculture” is still missing. What vehicle?” He was quickly does that mean for an industry Compiled by the answered from the back of the that has seen so many changes, Ontario Veterinary van with a very clear, Amazonian positive and otherwise over the College, Avian and “HELLO.” It didn't help that he years? Perhaps it is still being Exotics Clinic shined his flashlight in the back and the Golden Triangle defined. Parrot Club sponsored right on the pair indicating their One evolution is driven by what by HARI, Emerald obviously alerted state-you know should be considered the hallmark Feather, Tickle Tickle the tails flared, the strutting, the of achievement for aviculture in Designs and the flashing eyes. Well, once the general, education set with more Canadian Parrot officer realized that I was not Conference. accreditation. And, that's exciting! harbouring fugitives, he Aviculturist, pet owners, and pet proceeded with the citation. The www.parrotmedics.ca retailers today are encouraged usual information was given, but through various organizations to when the officer asked my participate in educational Kits are available for purchase online occupation, I replied, at: www.emeraldfeather.com programs that not only boost the “aviculturist.” After assisting him breeder to aviculturist, these for $45 each + taxes and shipping. with the spelling, he then asked, (will ship to any country) groups are reaching the pet “What in the world is an owner, too! The educational forum aviculturist?” I glanced back Bird clubs, veterinary clinics and stores that typically separated breeder who wish to purchase several kits for toward my excessively noisy from pet owner is also narrowing redistribution. cargo and replied, “I take care of especially with educational forums them,” and smiled as I took the Please contact: such as American Federation of traffic ticket. [email protected] Aviculture's “Fundamentals of Although perturbed that I had a Aviculture” course. So, perhaps or call ticket, the entire incident drove me (519) 580-5119 Webster is just waiting for to check the definition of aviculture to be defined. aviculture when I returned home. I couldn't find it in the Webster's By: Melanie Allen

4

MEET U.S. Aviculturists: Sharon Wells, Tomball,TX

Written by: Melanie Allen

Daina Mahone, director of rescue and adoptions Above all, it's her love of birds that keeps - N.P.R.P.F., Sharon Wells, Midge Gorman her flock together Is Sharon Wells a breeder, rescuer or just plain parrot enthusiast? Well, how about… an emerging aviculturist? Sharon Wells started her interest in birds, like so many other aviculturists, with a gift. Her husband thought it would be cool to put a Moluccan Cockatoo on lay-a-way and surprise Sharon. They had never had a bird, but Sharon was a pet lover, so it would probably be fine. That was in 1987. With a dedication that spans a couple of decades, Sharon has observed the changes in how our pet birds are valued and how breeding parrots has taken a more responsible approach. Currently, her breeding collection includes macaws and she has designed special flights and breeding cages for them. “I've seen it all. I started out as a pet bird owner, graduated to a breeder, started my own pet store exclusively for birds and now I have a privately funded sanctuary. Over the years I have seen amazing strides in the way breeders and pet owners have changed for the good of the birds.” The macaw flight was designed as a joint effort by Sharon and George Cook. The project stemmed from George's vision to include the main flight area. Sharon designed the extended breeding flights for her macaws. Her breeding collection of macaws includes a juvenile pair of blue throats. While Wells does breed macaws, her devotion to parrots has also included many privately funded rescue projects starting with her sanctuary for thirty- five amazons. The amazon flight houses seven species of amazons that will live out their lives in the sanctuary in a specially designed structure that allows them room for flight plus an eight-foot section where the amazons can get exposure to sunlight and rain, if they choose. “My long-term goal for the sanctuary is to make it possible for birds that have been abused, abandoned or neglected to be able to have a little piece of heaven on earth,” says Wells. She is also adamant about keeping the rescued birds out of her breeding collection. Future flights include species-specific designs for Cockatoos and for Eclectus. Sharon is also the recipient of the 2009 “George” award. Every year, the National Parrot Rescue & Preservation Foundation, a non-profit organization based out of Houston, Texas, presents dedicated members with the “George” award at the annual Parrot Festival Convention. Sharon Wells was awarded the “George” award for her many years of dedicated service to NPRPF. Melanie Allen

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Re-inventing the avian environment

A new concept living space offering greater freedom of movement for your budgies/ parakeets, canaries, finches and lovebirds - with less mess and effortless clean-up for you!

Distributed by: Canada: Rolf C. Hagen Inc., Montreal, QC H9X 0A2 www.hagen.com http://www.hagen.com/vision BEHAVIOR Respect

Loving carrying cage he is unfamiliar with. But if proper time is taken to gain the trust of the bird, he or would enter with only praise as a reward. Waving a carrot in front of a starving horse and jumping on his back, does not mean he is trained, or even Luring? safe to ride, he is simply too hungry to care. By: Kevina Williams When the carrot is gone, the problem persists. Birds are extremely affectionate creatures - some give your bird a hug. If a bird is fearful of more than others. They are willing to learn, love someone or something, he should not be forced to and be nurtured. Repeated training is very good Dominance and respect are an on-going interact without your presence. We must also for your bird. But must be done when the bird is controversy in the animal and avian worlds. respect the fact that a Cockatoo might scream at well rested, exercised, in a good mood and NOT How far should we go to turn our pet bird dusk, an Alexandrian will chew excessive amounts starving. Excessive treating and luring is not a of wood and a budgie might never want to be good idea, due to the fact that sessions should be into the perfect companion? What if we petted in any way that ruffles his feathers. actually sat down and tried to think of it kept short, yet be done quite frequently. Treats, such as sunflower seeds, are usually fatty and from a bird's perspective? ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES Once respect is established, anything is possible. should not be overfed. Trust and respect are the cornerstones for a Everyone wishes for their African Grey to impress Just as good behaviour is rewarded, bad lasting and harmonious relationship. As a horse friends with a wonderful array of words. Others behaviour must be discouraged with a consistent should be taught not to kick, a bird should be would love their cockatiel to be able to dunk a response and quick reference. If our five-year-old taught not to bite. As a horse is born with the small ball into a basket on command. There are child runs towards the road, must we calmly ability to kick, a bird is born with the ability to many different training methods available, your divert him with a lollipop? Will he assume he gets bite. These are natural defences and a form of choice could be influenced by the species of bird something fun next time he runs in the road? communication. Yet in nature, they are not you acquire and the relationship you have with Negative reinforcement is sometimes necessary. allowed to get out of hand. Other flock members your bird. Reinforcement training, clicker training, A firm "no,” or a sudden “Ah, ah, ah,” is usually will put each other in their place. Each bird bridge training etc... Nonetheless, all enough to deter a bird from an unwanted respects the space of the other, throughout play of these methods should follow established trust behaviour - provided the fundaments of respect pecking order is established and maintained. If we and respect. The most important part being, have been established early on. If a bad behaviour watch birds in nature, we will see that they are whichever method you choose, one rule applies such as biting is allowed to go unpunished, you fair in their ways; there are physical and vocal to all…hurting your bird in anyway, mentally, or are jeopardizing your bird's quality of life. Many warning signs before an actual bite or attack! physically, is unacceptable. Although there are birds are given away due to lack of respect that physical warning signs, a bite can come as a usually result in further behaviour problems. Humans, animals and birds need to learn respect very big shock. But striking or shaking your in order to co-exist. As a herd member, a horse bird is out of the question. Whether your bird is young or old, newly acquired, learns respect at a young age. A herd mare will or a longtime family member, respect should be send a rowdy young colt, out into an open area Luring or Rewarding? established. Refresher training should continue away from the safety of the herd for a couple of Affection and praise are great rewards provided throughout the rest of the relationship as you hours. All the while keeping a close eye on him , there is a relationship of trust and respect would continue to teach a child. so no harm will actually come to him. To the colt established between and trainer and subject. In some parrot training videos, trainers do not use Hierarchy, and dominance are natural occurrences who stands alone, there is no feeling of safety at in the circle of life. Whether we like it or not, we this distance. When the mare signals him to eye contact, or gentle reassuring words. Instead they use devices such as chopped nuts or must be top dog when it comes to our birds. We return, he will return quietly and respectfully join must make sure we give them absolute guidance, the herd again. As we do, a horse will continue to sunflower seeds to lure the bird. Is luring actually teaching? Isn't it undermining the parrot's firmly and positively, yet with great care and learn respect throughout his lifetime. A bird is a respect. flock member in nature and therefore capable of intelligence and potential to learn what is expected learning respect as its survival depends on it . of them? Treats are rewarding, assuming the bird Kevina Williams has not been denied his regular food, although I have been highly successful training young horses A member of our flock...... you can remove your bird's favourite food from his and horses with extremely bad vices, If we want our bird to become a member of our regular food, to be kept for rewards, such as millet for the past fifteen years. I am now becoming an human-feathered flock, we must all respect the for a cockatiel, seeds for a parrot or fruit for a lory. avid bird hobbyist. At the moment, I have six birds at hierarchy. Establishing trust, a clearly defined If a bird is either tired or hungry, or just not in the home, as well as the numerous birds I work with daily at the HARI facility. Hoof or beak, mutual understanding of the flock hierarchy, and learning mood, sessions will be much less pleasant and respect is imperative. respect are the most important things your bird beneficial for both of you. There is no justification will ever learn. You need to be able to take your for seemingly starving a bird, then luring him with bird out of the cage without fear, his or yours. It chopped nuts or seeds. It is unethical to withhold should respond to basic commands such as step food for an undetermined amount of time prior to up and down. It should permit and trust you to a training session, in the hopes the bird will be so inspect its whole body, when necessary, in case of hungry he will readily accept any treat used to an emergency, or simply learn to mutually enjoy lure him into the desired behaviour. As the hungry petting and preening sessions. We in turn need to bird seems to be willingly following a sunflower respect what our bird is doing at the time we seed across a table, he is incapable of noticing his choose to play or train him. We often forget about surroundings. The bird is in a trance. He is the comfort of our bird when he is behaving incapable of thinking at this point. This is both perfectly. Running past his cage with flailing mental and physical abuse. This would make arms, as we attempt to get a slipper away from repetition training almost impossible. A starving the dog, or opening the cage door at midnight to bird will eagerly follow a sunflower into a dark

7 AB D E F C

J G

I N K O L H M P

W C2 D2 X V E2 B2 T Z Y Q R A2 U S Is your Home F2 Parrot Safe? This is by no means a complete list of I - Teflon-coated hair dryer Y - Sugar should not be part of the dangerous items commonly found in your J - Stained glass bird's diet home that could potentially be hazardous K - Insecticide, ant syrup paste, Z - Artificial food colouring should be or toxic to your birds. flea products excluded from your bird's diet L - Hair spray, deodorant sprays, A2- Toxic plants: see link to Toxic plant Recognize a few of these items? They perfumes list:http://www.stoppdd.org/articles/ only took me a few minutes to find in my M - Room deodorizer safety.html#toxic home and photograph, so I can only N - Shoe polish and leather protector B2- Plug-in room freshener imagine what else I could have added! spray C2- Frayed rope O - Drain cleaners, CLR D2- Paint A - toxic fumes from over-heated non- P - Furniture cleaner, Pine Sol, E2 - Scented candles stick-coated cookware and utensils Q - Alcohol F2 - Frying pan - toxic fumes from over- B - Rodent poison -pest control R - Oven cleaner heated non-stick-coated cookware C - Bleach--boric acid, chlorine S - Electrical cords or outlets, and utensils D - Paint Thinners, Solvents ceiling fans E - Incense T - Candy ( not illustrated ) Pesticide treated wood F - Fire extinguisher ( some contain U - Chocolate for perching or branches from a dangerous fumes) V - Cigarette smoke or butts, matches potentially toxic tree species G - Spray paints, paints and stains W - Coffee H - Teflon raclette stove, Teflon X - Salt should not be part of the bird's bread maker diet

8 TECHNIQUES GROOMING: Grooming Photos and text by Josee Bermingham, AHT GROOMING TECHNIQUES USING THE ROTARY TOOL PART 2

A Rotary Tool Specifically Designed for Dogs & Cats

I was eager to review grooming bird's nails. It is cordless (battery the bird to move, this rotary tool operated), silent, relatively non abrasive and despite its training Caution specifically designed to therefore less likely to inflict injury to a bird history. The bird be used on dogs and or handler if it accidentally comes in contact could get injured cats because it is with skin. or bite the handler inexpensive and easy if it is afraid or to find in most retail feels pain or stores discomfort. As seen in this photo, We were concerned to the bird could also Peti-Buffer see if a bird's nails lose its balance as would get caught in the the handler is plastic shield which has holes designed for attending to one dog and cat nail grooming. So we tried it on nail, thus a green winged macaw and, sure enough, compromising the immediately upon other foot. Note: Dog-Clipper barely placing the nail all cutters apply through the hole, it pressure and certainly discomfort to the nail was sucked through when cut, whether or not the vein of the nail between the grinding is inadvertently cut in the process. It is also rotary device and difficult to evaluate the proper length the nail transparent plastic can be safely cut when the bird is not shield. Young birds are intrigued by the device but properly restrained. The handler cannot not frightened by it when properly introduced. observe the bird's behaviour and predict its We train our young birds by activating this reaction while focusing on the task of safely manicure device and gently sweeping it grooming the nail. Accidents leading to across our fingers when holding the birds, physical and psychological trauma can occur Caution gradually getting closer to the bird's feet and when least expected. Minimize all possible finally letting the device touch the bird's toe risks when performing potentially injury nails. When birds are trained to trust their inflicting procedures on your feathered caregivers and the device, restraint is not companion. As mentioned in the first part of always necessary. this grooming article, have the proper first aid materials, such as cauterizing powder or silver nitrate sticks close by in case the nail vein is cut accidentally. Applying consistent It is silent like the salon shaper but the yet light pressure with the salon shaper grinding paper is coarse like many found on manicure stone will usually cauterize the other rotary devices used for wood, so nail as well. precautions must be taken to avoid having contact the skin and pressure must be applied lightly because it will grind faster than desired. I cannot recommend its use on birds due to the plastic adapter and the holes are not suitable for long and slim parrot nails.

I recommend that you never attempt to clip a nail with a nail cutter if the bird is not well restrained in a towel. All the positive reinforcement training in the world cannot Salon Shaper ensure that the bird will not move when As featured in our previous issue, the Salon pressure from the nail clipping is felt. A Shaper is definitely the safest rotary tool for distraction of any kind can suddenly trigger

9 Our Parrots. They are cute, cuddly, inquisitive, various ways that behaviour can be changed, tries to teach a puppy to sit by pushing the pup's comical, and an endless source of entertainment. and the impact these methods can have on the hips down. The puppy repeats the sitting action Alternately, they are loud, messy, aggressive, animal. This understanding will not only allow to avoid the unpleasant feeling of pressure on confusing, fearful, and an endless source of hair- you to pick the most effective training strategy their hips. Punishment can also be positive pulling frustration. They can even be all of the for your parrot, but will also give you the skills (gaining something unpleasant, i.e., spanking, above in a five-minute span. It doesn't get more needed to evaluate the benefits or hazards of scolding, etc.) or negative (losing something alien than that. Sometimes, it can seem almost any training advice you may receive from friends, pleasant, i.e., grounding, time-outs, etc.). Since impossible to understand what our parrots are family, the Internet, and other sources. it is easy to get lost in these terms, the two trying to tell us, or to convey our wishes simple questions you need to ask to our birds. With the myriad of yourself are: behaviour problems exhibited by most 1) Am I trying to have my parrot repeat parrots in our homes, it is easy to see an action more often (reinforcement) how we become fixated on all the things or less often (punishment), and we DON'T want our parrots to do, but 2) Am I doing so by adding something what about the things we DO want our Empowering as the consequence (positive) or parrots to do? taking something away (negative)? Positive reinforcement is a term for a system of reward-based training born Our Parrots An understanding of this model helps from the science of how every species us understand our parrot's sometimes on the planet learns to adapt to their perplexing behaviour. If our parrots environment. For many years, it has repeatedly do something, regardless been adopted by professional animal of whether we find it pleasant or trainers and child psychologists alike as frustrating, they do so because it is a means of modifying behaviour. being reinforced. On the flip side, if Positive reinforcement is loosely based we see a previously our parrot's on Dr. B.F. Skinner's work defining established behaviour decrease, such “Operant Conditioning” as a learning as stepping up, we must assume that method which repeatedly pairs a something we are doing is either consequence with a non-associated removing reinforcement or punishing action or behaviour to create a the behaviour. conditioned and reliable response. In While all four methods can modify effect, the animal learns to “operate” behaviour if applied correctly, only consistently on its environment to gain a positive reinforcement can achieve desired consequence, or avoid an enthusiastic responses from our parrots, undesired one. Animal trainers and pet and build a trusting relationship owners have been able to use this between bird and owner. training method to establish a form of rudimentary dialogue with their pets. THE FACTS ON PUNISHMENT! This scientific principle is more than Punishment has been so ingrained in theory, and countless examples occur in our culture, from the way we work with the wild. When a parrot finds a tree To Choose Good Behaviour animals, to the way we raise our laden with fruit, he will modify his children, to the way we ourselves were behaviour to return to that tree until the through the Science raised, that it is sometimes hard to fight food source is exhausted. Once that the almost instinctual urge to apply it. happens, the lack of reward, or Punishment can range from mild (the reinforcement will cause the parrot to of Teaching and Training removal of attention, time-outs) to more modify its behaviour again by avoiding severe forms (screaming, hitting, cage the tree. This is the very nature of By: Kristi Flemming rattling, feather pulling, squirting with positive reinforcement. water, etc.). The problem with Although the basic concept of punishment as a training method is that rewarding a pet for good behaviour is, it needs to be applied in very specific we hope, universally understood, using it as a Reinforcer: Anything that, occurring in ways under specific circumstances in order to behaviour modification tool requires a sound conjunction with an act, will increase the achieve behavioural modification. understanding of the applications and principles likelihood that that act will occur again. Steve Martin, of Natural Encounters, Inc., states that make this such an effective strategy. Punishment: Any consequence of an action “The timing of punishment is critical to its effect Without this, owners can often become confused that decreases the chance that behaviour on behaviour.”* In order for the association to be by the process, and the lack of good results. An will be repeated. made between act and consequence, the pet understanding of the mechanisms by which this Positive: Something added. literally needs to be caught “in the act” at the training method works will increase the Negative: Something taken away. first incidence of the negative behaviour. likelihood of success and help create a stronger, Unfortunately, we often only discover our pet's more rewarding relationship between pet and With positive reinforcement, the pet repeats any transgressions after the fact, or after several owner. action that helps them gain something they incidences of the pet getting away with the want. You can also have negative reinforcement, behaviour. Any punishment applied in this DEFINITIONS: with the subject performing an action to lose instance only leads to confusion on the part of Before embarking on a behaviour modification something they didn't want, i.e. the removal of a the pet, as to why they're being reprimanded. program, it is important to understand the negative stimulus. We see this when someone Even if your pet is caught red-handed (or red-

10 beaked), the punishment would have to be POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT TRAINING (PRT) - excited about training. severe enough to override the pet's motivation THE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION! Another important element to consider is the for performing the act in the first place, thereby, Unlike the other training methods listed above context under which a reward is delivered. decreasing the likelihood of it occurring again. (negative reinforcement, positive and negative Asking a pet to work for treats after the pet is All too often, we start by applying a mild punishment), PRT is the most gentle training sated by a large meal will never work. Offering scolding, but as our frustration grows, we method available and, if applied correctly, increased out-of-cage time and play may not escalate our efforts. At each step in this all-too- produces the most consistent and enthusiastic work for a parrot that is tired. Access to toys or familiar sequence, our birds become responses from our pets. PRT seeks to capture baths will only succeed in frightening a bird that desensitized to our methods. In this cycle, birds and reward good behaviour, playing up its is fearful (phobic) of such things. Remember lack the opportunity to learn alternative importance, while downplaying the importance that the purpose of reward selection is to create reinforcement achieving behaviours. Eventually, of negative behaviour. motivation. Finding what motivates your bird at we are trapped in a cycle of constant frustration Behaviour that repeats does so because it is that particular time is essential to success. and increasing hostility. Any trust we have reinforced. Any behaviour that receives no How big should the reward be? In the context established with our birds has been destroyed, reinforcement whatsoever has a tendency to of a training session, a reward should be small and we begin to look at our companion as a disappear over time. A parrot that screams for enough to be taken quickly, but large enough to burden instead of a blessing. This fundamental attention will eventually realize that it's not worth still be motivating to the pet. Larger rewards can erosion of the relationship has led to many birds the effort if no one rushes up and starts yelling, take longer to enjoy (especially food), thus being relegated to an unused room or basement, thus giving him the attention he wanted in the breaking up the momentum of the session. or even ending up in rescue facilities or shelters. first place. This is known by psychologists as Also, a pet can become sated quickly with large Punishment can only be considered effective if it “behavioural extinction,” but this is just the first rewards. Keepers at the National Zoo were able actually decreases the target behaviour, but, as step. Parrots are not designed to sit still. They to train polar bears to willingly move from their we can see from the rules above, this is seldom are thinking, moving, doing creatures. While it is enclosure to a transport carrier, using nothing the case. Unfortunately, in rare instances, important to make sure we do not inadvertently but raisins as their reinforcer. In this context, a punishment sometimes works. Owners will reward unwanted behaviour, we must also train whole peanut can seem huge to a parrot. sometimes report that “when they shake their our parrot's acceptable alternative behaviours. Breaking that peanut into small pieces will allow bird's cage, the bird stops screaming (for a short Think of the screaming parrot; how would the you to get more behaviour faster from your time). While doing nothing to actually eliminate situation evolve if, instead of attempting to parrot, and they will learn more in each session. the behaviour (the bird still screams frequently), punish the screaming by shaking the cage, this In the initial phases of training, it is important to owners are reinforced by the temporary positive owner chose to reward silent behaviour or polite deliver rewards IMMEDIATELY and results. This occasional reinforcement for the vocalizations with attention, treats, and games CONSISTENTLY after the behaviour is performed. owner, when coupled with the punisher's like contact calling! Provided that the training As training progresses we will be introducing inherent feelings of frustration and resentment, method is applied correctly and consistently, variable reward schedules to spice things up! makes punishment a dangerously addictive the reward for behaving well far outweighs any training strategy. benefits of behaving badly. CONSISTENCY IS CAPTURING GOOD BEHAVIOUR While remaining an inconsistent and difficult CRITICAL. In order for the association to be In order to increase good behaviour incidents, method of training due to our poor understanding made between action and consequence, the we have two choices; we can either take note of and inappropriate application, punishment also response needs to be the same for all members good behaviour our parrots already exhibit at the carries many serious side-effects. According to of the house in all situations. Now think of how time it happens (thus increasing the likelihood it Susan Friedman, PhD, “Research on the effects much more fun this owner and bird are having will be performed more often), or teach new of aversive punishment is not new, nor has it playing and interacting according to acceptable behaviours, using what trainers call a shaping been narrowly investigated. On the contrary, and established rules, instead of spinning plan. YOU CANNOT REINFORCE BEHAVIOUR THAT this research spans many decades and has in frustration. IS NOT HAPPENING! This is called bribery. been replicated with many different species Telling your parrot they will get a treat if they are of animals, including humans.”* Researchers GETTING STARTED: quiet for 5 minutes is asking them to understand have identified four primary side-effects of concepts (including telling time!) which lie the application of aversive stimuli as CHOOSING THE RIGHT REINFORCER beyond the here-and-now mental map of the modification tools: The first step to successful training is to avian psyche. Instead, rewarding your parrot choose the right reinforcer. These reinforcers, every time he is quiet, using acceptable low- 1) Escape/avoidance behaviours, or rewards, need to be of such high value, that level vocalizations, or playing with toys will teach 2) Overall decreased responding, i.e. apathy, our parrots will enthusiastically give us our your parrot alternatives you can both live with. 3) Aggression, chosen good behaviour to attain them. As parrot Reinforcing a good behaviour at the precise 4) Over-generalization of fear (phobias) owners, we have many reinforcers available to moment it happens tells the pet EXACTLY what it (Azrin and Holtz, 1966).* us. Treats, verbal praise, contact calling, physical is you are reinforcing. Consistent reinforcement Our once beloved companion may withdraw contact, baths, favoured toys (reserved for just of the action at the right time allows the from any interaction with us, run or fly away that occasion) and time out with “the flock” can association between action and consequence to at our approach, or even attack to avoid any all be powerful motivators. Start by making a be made by the pet. They learn to perform the negative consequence. These unhappy souls list of all of your parrot's favourite things. action to get a reward, creating a two-way live in a constant state of anxiety, and the long- Reinforcers fall into 3 basic categories: food, dialogue between pet and owner. term consequences of this high-stress state can activities and physical contact. Mixing and include feather-picking, self mutilation, severe matching a variety of reinforcers adds an SHAPING phobic behaviour or aggression, decreased element of “surprise,” increasing your bird's Imagine aliens coming into your home, waving immune response, and potentially severe excitement and motivation during training their arms around, speaking to you in their alien medical problems. The future of birds in this sessions. Once you have established a variety language, grabbing your arm, and pulling you state can be bleak. of reinforcers (especially food reinforcers), towards them. Even if they use a calm and limiting your bird's access to them to training gentle voice, you have no idea whether they sessions only will ensure that your bird is want to make peaceful contact with you or

11 abduct you. This confusion and fear is what our dolphin is trained to touch a ball, suspended Remember, the following techniques must only parrots can experience during a training session. twenty feet above the water, with its nose, it is be used once you have achieved consistent Now picture that alien handing you a $100 bill impossible for a trainer to give the dolphin a results with the basic training protocol. for taking a step forward, then a second step reward while they are still in mid air. The dolphin Depending on the behaviour you are training, this toward them, then lifting your arm, and finally has been trained that every time they hear the can take as little as 5 minutes, or may take days shaking hands. This is the essence of a shaping whistle, they have done something correct and or weeks. plan. The term “shaping” refers to the method of can return to the pool side for their reward. breaking down more complex behaviours into Using the bridge at the height of the performed JACKPOT! small, logical steps. Think of how you were behaviour tells the animal exactly what it was In addition to varying the type of reward used, taught to tie your shoes or ride a bike. This is you liked. Without a bridge, your pet may do we can also increase the “surprise” factor by the technique that should be employed when you something good, then scratch himself, preen, periodically introducing the JACKPOT. This is an want to train your parrot new behaviours. look out the window, and defecate by the time unusually large reward that can be given at There are three key components to a good you can get to him to give him a reward. Now random intervals, or saved for that moment shaping plan. The first is to define your goal he's not sure what action you were actually when “the light bulb goes on” and the pet makes behaviour. Think of the goal in physical terms trying to reinforce. Although many signals have a breakthrough in a training session. Jackpots (what does the behaviour look like?). The more been used as bridges in animal training over the should occur often enough for the pet to clearly you can define the goal behaviour, the years, auditory cues tend to be the most remember them, but intermittent enough to better you will be able to convey that goal to the practical to apply, and seem readily accepted by increase the anticipation of the pet. bird. The second is to pick a starting point. birds. Verbal praise, whistles, bells, and the ever While you can train any behaviour starting with popular “clicker” are easily used auditory INTERMITTENCY your parrot just standing there, the ideal starting bridges. The bridge is used as a “secondary Now that your pet is performing like a point is any behaviour your parrot already reinforcer,” with the reward being the “primary superstar, we can introduce the concept of exhibits that most closely resembles the goal reinforcer.” intermittency. Once the behaviour has been behaviour. This will help speed the training along. In order for a bridge to work, it has to be applied reliably trained, it is possible to start reinforcing Finally, we need to map out all of the consistently in conjunction with an act, and be on a more random schedule. This works like the intermediary physical steps that can lead us followed by a reinforcer every time. In time, the jackpots and variable reinforcers in keeping the from the starting point to our goal behaviour. association formed between anticipation level and the motivation to perform Basketball or bike riding tricks seen in bird action/bridge/reward, makes the bridge a very high. In human terms, we see the same shows are actually trained over a period of days, reinforcing signal on its own. In effect, it psychology with the popularity of slot machines. weeks, or even months using this system of becomes a primary reinforcer. The power of the If you always won a dime every time you put in approximations. At each stage, the bird must bridge to motivate an animal can be diminished a nickel, you'd be making money, but it would accomplish one extra thing to be reinforced. if the bridge is used for any purpose outside the get boring quickly. The excitement of gambling The steps should be close enough together to context of training sessions, especially if not comes from not knowing when you'll win, or how allow the animal to discover the solution readily coupled with a reward. This is a tricky trap much. This excitement is so motivating it can through experimentation. Each stage should be when using verbal praise as the bridge. In order lead to an addiction to performing. Intermittency practised frequently until the correct action is for the term “GOOD BIRD” to be effective as a should be reserved for times, a) when you notice performed consistently, and work must be done bridge, it should only be given in conjunction your parrot starting to give rather weak examples at the bird's own pace. Going too fast will just with a performed behaviour, and followed by a of previously well-trained, consistent behaviours, lead to frustration. Keep training sessions fun reward. If you later put your bird to bed while or b) when you want to train duration behaviours and relatively distraction free to engage the saying what a good bird he is, without giving a to continue on in your absence (i.e. teaching your animal's attention for the maximum amount reward, he may become confused as to what it parrot to play happily with toys while you leave of time. was he did right, and wonder why no reward is the room, instead of screaming after you). Shaping can be used to teach complex tricks, forthcoming. This may dilute the effectiveness of If used sparingly, your parrot will wonder why or be woven into a behavioural modification the bridge. For this reason, animal trainers often a previously reinforced behaviour wasn't regime. The same methods that taught a show say less used phrases, like “that's right” or “yes” reinforced, and try harder next time. You can bird to play basketball can be used to teach an as their verbal bridges. Once you have patterned then reinforce the behaviour at the higher level. aggressive companion parrot to accept handling the association between this phrase and the If you note a continued decrease in the quality from all members of the family. This plan of delivery of a reward, you can call your bird a of the behaviour, or frustration on the part of the action must be in place before the first training good bird as much as you like without effecting parrot, return to a review of the shaping steps session, but should only be used as a guide. training sessions. that attained that behaviour, with continuous If poor performance of a particular step occurs, reinforcement. the trainer must be aware, and flexible enough VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE - USING to either go back a step, or break the sequence VARYING REWARD SCHEDULES GAUGING SUCCESS AND TROUBLESHOOTING down into even smaller steps. REMEMBER: END Once your pet has mastered the basics listed PROBLEMS ALL TRAINING SESSIONS ON A POSITIVE NOTE, above, and learned to associate every favourable The old saying, “The proof is in the pudding,” even if it means going back several steps, or action with a consistent reward, they can run the is true. Reinforcement training, by its very performing a simpler alternative behaviour that risk of losing interest in the task at hand. In nature, can only succeed. If our target behaviour the bird does consistently. time, they may start to perform the desired is not being repeated with increased frequency, behaviour at the lowest level possible to get the then by definition, it is not being reinforced. BRIDGING reward. One way to avoid this pitfall is to When difficulty is encountered, one must re- A bridge is any signal which, when given at introduce variety into your training protocol to examine the following factors: the exact moment an act is performed, tells the spark a new-found interest in your bird. This can a) Are the rewards reinforcing enough to pet that what they just did was correct, and that be accomplished, as we have stated earlier, by encourage repetition of the desired a reward is coming. Anyone who has seen a varying the reinforcer you use. The following behaviour? marine mammal show will recognize the use of section will cover other ways to keep your bird's the whistle as a signal to the animal. When a enthusiasm and performance at its peak!

12 b) Do they overpower any motivation to perform want from them, we must take into account what intelligent, sensitive, and sentient creatures they alternative, less favourable behaviour? (i.e. if, our birds are trying to tell us. As you become are. Positive reinforcement is a universal at that particular moment, your cockatoo familiar with parrot “language,” you will be able principle governing all species on the planet. really wants to chew wood, giving him a treat to react to the minute signals your bird gives \We can use it to train other pets in our house for doing something else may not be a strong you, increasing your training success and hold, improve our leadership skills at work, or enough reward to prevent him from allowing you to respect and react to the body raise our children to be calm, confident adults remodelling that antique chair) language that precedes an episode of with good decision making skills. Whether you c) Are the steps in the shaping program too far aggression, screaming or feather picking. use these techniques to train fun tricks and apart to allow for quick movement from each games, establish a new lifestyle or routine, or previously mentioned steps. EXTINCTION BURSTS to tackle serious behaviour concerns, the d) Is the bridge/reward delivered consistently If you are using extinction as a training method ultimate result will be well worth the effort… enough to allow the bird to make the to eliminate unwanted behaviours like a relationship with our parrots that truly can association between action and aggression, or screaming, you may experience last a lifetime. consequence? setbacks. Just when everything was going e) Is my bird getting bored perfect, the behaviour not or frustrated with the only returned, but got References: training? Examining worse. This is the “The Anatomy of Parrot Behaviour,” Steve Martin these questions will problem with attempting Shy birds gain Presented at the Association of Avian Trainers allow you to pinpoint the to eliminate unwanted Conference area of difficulty and behaviour by ignoring it, Monterey, CA, August 2002 allow you to modify your confidence, without training training regime to acceptable replacement “Living and Learning with Parrots - Lecture 6: achieve your desired and extroverted behaviours to take their Schedules of Reinforcement and Differential results. place. Does this mean the Reinforcement for Reducing Problem birds learn training failed and must be Behaviours,” S. G. Friedman, Ph. D. BODY LANGUAGE AND abandoned? 2004 TRAINING concentration. Not necessarily. Any “The Facts about Punishment,” S. G. Friedman, All animal trainers must negative behaviour that Ph. D., Utah, and Bobbie Brinker, Ohio be sensitive to the moods has previously been Published in Original Flying Machine, Issue 4: of their animals. As pet inadvertently reinforced Jan/Feb 2001 owners, we often have vague concepts of how may suddenly increase our pets are feeling, but we rarely realize just as the pet attempts to gain the reinforcement “Don't Shoot the Dog: The New Art of Teaching how many subtle signals our birds give us. In they got in the past. Screaming can get louder and Training,” Revised Edition. Karen Pryor the wild, parrots communicate with each other and last longer. Aggression gets more Bantam Books, 1999 using a wide variety of body language signals. It pronounced. This is known by behavioural is an innate understanding of these signals that analysts as a “Behavioural Extinction Burst.” This Written by Kristi Flemming, 2009 prevents frequent aggression among wild can be a one-time occurrence, or happen parrots. Without an understanding of these occasionally. Provided that the training signals, we run the risk of teaching our parrots to continues to be consistent, each incidence of be aggressive, loud, or fearful to get their extinction bursts will decrease in severity, and be message across. followed by longer periods of peace and quiet. It is important, as owners, to know what our This is called “surfing the extinction wave,” and birds actually do with their bodies during can be the most difficult aspect of dealing with different emotional states. Try writing down behaviour problems. Extinction bursts, what your birds do when they feel happy, thankfully, don't occur in all cases, and can be excited, tired, nervous, and angry. These basic circumvented by making sure we teach our emotional states, when recognized, will help you parrots alternative behaviours that can gain them determine when to train, when to stop training, the reinforcement they seek. and when to change your training regimen. How do they hold their wings and tail? BENEFITS What body posture do they adopt? What position So, what is the result of all this methodical are their body and head feathers held in? What work? PRT allows you to spend more time with Kristi Flemming: do their eyes say? Do they do anything with your bird, and increases the enjoyment of that Kristi has worked with exotic animals, their beak? What sounds do they make? time. As your bird begins to associate you as the ranging from hamsters to dolphins, How do they hold on to the perch? source of rewards, his attention span and focus for 14 years. She also has extensive The two most important body language signals will increase. As you and your bird learn to experience as a parrot nursery you need to be aware of when interacting with communicate, you will become more aware of manager and is currently working your parrot are acceptance and avoidance his body language and moods. Shy birds gain as head technician and avian behavior behaviours. Your parrot will lean towards confidence, and extroverted birds learn consultant at the Animal Hospital of anything they want, and lean away from anything concentration. The general sense of well-being High Park. Kristi is a professional they find unpleasant. This will let you know if will spill over into all aspects of your relationship member of the International your parrot is interested in the reward you are with your pet. Instead of seeking to dominate or Association of Avian Trainers and offering, or afraid of something you are control our parrots, choosing this method Educators (IAATE) and the World introducing to the training regime. Training is a empowers our parrots to choose good behaviour Parrot Trust (WPT). form of two-way communication. While we use over bad, and establishes a relationship where signals and rewards to tell our birds what we our parrots are respected and appreciated for the

13

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to begin looking after the unwanted and Local legend neglected parrots of Roatan Island. Gradually, Mandy added some amazons to has it that the collection and gained the reputation as "bird lady,” and the flow of birds began in Macaw Mountain or Mo' earnest.

Witz as the Mayans would When Mandy had to unexpectedly leave the snake and bird in the feathered the Island in 1994, Lloyd became the say, was named by the serpent. The serpent, with a head on each primary caretaker of the growing collection end, and endowed with the birds' ability to that now numbered about 35 parrots. By Mayans more than 1500 fly to and from the heavens, had no making his hobby open to the public, he beginning and no end. The Macaw soon found that he was, quite by accident, years ago. Throughout the Mountain project is a logical extension of educating the locals and other visitors the relationship the Mayans had with this about the husbandry needs of these 1000-year reign of the land, their most respected creatures and personable birds. As the collection grew, a themselves. Macaws are the most small park developed and was eventually Mayan Empire, it was common birds represented in Mayan art opened to the public. and architecture. evident in daily life that the The park had been open about four The macaws and most of the Mayans have months when Hurricane Mitch visited the Mayans revered the moved on from Macaw Mountain. Today a island in 1998, and changed the destiny of new affiliation between the majestic ara the park's residents. The small park was splendour and beauty of macao and a few concerned individuals destroyed; however all the birds were safe. has developed a new passionate Just prior to the storm Lloyd had moved the macaw and its habits. relationship re-igniting the majestic scarlet the now 80+ parrots to his “Flying Fish” macaw with Macaw Mountain and the warehouse and all were saved. In the people of central America. process of redesigning and rebuilding the park, Lloyd found that his vision and Humans and macaws have always enjoyed This story begins in the 1980's when Lloyd standards were changing and that the area a relationship on some level but the Davidson adopted two scarlet macaws left no longer could provide the environment Mayans took this relationship to a spiritual in the lurch when a bank repossessed a he desired for his flock. level. The ruling elite and the religious resort on Roatan Island. Mandy Wagner, a The character of the island was changing; community integrated the scarlet macaw friend, and also a bird lover and resident of a once peaceful out-of-the-way place had into their lives and culture in so many ways Roatan Island, developed an interest in become a mecca for every type of tourist that it is difficult to separate myth from these birds and began helping with their and recreation associated with coral reefs reality. care. Many local Hondurans have parrots and beautiful beaches. Not just from fear The Mayans explained their creator's as pets and a few close encounters with of another hurricane but from a desire to eternal existence through the marriage of other parrots and toucans impassioned her provide the finest habitat his companions

15 Miriam Chinchilla, a guide, helps visitors handle fully flighted parrots native to Honduras.

Free ranging scarlet macaw pair.

clearing on the side of the road. As they got see twenty or more friendly parrots and out of the car and looked around, they began toucans fly and roam as if they were free. The large bridge over the river to get a feeling that this really could be a The area would be monitored by several doubles as the restaurant's parking lot. A few minutes later, they well-trained staff that educate visitors on discovered that they had happened upon a almost any aspect of the birds in the wild outside eating area. rare find, a section of uncut old growth and in captivity. primary forest. A few feet from the road they saw a deep secluded valley, a vociferous The next step was to find the owner of the mountain river, natural springs, a forest of land and strike a deal - not always an easy trees hundreds of feet tall and more varieties thing to do in Honduras. The land owner was of native plants and birds than they could an older gentleman who had vast land have imagined. holdings and was well known for having no motivation to sell any of his land. Lloyd For the next few months, Lloyd visited the arranged a meeting with the owner at the area every few days. Eventually, he had property, and after explaining his well- walked every inch of the valley and over time developed vision for a park, how the project developed a magical vision of the ultimate would preserve the natural environment and parrot community. Utilizing the natural terrain what it might do for the people of Honduras, and with the least possible impact on the the gentleman quoted a very reasonable lush tropical garden that had been growing price, extended his hand, and the deal was for thousands of years, the park took shape sealed with a simple handshake. Reproduction of common in his mind. Huge walk-in cages where the macaw wall ornament birds could fly and visitors could walk though Building a park in the middle of a Central commonly found in the area were the foundation of the design. A park American jungle is no easy task. Lloyd had developed around the cages. The park was spent his life as a biologist and owner of a to include several hill side deck-perches for commercial fishing business. His fleet of deserved, Lloyd began searching for a more visitors to enjoy the grandeur of the tropics boats supplied the United States with fresh suitable environment. and a restaurant that was actually a bridge red snapper served in restaurants along the over the river. The vision also included a east coast. This background did not supply In his spare time Lloyd began the long large visitors' centre, a café with a large deck him with knowledge of parrots, education, process of finding the perfect location. After perched over the hillside, a swimming area, park management or construction. He does, settling on the general location of Copan, and numerous walkways paved with however, know how to operate complicated and learning of the legend of Macaw interlocking bricks and wood decking. In the enterprises and his passion for improving Mountain, the search began in earnest. After centre of it all is a large handling area where the lives of parrots pushed him to conceive months of searching and while driving along visitors can get up close and personal with a very impressive habitat for his flock and a a 7-mile-long river valley that began, or macaws, toucans and many other types of method for making it happen. ended, on the outskirts of Copan, Lloyd parrots. jokingly said to Pat, his business partner who For construction advice, Lloyd turned to his was driving, “Why don't you pull off into that For those not familiar with parrots, the long-time friend and business partner, Pat parking lot so we can take a break?” The handling area would offer an excellent Merritt. Pat grew up in Alaska, moved to “parking lot” was nothing more than a grassy opportunity to see and get to know them. Wyoming as a young adult, settled in as a At any one time a visitor will handle and cattle rancher for 20 years, and eventually 16 found his way into the shipping and fishing industry as a boat captain servicing the Caribbean between Honduras and the United States. Each of these areas required a great deal of “jack of all trades” engineering and construction savvy. As it turned out, this partnership provided the combination of most of the skills necessary to make this dream come true.

During the parks construction, word spread quickly and the idea was well accepted by the locals and the government. Before the parks completion in 2003, additional birds began to show up. There were even cases where concerned citizens purchased birds from neighbours so they could be given a more comfortable life. At the time of this article, the park houses over 130 birds of at least 20 native species. The park's success has already prompted plans for expansion to Nest inspection is challenging when handle additional rescues and a breeding parents are fully flighted and the facility for some of the rarer species like the nest is in the middle of the flight. buffons macaw and the yellow lord amazon. Lloyd inspects a 7-week-old During the construction process, Lloyd had conure. Notice that the parents the fortune to meet Dr. Jennifer Ahlfeldt who have over preened the ear area. has a PhD in art history from Columbia University. She was there working on a project, through Harvard University, to If you find yourself in the area and have an reassemble sculptures that have deteriorated interest in parrots, butterflies, lush tropical and fallen from the facade of several temples jungles, the sound of mountain spring water in Copan. cascading through a mountain valley, or just want to spend a little time in paradise, you Dr. Ahlfeldt is an expert on Mayan culture will not want to miss Macaw Mountain. and religion and developed an interest in the educational aspects of the park. She has For more information visit developed a great deal of information on the MacawMountain.com relationship the Mayans had with the scarlet macaw and other birds, and has put together Steve Hartman a collection of Mayan art that is to be The Parrot University displayed at the park. The collection consists TheParrotUniversity.com of 6 large pictorial reproductions and some 9000 Cheshire Road, Sunbury, Ohio 43074 carved stone reproductions of the glyphs [email protected] Lloyd Davidson, park owner, and depicting the macaws in Mayan life. A fifty- 740-965-1964 foot-long outdoor art pavilion circles the Steve Hartman. Every enclosure is handling arena. Along with the incredible larger than necessary so the A note of thanks from Parrot Life to Mayan art is highly informative text Steve Hartman for donating $2,000.00 to the occupants can fly or just hang out. explaining the relationship not only to outside Smithsonian Musium to purchase the Feather visitors but to the local population as well. Head Dress that is gracing this cover of our Even though the primary mission is Parrot Life Magazine. education to make life better for captive parrots, there are no warnings or admonishments about what not to do as a parrot owner. The park educates by setting a good example. As the saying goes “a picture is worth a thousand words,” and Macaw Mountain paints an incredible image of macaws and other parrots thriving in a natural habitat. This picture wakens pet bird owners' sense of responsibility and provides awareness of just what is necessary to truly meet the needs of these intelligent creatures.

The Honduran Department of Natural Resources has recognized the park's reputation and impact on the area and has asked for assistance in managing a population of semi-tame free ranging scarlet macaws. This flock of 20 or more scarlet macaws spends most of their time near the Visitors can enter most of the Drawing by: large flights and get up close to entrance to the Copan Ruins park where they enjoy free meals and gladly pose for Michele Brawn many parrots. photographs.

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Translation from the original German forward in the book “Bird’s from the Wild Zone” When adopting the concept of bird illustrations for our bird many ways from older monographic presentations on this friends, it was the intention of the author to present bird species. When looking at the previous and latest chart illustrations and descriptions of live parrots encountered on descriptions you may notice that the position of the author a fairly regular basis. With the increased popularity of exotic changed from several viewpoints. This stems from, and is cage birds and consequent importation of live birds by the supported by new realizations gained from my own studies trade, the fact that during the publication of this atlas there or research by others in recent times. The corresponding were constantly new parrots coming onto the market, lead findings based on present day knowledge can be found at me to expand the presentation of selected species and finally the end under “Corrections”. Unfortunately we had to to decide on a completely new parrot overview (guide). abandon illustrating all parrot species in order not to exceed the intended volume of the atlas. However, the missing The present atlas is based on thorough studies and a recently species appear separately as an addendum, where possible conducted systematic review of this bird group by the author with reference to the illustrations, so that even less versed using the latest discoveries in the parrot field and differs in readers can easily identify them.

Hagen Avicultural Research Institute 19 Breeding Breakthrough At The Hagen Avicultural Research Institute UPDATE by Mark Hagen, M. Ag.

Blue fronted amazon parents with fledgling chick

Yellow- fronted amazon fledgling getting his first misting birds being bred in captivity,” said Hagen. They say that myths are made to be HARI's other newest chick, from Blue broken. “It was widely believed that Front Amazon captive bred parents, Yellow Crowned Amazons wouldn't might also lead to new understandings reproduce if they were raised about companion birds. Wild birds are exclusively on a formulated diet,” said “taught” how to be birds by the Mark Hagen, the Research Director of members of their flock, but as Hagen HARI, who holds a Master of explains, “In captivity, birds are often Agriculture from the University of unable to raise their own offspring Guelph with a specialization in because they did not receive the Psittacine Aviculture. “The general educational aspect of natural rearing theory was that since captive Yellow and education from the flock.” Parent- Crowned Amazons fed formulated raised birds are better parents diets didn't have to forage or remove Pedro learning to nurture young chicks themselves, because they have hulls from seeds, their instinctive learned the correct ways to care for behaviour would be diminished, and their offspring. hence they wouldn't reproduce. The To help teach the parrots how to be birth of our two Yellow Crowned chicks parents. Assisting the newborns good parents, HARI has them observe to parents raised on Hagen Tropican through assisting hatching and the nursing of other offspring in Granules disproves that theory.” supplemental feeding in the nest residence. “Pedro, a Green-Wing sometimes will allow these pairs to Although captive bred generations of Macaw juvenile, was raised in our start rearing properly.” Quaker Parrots that were fed Tropican nursery with a Yellow-Naped Amazon Granules exclusively have been for the first year and a half. They both Specialization and breeding for over 20 years at HARI, participated in the preening of the Pair bonding Yellow Crowned Amazons presented a chicks in the nursery and observed the Amazons are a unique group of pet tougher challenge, because they are hand feeding process as well. We quality parrots who will always be in infrequent breeders, only breeding believe they will also be able to raise demand. during a few weeks twice per year. The their chicks when the time comes,” By the end of 1993, imported amazons Yellow Crowned Amazons in the HARI says Josse Bermingham, Veterinary for unrelated breeding stock were no study had 2 chicks. Both chicks will be Technician at HARI. “However, even if longer available for Canadian kept at HARI, with plans to be bred the birds need a bit of help, or for birds aviculturists to work with. To be a further, due to their good-natured that haven't witnessed nursing, they successful Amazon breeder modern characteristics. may still make good parents, Breeders avicultural techniques must be utilized “The future of aviculture is dependent must have patience with inexperienced including safe surgical sexing of birds, on sweet, well-behaved companion

20 formulated diets or supplements, two individuals of the same sex can between breeding cages & are disease prevention using screening act as a true pair, indicating the need removed after the breeding season tests, vaccines for Pacheo's efficient for sex identification markers. until the commencement of another safe housing, banding and microchip cycle the following spring. Timing is identification, and computer assisted HARI has been flocking all captive important so that the stimulatory record keeping of breeding stock. bred juvenile Double yellow headed behaviour of other birds does not Now is time for us to work together to Amazons ( acquired through various preoccupy the male. set up professionally managed stud Canadian aviculturist and chicks from books of these parrots and ensure each of HARI's breeding pairs) for the ECO-Friendly approach their survival into the next generation. past 6 years. They are now being to Husbandry There are many management benefits monitored by a camera to help us We have for the past 3 years stopped by specializing in selected species and identify pair bonding, which will then using disinfectants in our bird rooms building up numbers of the same allow us to successfully select the at the facility. A specially designed eco species rather than having only one future breeding pairs. friendly non toxic enzymatic soap with pair of each of many species. Simply added tee tree oil and grapefruit placing a pair of sexed bird into a Breeding extract is now used routinely on flight flight is not recommended. Reproduction in birds is discontinuous cages, floors in the breeding rooms Compatibility is no guarantee when and is triggered by a complex and natural branches. The use of you place a male with a female. repertoire of behaviour patterns and traditional antibiotics and antifungal Pairbonding or letting each bird environmental stimuli. Important medications has also been replaced choose their mate is the best method, factors are; temperature and humidity with holistic & natural alternative as it dramatically increases the chance (thermal), calls and behaviour of mate treatments almost exclusively for the of getting a compatible pair. and other con-specifics in the past 3 years, for our nursery chicks Placing at least four mature birds (two immediate area (auditory), territory and and breeding colony. Twice per year, a of each sex) of the same species into nest site (visual), nest and allopreening 21 day clay milk preventive treatment a large cage should result in at least (tactile), food and energy (gustatory) is offered to our breeding colony. Clay one compatible pair. It may be and light therapy especially noticeable when a nest box acting by combined with hydrotherapy has been exclusively used for wound management for the past years as well. Health benefits and breeding success could be attributed to these new alternative regiments, although research is still induction (photic). underway to evaluate the actual Little research has therapeutic benefits of these on our Interior Amazon juvenile flight examined these specific research group. parameters and their The Life Glo II fluorescent lighting is role in parrot changed yearly in our breeding rooms. breeding in the past. We have removed all of our automatic Amazons have a water systems that used to provide is placed within the group. When the higher degree of infertility than drinking water to our breeding colony, dominate pair take over the nest box macaws or cockatoos. Obesity may as the hygienic maintenance of this or chase away other birds, remove the be one reason for this higher level of system was too laborious and others and leave the bonded pair. infertility but I don't think it's the major bacterial contamination difficult to When working with younger birds, it one. The defense of territory is prevent (which proliferated under the may take months or years to observe perhaps another key component in nipple part of the system). We have serious pairbonding. But this method stimulating reproduction in male now returned to the stainless steel enables the aviculturist to get amazons. Flocking the birds during the water bowls and fresh water is compatible pairs that are most likely to non-breeding season is being used by replenished twice per day. breed earlier. several leading US breeders and was Amazon pairs develop strong bonds attempted several years ago a HARI, The research fields covered by HARI and will remain together, usually with although pairs were flocked in groups include disease control, pair bonding, their bodies in actual contact. Much of of 6-8 birds, pairs remained faithfully nutrition and the influence of this time is spent allopreening. By bonded. temperature, humidity and light cycles nature they are very affectionate and Visual barriers are now being used in on breeding. As a result of the work

21 Construction of HARI’s new outdoor juvenile Amazon flight

Breeding cage with cavity nest front for Double- yellow headed Amazons

done at HARI, dozens of papers relating to egg incubation, oil and nutrition, husbandry, cage Macaw juvenile outdoor flight design and formulated diets have been published, expanding the knowledge and information available about birds, both in the wild and as companions.

For more information, visit: www.hagen.com/hari

The HARI website features bird care sheets, articles on companion birds, and papers on many of their findings.

Macaw chicks rasied with many clutchmates

The Hagen Avicultural Research Institute

22 Event Calender

AUGUST 2009 JANUARY 2010 American Federation of Aviculture Parrot Festival 2010. In Houston, Texas Texas, United States. - August 5-8, 2009 11th Annual Educational Conference. www.afabirds.org - January 22, 23, & 24 2010 Presented by: The National Parrot Rescue Aves International Parrot Convention & Preservation Foundation In Grafton, Queensland Australia every second year. www.parrotfestival.org Next One - Thursday 13th through Sunday 16th 713-557-BIRD(2473) - August 2009 or Email [email protected] www.parrotconvention.com/ (979)234-7869 Eastern Canada Avicultural Association Gala Moncton, New Brunswick - August 22, 2009 MAY 2010 www.ecavianassociation.com Canadian Parrot Workshop 2010. [email protected] The Art & Science of Training Parrots. - May 1 & 2, 2010 Holiday Inn and Conference Centre, Barrie, Ontario, OCTOBER 2009 Canada. www.canadianparrotworkshop.org 2009 Parrot Lover's Cruise Speakers: Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, USA Steve Martin - The Art & Science of Training Parrots - October 24, 2009 Steve Milpacher - speaker at the fund-raising banquet www.parrotloverscruise.com Canadian Parrot Symposium A $50.00 per passenger donation will be made Western Canada to the World Parrot Trust It is held each year on the Victoria Day long weekend Parrot Life Seminar in Victoria, BC. www.parrotsymposium.com - October 26, 2009 is the date set in Kissimmee FL. Parrots International Symposium Contact: Melanie Allen, Avian Product Specialist. At the Omni Hotel, San Diego, CA. Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. 305 Forbes Blvd. - May 21-23, 2010 Mansfield, MA 02048 Focus on parrot conservation and field research. Toll Free: 888 BY HAGEN (888-294-2436) Presentations Or Customers can contact the US Customer on wild and companion parrots. Service Department at Rolf C. Hagen (USA) Corp. www.parrotsinternational.org/symposium_info.html Telephone: 800-724-2436 NOVEMBER 2009 AUGUST 2010 Parrots society, Australia CPC Canadian Parrot Conference In Brisbane, Queensland at the Holiday Inn, Guelph, Ontario - August 2010 - November 13-15, 2009 Every second year in August. www.canadianparrotconference.ca www.parrotsociety.org.au SEPTEMBER 2010 International Parrot Convention In Tenerife, Canary Islands, Spain at Loro Parque. Runs every four years. Next one in September 2010 www.loroparque-fundacion.org

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GROOMING First Aid: First Aid Photos and text by Josee Bermingham, AHT Step-By-Step Towel Restraint Techniques for Large Parrots

Despite the information presented in past in Issue 3 of Parrot Life (pages 26-27), Note: the bird will then be wet and therefore issues regarding techniques used to properly I thought it best to repeat them: care must be taken to provide a basking lamp restrain your companion bird, it remains an (if needed) and a draft-free environment. exercise that many caregivers (companion • Towel: Should be at least two to three parrot guardians and aviculturists) are not times the size of the bird (evaluate size with You might need to find creative and confident practicing. Many have confided full wing expansion). A padded material entertaining ways your bird can relate to the that their reluctance is based on fear that should be used to lie the bird on its back towel, even when restrained in it for a short the human companion bond will be broken. when restrained in the towel. The bones period of time (such as preening activity, Others fear they will not be able to safely protruding from the wings (equivalent to our playing the hot potato game, or take the time restrain the bird and that someone will elbows) of large birds can get bruised when to listen to African or upbeat percussion inevitably get bitten or injured. restrained without padding (#9, 6) rhythms with your bird). Self-determination and practice will contribute to your success. Unfortunately, the step-by-step photos • Select a towel without holes of a material presented here are not as useful as having that does not feel too slick or easily Towel training should be part of every someone demonstrate this technique in your unthreads, because you want to make sure companion bird's education. It is the most presence with your own bird. Especially since the bird will fit snuggly and not slide or get its valuable training exercise you will invest in every bird has a different personality, degree nails, feet or wings caught or entangled. and could play a vital role in the event of an of training and has established different emergency. (# 8 ) Reinforcing towel restraint relationships with various individual • (#5) Care must be taken never to apply training can facilitate grooming, medication caretakers. Nonetheless, these photos should pressure on the bird's body. The bird's air administration and treatments, the veterinary serve as a guide to demonstrate the technical sacs are found throughout the body, exam or simply reaffirm your confidence that use of the towel to master a safe restraint. compressing the lower body (above the hips) you have mastered the technique… thus This will be achieved without applying can be suffocating. The towel itself will making you a responsible caregiver! pressure or direct contact with your hands on achieve proper restraint if tucked properly the bird, as the snuggly wrapped towel (not necessarily tightly). (#15) Only the tips This practice establishes mutual respect and restrains the bird's body almost by itself. Ask of the fingers are applied at various pressure trust with your parrot during crucial juvenile your avian veterinarian to demonstrate this points on top of the towel and not directly on and sometimes challenging years towards technique with your bird during your next the bird's body. sexual maturity. Without a doubt, birds that visit. have been initiated to this exercise at a young • A Velcro strip (#5, 6) can be used to keep fledgling age will demonstrate less resistance Practice this technique with a stuffed material the towel wrapped around the upper body- and stress than birds that must be towel parrot prior to attempting to wrap the towel but be extremely careful that it is not too trained for the first time at an older age. around your bird. You must be confident with tight. Never leave the bird unattended while it your approach. Instinctively, your bird will be is wrapped up! The justification to persist training despite the defensive and reluctant to cooperate if you challenges this technique may present is are unsure or hesitant. Practice this technique • (#13,14, 15) Try not to apply bare hands to obvious to anyone who has had the in a neutral zone, with dim lighting and away restrain the head, especially under the head, misfortune of having to deal with an from distractions. (#10, 11, 12) Sit on the lower beak and nostrils. Double-fold the towel emergency or trauma (i.e. bleeding blood floor with your bird when introducing to make a comfortable paddling. (#13) feather, broken beak or nail). activities using the towel. Hide treats, weaning biscuits or rattling foot toys under • If the bird shows signs of hyperventilation Note: There should be no dilemma regarding the towel and discover them together. You can (rapid breathing and hot feet), release it the ethical practice of restraining birds in also cover your head and your bird's head immediately. Weak, overweight, young birds towels, providing the technique is well under a towel, and pique your bird's curiosity that might have full crops, or individuals mastered, the approach is respectful and by playing hide and seek and peek-a-boo suffering from respiratory difficulties or motivated by a compassionate desire to be (#11). Throughout the training, always debilitating health conditions should ideally trained for an emergency or re-establish communicate reassurance, either verbally or only be restrained by an avian veterinarian respect and positioning within the flock with eye contact. This is the best positive or experienced handler. hierarchy-which is often the reason why so reinforcement reward you can offer your bird. many parrots lose their homes! Wetting the towel can facilitate restraint in We can ruffle the feathers of this Although these steps are repeated from the case of an emergency. It can also help controversial debate in the next issue! restraint techniques for smaller birds featured regulate the bird's temperature on a hot day.

24 1 2 3

4 5 6

7 8 9

10 11 12 13

Towel wrapping is an excellent way to calm an erratic bird. The affects are much the same as swatting an autistic child. If done correctly, it is soothing to the bird. It is kind of a timeout so the bird can collect his thoughts. Once released from the towel, the bird is calmer, more affectionate and a much more willing partner. Playing “hot potato” with a toweled bird can also gain the bird's trust towards other family members. Playing “hot potato” with a bird that either shows aggression or fear towards a particular individual, will permit him to gain the trust of that person. It is imperative that you, the trusted mentor, are the one handing the bird over to the new person. The bird should always come back to you in between individuals so that you can reinforce trust with affirmative or reassuring words. 14 15

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Note: The author does not promote free flight outdoors without extensive training. All pet birds should be harness trained so they can safely go with you when you leave the home.

Thinking on the Learning to fly well is the most complicated and important task a parrot can learn. Flighted parrots are healthier, more active, more coordinated and have much better vision. Flying promotes higher intelligence, self-confidence, self-esteem and ultimately makes a more social long-term companion.

Serious preparation for flight for the average parrot begins at about three or four weeks of by Steve Hartman of The Parrot University at Hartman Aviary age. At the first hint of danger, a bird normally takes flight. During Neuropathway development in the coordination Wing centre (cerebellum) of the very young parrot is the first step in preparation for flight. This process the hundreds of defensive short flights flighted birds take each begins the first time the baby starts to move around in the nest and is substantially complete day, they are quickly assessing potential dangers and deciding by six months. Every new type of physical activity programs more neuropathways in the cerebellum. if they need to keep flying to avoid a real danger. These short The cerebellum, which is at the bottom of the flights require immediate and appropriate decision-making back of the brain, stores the program for coordination abilities. We call this process “thinking on the Wing.” and ultimately supplies motor skills for flight. Neuropathways are the brain's electrical connections that allow information to be The Parrot University has spent 20 years years of hands-on experience. As a result, we transferred throughout the body. researching what makes a parrot “a parrot.” Our have found the number one characteristic that Since more experiences and activities lead to 20-year flighted parrot experience includes over defines a “parrot” is its ability to fly. Flight is better motor coordination by creating more 800 flock oriented pet parrots, and over 4,000 fundamental to every component of a parrot's neuropathways, it makes sense that learning to flighted baby parrots from more than 50 species. mind and body. fly adds an incredible number of neuropathways Cumulatively this amounts to over 7,000 bird in the cerebellum.

26 Can a parrot, designed by nature for millions of years, be truly mentally and physically healthy without flight?

brain meets a minimum threshold of learning. Low functioning individuals that are unable to “think on the wing” often use compensating networks. One of the most common is the “bite first, ask later” compensating manoeuvre.

Six main areas where flight is important to a parrot Babies learn best when multiple senses are appropriate part of the brain for interpretation. stimulated simultaneously (i.e.: sight, sound, Sight taste, touch and smell). The best opportunity for In some ways, motor skills and vision are so The pea-sized visual cortex in a human is very a parrot to learn is when a combination of senses integral to each other that it is difficult to separate tiny compared to the size of our brain. Our visual are experienced at the same time. The senses of the two. As a baby flies towards a tree, he will cortex is comparable to a warehouse that collects sight, sound and touch take on a very different begin to associate the visual changes with the visual inputs, sorts them, and then distributes nature during flight. When a particular skill is closing of the distance between him and the them to be processed in appropriate parts of the being developed or experienced by different object. As his motor skills develop, he will begin brain. A parrot's visual cortex is huge compared senses at the same time, a different to anticipate an impending crash and learn how with the bird's brain, and works more like a drop- neuropathway is reinforced for each sense, to slow down. The faster he flies, the faster the shipping distribution centre than a warehouse. creating a much stronger neurocircuitry for that visual ability needs to be and the faster the brain Multiple major visual neuro connections skill or knowledge being learned. Flying offers a learns to process the information, and the faster throughout the parrot's brain continually sorts and greater variety of situations that parrots need to he will be able to fly. Teaching the brain to redirects information without the delay of sitting utilize for optimal mental and eventual social process information faster and on higher levels, around in a warehouse. This significant dedication development. promotes faster decision-making and fewer of brain power to vision is necessary because, as mistakes in all areas of mental, physical and a prey animal on many predators' lunch menus, The parrot brain develops on a pre-determined social competence. This combination of skills is parrots need to respond to visual stimulae much schedule that has been finely tuned by evolution significantly more important in parrots since they quicker than humans. for millions of years. Each one of the senses, as are a prey species and constantly need to be well as mental and physical skills, develop over a ready to “think on the wing.” Information received through the eyes travels over period of time, but not at the same time. Some of many different neuro-highways to many different the development phases are symbiotic, meaning Compensating networks parts of the brain simultaneously. The more these they need information being developed in another pathways are used and reinforced through area of the brain for their own optimal Now that we understand how important symbiotic experience, the quicker the overall response to development. For example, vision develops best neuropathway development is, we can look at visual stimulae will be. when the baby can move around and see things how other areas of development and personality from different angles and distances. Conversely, are affected when normal brain development is Proper response to visual stimulae should take as coordination develops best when the visual cortex interrupted. little as a few thousandths of a second, but the can provide information on distance and process is delayed when compensatory networks perspective. Without this symbiotic relationship of When the brain is not able to process information intervene and may take several seconds to sort vision and coordination, it is difficult to develop fast enough it creates “compensating networks.” out or process. three-dimensional vision. Compensating networks develop to make quick decisions when education and experience are not Parrots with poor visual skills take longer to Two of many important brain functions sufficient to quickly produce an educated assess visual stimulae which may force the bird required for flight are coordination and vision. decision. to react aggressively until the information is processed. For instance, a new person entering Coordination and vision develop in different parts Basically, when a situation calls for a quick the room or someone reaching out to touch may of the brain, but are essential for the other's decision, there are usually several variables that provoke a “bite first, ask later” response while optimal development and critical for flight skills. need to be considered. Highly functioning the circumstances are being processed. individuals quickly analyse every variable and Coordination develops in the cerebellum at the make an educated decision. Lower functioning Flying birds quickly learn to process visual inputs back of the brain as the baby moves around and individuals often use compensating networks to faster as they develop and reinforce new and repeatedly tries new and progressively more jump to conclusions when they cannot think fast improved pathways for routing visual stimulae at complicated activities. The parrot's visual cortex, enough. This often occurs for two reasons: the high speeds in a three-dimensional manner. This which is quite different from ours, connects with bird wants to bypass a frustrating situation or, for educational process cannot take place without virtually every part of the avian brain. A baby's defence reasons, does not have the time to work flight. vision, at hatching, is a jumble of blurred shades, on the problem. shapes and movements. Babies have the basic Defence program to recognize these light rays entering “Applied learning” is the ability to utilize A parrot's primary means of defence is flight. Any their eyes, but they need to learn how to interpret accumulated knowledge to figure out new time a parrot even suspects danger, he takes to the basic images so they can be directed to the situations. This ability only occurs after the bird's flight while sorting out the facts (thinking on the

27 Some common arguments in favour of clipping wings include: on the Thinking In a multiple-bird household, when a bird flies onto another bird's cage, he will get into a fight. Birds in a natural situation rarely get into fights. At the first thought of danger, one of the Wing birds backs down and flies away. A clipped bird that accidentally ends up on another bird's cage will often get hurt because neither bird has the wing). Parrots fly away so freely and readily that option to back down. It is very easy to teach they rarely feel scared in the wild. parrots to get along and respect each other's space in a multi-parrot household, if they can fly. Feeling threatened or concerned, and being scared are two distinctly different emotions. As Flighted birds can get to the floor and get humans, we can feel threatened by standing in stepped on or eaten by the dog. the middle of a highway; however we need not be When a flighted bird accidentally finds himself on scared since we can easily walk to the side of the the floor, he can easily fly to a safe position. You road to avoid danger. This is how parrots must watch clipped birds very closely because experience threats. They can easily fly away and they can only walk when they want to go rarely ever feel scared. somewhere and often fall off the perch. It is common for dogs, cats and human feet to injure Because they can be someone's lunch at any birds that cannot fly. time, they become VERY scared when they cannot immediately avoid threatening situations. Clipping wings will make a parrot easier Flightless parrots quickly lose the ability to to handle. choose between flight or fight (flight or bite in a This has some truth to it. If a bird was not raised parrot's world). When a parrot cannot remove properly when young, and becomes an unruly himself from a threatening situation, he will adult, rendering him flightless will limit his retreat default to the second line of defence: BITE. and approach options. This eliminates the ability Parrots with no ability to escape danger, or even to get away and can result in dependency on the perceived danger, become paranoid and tend to owner. develop the “bite first, ask later” method of defence. Their defence response system operates Flightless parrots are constantly exposed to so fast, they respond automatically when scared situations where they feel afraid and out of and often unexpectedly bite their owner by control. With no control over their life, parrots accident. Ultimately, most of these adult birds often develop paranoid schizophrenic behaviours. become unpredictable and lead very restricted These individuals lack the ability to trust others. lives. This syndrome is a significant factor in the development of the one-person bird. Flight is necessary for the “retreat and re- approach” behaviour that is very important for Birds are unable to learn not to fly into baby birds. When concerned, and unable to windows and walls. retreat from a possible threat, babies become All young birds and children walk/fly into walls scared and unable to learn during those episodes. and windows, but not forever. Flighted baby parrots learn very quickly. In the middle of Safety Hartman Aviaries' indoor nursery hangs a large No parrot ever jumped out of the nest in the wild window for the babies to practice flying through. and knew how to fly. Babies fly into the side of It takes a maximum of 72 hours for a baby parrot trees, miss their landing sites and end up in a learning to fly during their “sensitive period” of bush or worse. At The Parrot University, we have flight development to realize they can see through watched thousands of babies use these same but cannot fly through glass. This “sensitive experiences to learn how to fly well. By period” occurs when the average parrot is 8 to 10 experiencing these near tragedies as developing weeks old. babies, they have honed all of their senses and more exercise than an active flightless parrot will automatically avoid those situations in the Most parrots that are rendered flightless as a receives all day. A healthy wild parrot does not future. A juvenile that learns the limits of his juvenile end up regrowing enough feathers to pant after flying a long distance, yet very few pet physical body, and how to stay out of trouble, will gain lift. These uneducated birds repeatedly fly parrots can fly across the room or aggressively be more confident and easily learn to fit into a into windows and consistently crash land because flap their wings without an extended period of domestic human-bird flock as an adult. clipped birds are unable to develop flight motor panting. coordination during the sensitive period of the We all know the mental and physical benefits of “Flightless parrots are safe parrots” is the advice cerebellum development. These disabled parrots exercise on all aspects of life. If a parrot is often given by less experienced bird are generally unable to “think on the wing” and healthy, it can concentrate and focus its attention, behaviourists. Our 20 plus years of experience perpetuate the myth that parrots are too stupid to learn faster, is more easily trained and will working with over 4,500 flighted parrots at The learn to fly in a home. This lack of coordination probably live longer. Young parrots must gain the Parrot University have proven that hazards are causes a knee-jerk reaction by many humans to maximum advantage from exercise to assemble significantly greater for flightless birds because clip even more of the wing and worsen the billions of neuropathway synapses and achieve they are less able to avoid dangerous situations. problem. their potential IQ to become high-functioning Not only can they not get out of harm's way when adults while their bodies and brains are still necessary, they rarely know where danger lies Exercise developing. because they have very limited life experience. A parrot in flight for just a few minutes receives 28

life. The remaining 10% develop as the adult learns how to use the information learned before adolescence. Following this rule of thumb, we can see that a baby who only builds 80% of his potential neuropathways before adolescence will at best top out at 88% of his potential as an adult. This amounts to more than a 10% IQ deficiency. Rendering a parrot flightless should not be an acceptable substitute for spending time raising miss out on as much as 50% of the physical and him to be a well-behaved and responsible adult. mental experience required for proper Relative amount of energy Most parrot owners believe their pet to be development. Currently, there is no way to tell just smarter than a dog, but we do not see dog used for different activities. how much damage this shortfall causes. It could owners cutting off their legs to keep them out of be as much as 10% or 20% of an individual's trouble and make them submissive. Sleep 1 unit potential intelligence. “Thinking on the wing” is the most complicated Awake 1.5 units Conclusion activity in which a parrot can be involved. Given Playing in place 3 units In my opinion flightless parrots lack the great that the symbiotic development of each part of abundance of life experience that their flighted the brain is maximized during flight, no area of Moving and playing 6 units friends enjoy. At minimum, flight is a significant the parrot's brain can develop to its maximum (getting into trouble) factor in proper parrot development. potential without achieving fine-tuned flight. Learning is a life long process, but 90% of the Aggressively neuropathways a parrot will use as an adult are Spread the word and help every pet parrot thrive flapping wings 12 units programmed in the first six to eight months of and enjoy life the way nature intended. Flying 18 units

Self-confidence and social ability High levels of self-confidence and self-esteem are the by-product of a well-educated, fearless individual. Confident individuals present and interpret body language accurately and easily learn to fit into the flock or household. A paranoid anti-social bird will not be able to maintain high levels of any basic social skills.

Intelligence Every parrot is born with a genetically determined maximum intelligence level. Achieving this maximum IQ requires the individual be supplied with necessary environmental stimulae during each development phase. The brain is very adaptable and can compensate for some missed experiences. However, a flightless parrot may

Steve Hartman, owner of The training for veterinary students at Parrot University at Hartman Aviary. The Ohio State University to obtain significant avian experience. To Steve’s 1978 Graduate of The Ohio State The AVIATOR date over 120 students have University, College of Agriculture, HARNESS & LEACH trained in the accredited course at by the Parrot University Department of Natural Resources the facility clinic. Bio B.Sc. http://www.theparrotuniversity.com/aviator.php Information developed at The Parrot Started Hartman Aviary with 25 University has been presented blue and gold macaws in 1984. internationally at over 25 Goal was to selectively breed conventions and in multiple parrots for domestic temperament magazines and journals. to increase long-term pet potential. To date he has worked directly with In 2003, after working with many over 800 flighted adults and 4,000 free flighted pet birds, Steve flighted baby parrots from over 50 invented The Aviator Harness, Flight species. HartmanAviary.com Line and Yard Perch to enhance the life experience of pet birds The Parrot University was started in worldwide. TheParrotUniversity.com 1992 to provide outpatient clinical 29 OBSERVATIONS OF THE LITTLE CORELLA IN CAGE AND AVIARY John McGrath, Yass, NSW Australia Copyright remainsUSTRALIA with author Jane McGrath Introduction more familiar species Ato the average by but that has been very necessary I wrote this article some time ago and Australian. The plumage of the Little for this species as they seek to keep I hope it is of interest to the readers Corella is mostly snow white with contact with their flock as they travel of Parrot Life. In Australia, we would some red feathering between the bill across the vast interior of Australia. keep birds under completely different and the blue periophthalmic ring, In fact, this call is so effective that a climatic conditions to you in Canada. although this red marking can vary car alarm manufacturer decided to Also, as Canadians you probably call between individuals. The white emulate it for one of the siren choices this cockatoo a Bare Eyed Corella! I plumage is suffused with lemon- of his anti-theft model and I believe it also imagine that they would be a yellow, which is more evident when proved to be quite popular! the bird has its wings and tail reasonably rare cockatoo in your Some years ago, as I was feeding my outstretched in a threat pose or when country. “combination flock” of Eastern Long it is in flight. Some birds also possess The Little Corella (Cacatua Bill Corellas (Cacatua tenuirostris) a secondary red underdown on the sanguinea) was the first Australian and Western Long Bill Corellas chest area and a distinguishing parrot observed by European man, in (Cacatua pastinator butleri), they feature of the Little Corella is that it this case, William Dampier, who seemed extra noisy even to my is an excellent exhibition bird owing described it in his book Voyage to New accustomed ear. Upon looking at the to the fact that it is nearly always in Holland, as a “type of white parrot” sky, I saw 16 feral Little Corellas perfect feather condition. when he saw them on the northwest circling overhead who were eliciting The feet are grey in healthy birds coast of Western Australia on the these back-forth greetings – owing to the production of August 22, 1699. As European unbelievably deafening! I do not live powderdown and the bill is horn- settlement increased and more parrot within the normal range of this coloured. species became known, New Holland cockatoo, and sometimes the aviaries became known as Terra Psittacorum or The sexes are alike (i.e. are visited by some small flocks the Land of Parrots. monomorphous) but once you get to descended from escapees and The Corellas are only one part of the know your Corella pair, you will come releasees. to observe subtle differences between “White Cockatoo” group that interests Distribution and Field Observations of the cock and the hen. Veterinary me and I have enjoyed their company Out of Range Corellas intervention however is the most both as aviary birds and in field Many subspecies of Little Corella are accurate method of sexing and is sightings. I have also captive-bred distributed over a vast area of inland particularly relevant if you are setting several of the Corella subspecies after Australia as well as in our tropical up two birds of unknown origins as a having purchased my first pair of north on offshore islands and New pair for the first time. DNA sexing is Little Corellas 37 years ago in 1968 for Guinea. They can be found in flocks of also available as an alternative to the $18.00. At that stage, I held two thirds up to 1000 individuals while at other surgical sexing mentioned above. I of the captive Little Corellas in the times, one will just see a single pair prefer surgical sexing as the Yass district with the other third (one either in flight or feeding together. veterinarian can give your bird an bird) owned by Bruce who had This flock size can decimate an internal health check while he’s in organised the purchase for me. But almost-ripe crop of grain, which there with his endoscope! shortly after Bruce’s death in 1975, I results in many being killed or legally had the good fortune of acquiring the Voice trapped for the local bird trade. third bird as well. This turned out to The call of the Little Corella (or any I do not live in the “normal range” of be a female – clearly evident through Corella for that matter) does not make the Little Corella, as above, so my first the production of a couple of eggs. them ideal close neighbours to some. sighting of them in the wild was while As she was half of a long-time bonded All Corellas possess a voice that is in SW Queensland, but in the last pair with a Sulphur Crested Cockatoo defiantly silence-piercing and in the decade (last century now January hen (that also laid eggs), I passed case of the Little Corella, this is a 1975) this species has moved into this them onto a person who wanted them series of high-pitched shrieks or district and beyond, whether flocks as pets. The point I am making here is screeches which differ for the purpose that you should be careful in splitting intended. For example, a contact call “bonded pairs” due to physiological (often emitted at night and especially problems that could arise from either if it is moonlight, or if the Corellas’ or both birds. surroundings are illuminated by street Description lighting), is emitted as a long drawn- When asked by someone unfamiliar out quavering note which can be with this bird, my description is that it heard distinctly for up to one resembles a white Galah – the Galah kilometre away; an adaptation that (Eolophus roseicapillus) being a much would not sit well with residents close

30 appearing near my aviaries, as the chewed cables — after all, this whistle proficiently and may perform described earlier, are natural or species is also known to undo nuts basic tricks, especially if the trick is escapees. Several birds have also been and open cage doors to facilitate an extension of a normal behavioural spotted on a pine tree on our property escape and they never seem to forget trait (e.g. rolling over and over). and I have also witnessed small flocks how to do this once they’ve worked it Hand-raised pets are often allowed flying past the house on numerous out the first time. This is all part of semi-freedom and will return on call occasions. A well-established flock the natural play behaviour of to their owner/handler if properly also appears to have made a home for Corellas. trained. As a kid, I remember one themselves on the Yass River toward such bird that belonged to a pet shop City-type populations abound in Yass from where I live and I have in Canberra that was allowed to roam Sydney, Gosford and Brisbane as well witnessed them feeding on Saffron freely in the car park. It spent a lot of and usually these are mixed flocks of Thistle in harmony with a flock of time under the motor vehicles and so Little Corellas and Eastern Long Bills Galahs and Sulphur Crested ended up covered in grease by the with some hybridisation occurring Cockatoos. There is another flock to end of the day. It was a dirty between these two species the north along the Boorowa River grey/brown Corella but it was a happy periodically. Tasmania also has mixed and some have witnessed flocks flying Corella, always ready to greet the flocks of Little Corellas. In this case over Braidwood with the coast being shop’s customers by popping out from Little Corellas and Galahs live near the assumed destination. under a car. I also know of a Western the East coast town of Bicheno and Narrabundah also appears to have a Long Bill Corella that had its origins again, hybridisation can occur in flock of Little Corellas that roost on in my aviaries and that is afforded the these in these flocks. This time, with Redhill and come off to feed at same freedom — it flies free and the mixing of Corellas and Galahs, daylight on the Fyshwick flats, and returns from its tree roost once called. you can see their multi coloured medium strips along Canberra’s Hand-reared cockatoos often become offspring flying with the “white” and thoroughfares as well as around the imprinted on humans and may form a “grey” parents! shores of Lake Burley Griffen. There pair bond with a human of the My assumptions regarding the flocks I appears to be 2 distinct feral opposite sex. Often however, have observed that are not in their populations in Canberra/ACT – one frustration to the point of self- natural ranges is that these are feral that I had witnessed and one further mutilation occurs when attention is birds and this may be true west in Belconnen. One pair also fed not given to this bird when required. particularly for the city population together each morning in the switch People need to be aware of this fact because many of this species were yard of the Trans Grid Substation and if intending to hand-rear a trapped in the late 60’s and early 70’s Canberra, a little further West again, cockatoo, be committed to the mental and passed off to the unscrupulous as and after feeding take off afterwards needs of the resultant product. ideal pet birds that are easy to tame. in the direction of the Murrumbidgee Ideally, a hand-reared bird should at Captivity for these Corellas was more River. Other small local flocks can be least be raised partially with its own often than not, short-lived owing to spotted on the Barton Highway kind so that it has some idea of its the fact that buyers were not skilled between Canberra and Yass where the roots. and patient enough to tame wild- local horse stud provides food for both caught birds and because of the noise Aviary Set-up horse and opportunistic cockatoos. these birds emitted. Also, once the pet Little Corellas make excellent aviary The large eucalyptus trees that trade became saturated, which it very subjects and prove to be successful abound in the area are also very quickly did 30 to 40 years ago, the and dedicated parents. An ideal suitable for them to breed and of excess birds were most probably mass aviary for these birds would measure: course this smorgasbord of food is a released around the city areas. 6 m L x 1.2-1.8 m W x 2.1 m H large attraction for them — a bit like I do, however, wonder about the (18 feet long X 7 feet high X 4 feet the effect the Golden Arches have on isolated introduced populations in the wide). Concrete floors facilitate the human animal! country and think that these could cleaning and hence reduce worm One particular flock at one stage prove to be the salvation for their infestation and rodent entry. The caused major havoc with power lines species in general, if still persecuted concrete also prevents the cockatoos and transmission substations in the on their “home turf” and particularly from digging out while solid walled Broken Hill (New South Wales) area if isolated from Psittacine Beak and partitions not only elicit privacy for as a feedlot had been set up for them Feather Disease (PBFD). the pairs but also reduce the loss of alongside the substation, but It is well documented that many of toes and mandibles as fights break unfortunately it was not only the food our native parrot species have moved out among neighbouring pairs. (These that these Corellas were interested in. to other areas over the last few Little “White” Cockatoos are very As well as decades and that they arrive as proficient appendage removers) The opening drain drought-induced vagrants, so why not back 1.8 m should be covered and in valves on the the same for the Little Corella? What this section, the nest log can be smaller I am implying is that we may well be placed. The open sections of the flight transformers, witnessing the initial stages of the should be covered in a durable, they were south-east migration of the Little galvanised mesh of about 2-3 mm in chewing the Corella. diameter with squares of 25 x 25 mm exposed to exclude avian vermin such as control cables Little Corellas as Pets sparrows. Steel tube frames are and causing Many people keep this bird as a almost mandatory and, if galvanised, power failures, family pet and if well cared for and should cut down on time-consuming owing to both given the right attention, will be maintenance, however metal the escaping rewarded with a bird that is poisoning in birds is often associated insulation oil, interesting, intelligent, playful and with galvanisation and care should be and the shorts confiding (and like all cockatoos, taken if this is considered. If this and failures in messy!). They easily learn to talk and

31 material is preferred, it should be with a combination of Benzelmin (a ideally scrubbed down with vinegar horse drench) an d Ivomec Sheep and left to oxidize over a few days Drench; the latter diluted 10 to 1 in prior to inclusion in the aviary. water and used immediately. The The front of my flights are a full-size Benzelmin is bought for ready use door and I mount a mesh shelf on the from an avian vet. Both are inside for greens and fruits as well as administered at the rate of 0.2 ml per a coop cup for soaked and sprouted 100 g body weight. (commercial seed. Lately, I have been considering worming formulas are now available) relocating this coop cup to the outside These days I use Vetafarm Worm Out Endoscope examination surgieal sexing of the door with a hole cut in the Gel! mesh so that the birds can get their I find that housed as described above, heads through to eat. This has been my cockatoos seem happy and willing practised by various aviculturists here cockatoos of which I have had more to breed and will spend the hottest as it affords the opportunity of accurate records. Having a pair of part of a summer’s day sitting on the feeding the birds without direct Corellas or 2 birds together of the rear perch of their nest log either confrontation during the breeding opposite sex by no means is an preening, working their nest or season when some cockatoos become indication that things are going to be sleeping alongside each other while at very aggressive! Also, some rosy. Even if they are incompatible, night the pair camp side by side in individuals will tip the coop cup onto things will seem fine for some time the open on the front perch all year the aviary floor, making for a time- but death will soon come to the bird round, albeit covered in frost in the consuming retrieval process when one that is subversive of an incompatible winter. is in a hurry and also possibly being pair and often one hour is all it takes attacked by aggressive breeding Food for a relationship to deteriorate. individuals. The main advantage of In captivity, I find that Little Corellas Decapitation can occur or at the very having the receptacle in the walkway are omnivorous and eat foods varying least scalping with flesh also torn is the time saved when feeding from fruits, vegetables, garden weeds from the back and shoulders. The sprouts. Nowadays, pairs of swinging (milk thistle, cape weed, clovers, etc), remaining bird will often prove to be door coop cups are commercially sprouted seed, wholegrain bread and a good breeder with a compatible available! various nuts to chicken and mutton partner but this takes time, patience I secure a natural, solid branch at chop bones (raw orcooked) and even and perseverance on your part! either end for a perch and supply small cubes of cheese. The sprouted This aggression will also be displayed water in either an enamel or glazed seed is usually made by simply using between 2 birds of the same sex and ceramic dish which has a capacity in their basic seed mix but I will also often compatible siblings that are excess of 10 litres. The hard seed is add sunflower, wheat and legumes raised together develop into supplied in a garbage can lid which like lupins, mung beans, pigeon peas, incompatible adults where the has been turned upside down and etc. I do however avoid sprouting dominant bird will drive the underling mounted about one metre off the floor whole oats with the husk on as these from food and water and may pursue under the shelter. Bird grit is provided become sludgy very quickly after the underling to the point of death. I in the form of a shovelful of gravel being soaked and may then more have experienced this with a pair of which is spread on the aviary floor. readily become contaminated. Long-Billed Corella cocks and also (Update, I now use joist hangers Towards the breeding season, I usually sibling second-year hens of the same (available from hardware stores) to increase the sprout content. species. hold my perches, and use Stainless (commercial sprouting mixes are now Steel mixing bowls for water.{I used to available) suspend perches with wire but have Of course, nothing stops these birds lost birds getting their leg caught from supplementing their diet between wire and perch} themselves from time to time as I observed once with one of my pairs A good set of electronic scales are which chased and killed some essential for accurate aviary sparrows and mice that entered their management for reasons mentioned flight. The use of toxins for mice- above but also for weighing birds at control is not an ideal solution drenching time. The bird can be considering the very real possibility of caught and placed in a previously- this being spread to the bird either weighed shoe box or something directly or indirectly, and causing similar to prevent rolling around on death. I do not bait for this reason! the scale. This should be placed in its Earthworms are also an option in entirety on the scale and the bird’s If you are unable to find a compatible terms of providing the much-needed weight calculated from the total pair, then it is best to buy several protein for these birds, and weight immature birds (first year birds being mealworms, although often accepted, reading optimal) and have them sexed as do not provide as much nutrition. minus the mentioned earlier before marking weight of Compatibility and Breeding Notes them on different parts of the body the empty Never having known the exact age of using a coloured vegetable dye. Then shoe box. the Little Corellas I have bred from, I record the sex against the position would estimate that they commence marked and select for yourself the Worm their breeding activities between 3 birds that sit together and preen each control is and 5 years of age, which is in line other before identifying them as a done via with the other smaller white pair. Be careful not to execute this crop needle

32 during the moulting season for In my diary notes, I recorded that the I hope you enjoyed reading these obvious reasons, (numbered split original breeding pair that I had, laid observations as well as my stainless steel rings are now used if 3 eggs on 30/09/81 and on 05/10/81. experiences and thoughts. My aviary birds are not closed rung). Then, once Corella eggs are conical compared management has been successful for you have selected the birds you wish with those of the Galah, which are me and may merely be a guide for you to keep, you can sell the surplus at oval, with Corella chicks hatching but whatever you may take away from least with a gender guarantee, before (like all cockatoo species) with a this, here’s wishing you all the best sitting back and waiting for your yellow down. By 24/10/81, two of the with your breeding of these wonderful youngsters to breed (all compatibility, chicks were ready for closed banding birds. etc., going well!) (either stainless steel or aluminium) Other Hybrids with the third a little later (i.e. 29/10- The log that I find most useful for this Hybrids other than the Galah/Eastern 31/10). One chick was out of the log on species is the same as for the majority Long Billed mentioned above, 05/12/81 and by the 11th of that of my cockatoos – around 800-900 mm I have witnessed Little Corella crosses month, all 3 had left the nest. high with an internal diameter of 200- between Sulphur Crested Cockatoos On 29/12 I noticed that one of the 300 mm and filled with wood dirt to (C.galerita) and Major Mitchells birds had broken one of its legs and the top. The birds are then free to (C.leadbeateri), and Western Long the following day the other one, clean out the dirt to a level that suits Billed Corella (C.pastinator butleri) necessitating euthanasia. This I put them. I nail a piece of flat iron to the and Stan Sindel reports the down to carelessness on my part as bottom and the log is usually accepted hybridisation of a Little Corella and a the fencing wire I used to suspend the either mounted vertically or at an Gang Gang Cockatoo in a natural wild perch did not have the loose end angle but whichever angle you decide situation in his book Australian turned down, which resulted in the upon, ensure that you are able to see Cockatoos. bird getting its leg band caught and and reach the nest. My cockatoos do hence a broken leg. The birds were not have the luxury of selecting from For further reading, the following are also calcium deficient which is a a variety of nest logs but I haven’t had good sources of information problem I now overcome by complaints yet! administering Calcium Sandoz to the Videos Since the original writing of this crop or by sprinkling calcium • White Cockatoos-Land of Parrots set article, I have commenced using PVC carbonate over the sprouted seed. (as well as the derivative cockatoos of nest logs for these birds with the Cuttlefish bone and shell grit are also Australia) utmost success breeding a total of good supplementary sources of • Geo production available from ABK eleven Little Corella chicks in them in calcium used in conjunction with the publications 2007/2008. above. Observation of breeding pairs closer Books The same Corella pair above produced to the breeding season shows them • A Guide To White Cockatoos - Chris many chicks over a 20-year period! mating more frequently which in turn Hunt-ABK Publications made the sexes much easier to • Australian Cockatoos – Stan Sindel identify. and Robert Lynn Little Corellas share the incubation of • Australian Parrots – Joseph M. the eggs and the early brooding of the Foreshaw chicks with the hen doing the longer • Parrots of the World – Joseph M. night shift from around 4 pm-8 am Foreshaw and the cock the remainder. The • The World of Cockatoos – Karl change around with some mutual Diefenbach preening and the outgoing partner • Parrots: Their Care and Breeding – goes off to feed. The cockatoo eggs are Rosemary Low weighed, measured and dated on the day they are laid (labelling the shell I wish to thank Linda Adam from with a lead pencil causes no harm to Sydney NSW for rewriting/editing this the chick inside) which enables article for me from text form, during accurate monitoring of the incubation 2005, apparently in flight to “George A second pair of Little Corellas which period for each egg. All of the above is Bush Land!” I received from Western Australia recorded in my diary as well as the produced one egg on 23/09/83 and projected date of hatch, after which I another two on 25/09/83, and had attempt to measure and record both commenced incubation. Two of the daily weight gain and the general chicks hatched in the afternoon of progress of each chick. I also try to 21/10/83, with one noticeably larger photograph chicks at various stages of than the other and both covered with development. a lemon-yellow down. The third egg had disappeared. One young Corella disappeared on 22/10/83 and the following day, the remaining young Corella was chewed up by its parents. Very disappointing, to say the least! Incubation had thus taken 27-28 days and the normal clutch appears to be 3 eggs in my experience although I have observed 2 eggs frequently being laid and usually every second day.

33 BLOOD Written By: Diane Noël What we can D.V.M.,I.P.S.A.V. learn from it?

As early as 2500 BC, Egyptians were collection. Blood may be collected Quantity already looking at blood and from various areas of the avian body, searching for ways to combat illness. venipuncture should be the method Most of the time, RBC quantity is The first animal-to-animal of choice. The right jugular vein determined in percentage. In well- transfusion was accomplished in the remains the preferred site for most equipped laboratories, RBCs are 17th century. avian species. Other choices of veins counted and hemoglobin is Despite the numerous dissections by such as the basilic vein (wing vein) measured. This information provides the first anatomists, the human and and the medial metatarsal vein clues to help assess if the bird is animal body were only being located above the tarsometatarsal normal, dehydrated or anemic. A explored and discovered by the joint (hock) are also used for dehydrated bird will have a higher naked eye. adequate blood sampling. Toenail percentage of RBCs. When the RBC In 1658, Jan Swammerdan, a 21-year- clipping is not recommended for value is lower than normal, anemia old Dutch microscopist finally went hematologic studies, abnormal cell causes are to be considered. Anemia to the soul of blood and observed distributions, cellular debris and is not a diagnosis but rather a the first red blood cell. This cell was contamination problems may reflection of a background problem. described later to be 25,000 times interfere with results, again venous Anemia is also classified in 3 groups. smaller than a fine grain of sand. blood provides the best sample. a) Hemorrhage (loss of RBC) b) Hemolysis (RBC destruction) Today we have a better Approximately 6 to 12 ml/100g is the c) RBC production failure understanding of the complexity total blood volume in a bird. This and intelligence of the circulatory amount is variable depending on the Hemorrhage may be provoked by system. This transportation circuit species. The maximum safe volume trauma, coagulation problems or serves every single cell of the avian that can be collected is 1% of the bleeding gastric ulcers. RBC can body, delivering necessary bird's body weight (10% blood be destroyed by bacteria, parasites substances such as oxygen and volume). or zinc intoxications. Chronic nutrients, and at the same time inflammation, folic acid deficiency, getting rid of cell metabolism HEMATOLOGY lead intoxication, bone marrow waste products. Blood contains cells suspended in cancer are all possible causes for a liquid called plasma. The avian a bone marrow failure. Insults to the body such as an blood cells are classified into 3 infection, a trauma or a cancer, will types. Quality lead to a reaction from numerous blood components. Most often this 1) Red blood cell (RBC) RBCs are examined on a smear to defense reaction is what we will be 2) White blood cell (WBC) identify specific details such as able to observe and interpret. The 3) Thrombocyte variable cell sizes (anisocytosis), microscopic study of blood will not variable cell colour (erythrocytic only reveal information about the 1) The RBC (also referred to as polychromasia), variable cell shapes reparation phenomenon but also Erythrocytes) is the most numerous. (poikilocytosis) and erythrocyte may expose directly the responsible It is mainly produced by the bone ballooning. agent such as a parasite, a bacterium marrow, is elliptic in form and unlike Anisocytosis is usually characterized or even a cancer cell. the mammalian RBC, it has retained by younger, larger and rounder its nucleus. As mentioned earlier, RBCs. This observation signals an This article will focus on two of its main role is to transport oxygen attempt to correct anemia. many blood studies: hematology and and nutrients to different parts of Polychromatic erythrocytes are biochemistry. The first step towards the avian body. RBCs are evaluated similar in size to the normal cell, a successful blood evaluation is the in 2 ways: quantity and quality however they have a weak basophilic

1434 cytoplasm. A high percentage of 2) WBCs are the national defense the blood sample was collected polychromatic cells can also indicate of the organism. They are mainly from a toenail clipping due to an a regenerative response to anemia. produced by the bone marrow. Five environmental contamination. Minor poikilocytosis is considered types of WBC are identified with Other parameters measured to normal. A marked poikilocytosis can each a different role. evaluate the kidneys are proteins, signify a troubled or accelerated cell phosphorus, potassium and sodium. maturation. Heterophils Erythrocyte ballooning is a frequent Monocytes The liver is investigated by looking finding in lead toxicosis, similar Lymphocytes mainly at its enzyme AST (aspartate findings are also observed in other Eosinophils aminotransferase). In addition, bile conditions like the conure bleeding Basophils acid and proteins both participate in syndrome. this interpretation. Heterophils are the first cells at the front of the enemy line. The Creatine kinase is a muscle enzyme monocytes arrive later to clean and used along with the AST to help also participate in the defense. determine if there has been muscle Lymphocytes will mainly work to damage or not. complete the fight and prepare the organism against future invasions. Calcium is also part of the basic Quantity and quality of WBCs are panel. This parameter will allow a also very important in their better understanding in the failure evaluation. A total WBC count is of other organs, such as the done followed by a percentage count reproductive system, the renal Erythrocytes of each cell type. Most of the cells system, the endocrine system and are examined under the microscope the digestive system. in search of abnormalities. A higher As for glucose, it can fluctuate for number of WBCs is an indication of different reasons. Stress, inflammation. The severity of the glucocorticoids, diabetes, inflammation is determined according malnutrition, liver failure and to cell type, number and special septicaemia are all possible reasons characteristics. for an abnormal glucose value. WBC parasites such as leukocytozoon Potassium, sodium and phosphorus and atoxoplasma can be detected all contribute to evaluate the kidneys, Heterophils upon examination of the blood smear. the liver, the digestive system and the endocrine system. 3) Thrombocytes These cells are the equivalent of Birds are champions at hiding any platelets in mammals. They are small, signs of illness. Disease may be round-to-oval nucleated cells. It is present for some time before difficult to obtain an actual count of symptoms are noticed and in some the thrombocytes because they tend cases it is too late to treat the bird. to clump. Their quantity is reported A blood sample may detect early by estimates from the blood smear. signs of disease. Hemostasis is their main role, which Even though avian medicine has Lymphocytes is forming clots to prevent made remarkable advances, reference hemorrhage. It is also believed that ranges in avian laboratory are still thrombocytes have a similar role to very large. Each individual bird is monocytes such as cleaning. unique in its blood parameters. Therefore a blood sample should not BIOCHEMISTRY only be taken when the bird is sick, Biochemistry is a blood analysis done comparing a basic reference of entirely by machine. Biochemistry healthy status is fundamental. interpretations will not be discussed Hematology and biochemistry can in this section because more than one help establish a treatment plan and will facilitate the follow up treatment Monocyte observation and result of the bird's examination is necessary in order to or surgery. arrive at a final diagnosis. Starting Blood analysis is complementary to with a basic panel, organs such as the the bird's history and physical exam. kidney or liver and muscles are Results of these investigations can evaluated. guide us toward other more specific or sophisticated tests such as x-rays, The integrity and function of the protein electrophoresis, bacterial kidneys are evaluated by measuring cultures, gram stains, DNA tests, the uric acid in urinary waste. This antibody and antigen tests. value is to be judged in concert Thrombocytes with the bird's hydration status. Uric acid may be falsely elevated if

35

PARROT LIFE Health: Natural By: Gabrielle Laurent APPLE CIDER VINEGAR Uses in Aviculture and Avian husbandry

Apple cider the papillomas and the vinegar, and will result apple cider vinegar containing the mother is vinegar has been in effervescence similar to hydrogen peroxide often made from an organic manner, and the used to remedy on a wound, and turn the papillomas white. retail price is greater than regular white various illnesses Using vinegar on the cloaca as a method of vinegar. Less valuable apple cider vinegar can throughout the detection for papillomas could be painful for be used with the same proportions and ages of humanity. the bird (burning sensation if there is irritated releases a nicer smell. Nowadays, it is tissue), therefore we recommend rinsing considered a afterwards. Caution: This water dish has not been properly cleaned. natural alternative for curing Apple cider vinegar can also be effective for numerous the prevention and management of crop diseases and infections, such as the common yeast conditions. Many animal owners favour apple infections caused by Candida albicans and cider vinegar over pharmaceutical products, Avian Gastric Yeast commonly known as due to its natural and organic nature. It is megabacteria. These infections often lead to used increasingly by bird caretakers in many crop disorders, stasis and sour crop. Dr. Colin situations, such as in the detection of Walker recommends (2002) diluting 10 ml of papillomas, the treatment of a sour crop or in apple cider vinegar in l L of water and serving the disinfection of aviaries. This article will it as drinking water. discuss the components and properties of apple cider vinegar and its therapeutic uses Cockatiel chick are prone to crop distensions To disinfect toys and bowls, a recommended in the avian world. and yeast infections. dilution is one part vinegar to one part water. When using such strong proportions, it is very Apple cider vinegar is the result of important to rinse the objects before giving unpasteurized apple cider fermentation. It them back to the birds contains multiple vitamins and minerals, such (www.valcompanies.com). Apple cider vinegar as phosphorus and potassium, but also is a common antimicrobial and antifungal in profitable enzymes and bacteria (Omega water containers. For example, it is Nutrition, Bragg 1999). The gelatinous layer recommended to clean automatic watering that can be found in the bottom of an systems, dilutions of equal parts vinegar and unpasteurized vinegar container is called the water can be used every four months, and “mother of vinegar.” The mother contains the every month during hot weather. Here again, acidifying bacteria used to ferment the liquid. it is very important to flush all the vinegar In organic apple cider vinegar production, the The vinegar will create an acidic environment solution from the pipes before using the mother of vinegar of mature vinegar is in the crop, which will prevent the yeast from system on birds again transferred to new batches to stimulate the proliferating and help restore the normal (www.valcompanies.com). fermentation. These beneficial bacteria are intestinal flora (Samour 2008). The vinegar not dangerous for humans or animals, and also lowers the pH of the droppings, which CAUTION NOTICE are even edible (Omega Nutrition). However, creates a poor environment for bacteria to Despite its natural composition, apple cider they are destroyed during the pasteurization proliferate. This water can also be served to vinegar is still acetic acid and can cause process and for that reason unpasteurized a new bird entering an aviary, as a preventive respiratory and skin irritations. If using pure apple cider vinegar is preferred. The vinegar treatment during quarantine. vinegar or strong concentration for cleaning must be kept at room temperature in a dark or disinfection, make sure to be in a well- glass bottle to avoid oxidation and breakdown Vinegar is a popular alternative to store- aerated room away from birds, and rinse of nutrients that could be caused by light bought cleaning products. It is cheaper, safer well afterwards. (Omega Nutrition). for human and animal health, and less harmful to the environment (www.apple- Numerous aviaries use galvanized wire cages Apple cider vinegar is used to detect cider-benefits.com). All vinegars can be used that release toxic zinc in the birds' papillomas on the cloaca of a bird (Romano as disinfectant agents for water bowls, toys environment. A common belief states that 2003, Branson et al. 1994). The application or floors of a nursery, however, the “mother” vinegar can be used to remove the zinc from of apple cider vinegar around the cloaca of a having beneficial properties for medicinal the galvanized wire of the cages. It is true suspect bird will generate a reaction between treatments is irrelevant for disinfection. An that the acidity of the vinegar removes the

36

loose zinc powder on the wire, but it does the beneficial properties of apple cider Apple-Cider-Benefits.com. 2009. Cleaning with Vinegar Best Tips. not remove the zinc plating that remains vinegar is allowing us to use it for much more Available from [online] http://www.apple-cider- (www.chopperstoys.com) than as a delicious salad dressing! benefits.com/cleaning-with-vinegar.html [cited on May 16, 2009]. Bragg, P. 1999. Apple Cider Vinegar: Miracle Health System. Bragg In equine husbandry, some caretakers add To get more information on the different Health Sciences. apple cider vinegar to the horse's grain. When vinegars and on all the uses of apple cider Desing-Rite Products. 2003. Neutralizing Zinc with Vinegar. Available the horses ingest the vinegar, their coat takes vinegar, I recommend reading The Healing from [online] www.chopperstoys.com [cited on May 20, 2009]. the vinegar smell, which repels the flies. A Powers of Vinegars, by Cal Orey and Vinegar: Mizkan. 2009. 1001 uses for white distilled vinegar. Available from very useful tip to get rid of fruit flies is to A Natural Approach to Avian Management, by [online] www.vinegartips.com [cited on May 20, 2009]. place a small dish filled with undiluted Wanda Barras. Omega Nutrition. 2009. Certified-Organic, Kosher, Unfiltered, and vinegar in it (www.vinegartips.com). To Non-Pasteurized… Available from [online] unblock aviary drains, use 1/2 cup of baking Gabrielle Laurent's http://www.omeganutrition.com/products-nutritional-apple.php [cited soda, 1/2 cup of salt and 1/2 cup of vinegar. biography on May 16, 2009]. Mix the baking soda with the salt, poor in the Ritchie, B.W., Harrison, G.J., Harrison, L.R. 1994. Avian Medicine: drain, add the vinegar, and wait 3 hours Principles and Applications. Wingers Publishing Inc., Lake Worth, FL. before flushing the drain with hot water Gabrielle is a soon- Romano, A. 2003. Parrot Preventive Medicine. Available from [online] (Wallace 2003). The reaction between the to-be graduate from http://funnyfarmexotics.com/IAS/2003Proceedings/Romagnano_Prev entive.pdf [cited on 16 May 2009]. vinegar and the baking soda releases CO2, the Wildlife Biology which unclogs the drain. program at McGill Samour, J. 2008. Avian Medicine 2nd Edition. Mosby Elsevier, New University. For most York, NY. In conclusion, apple cider vinegar is the result of her teenage years, Val-Co. 1998. Cleaning Water Lines. Available from [online] of the double fermentation of unpasteurized she had a small cattery with her dad, raising www.valcompanies.com [cited on May 20, 2009]. apple juice, and must contain the mother of American Shorthair, and actively participating Walker, C. 2002. Megabacteria Infection in Birds. Available from [online] http://wbo.bestofbreeds.net/article4.htm [cited on May 16, vinegar for it to release its therapeutic in the Club Félin de Montréal. Now living on a 2009]. properties. It can be used to detect subtle dairy farm, she is becoming more and more papillomas and treat yeast infections, and is knowledgeable about the dairy industry. Wallace, C. 2003. Apple Cider Vinegar in the Aviary. Available from [online] http://www.aviannetwork.com/articles/acvinthaviary.htm also an alternative to commercial cleaning Furthermore, Gabrielle is an animal caretaker [cited on May 16, 2009]. products. Nowadays, the rediscovery of all and nursery technician at H.A.R.I.

Use of Apple Prevention Alternative Oral Topical Cleaning Suggested Dilutions Cider Vinegar Treatment Detection of papilloma x Pure Treatment/prevention x x x 10 ml ACV* in 1L water of crop diseases Treatment/prevention x x x 10 ml ACV* in 1L water of yeast infections Cleaning toys/bowls x Cleaning automatic x 1 part ACV* in watering systems 1 part water Remove zinc from MYTH x 1 part ACV* in galvanized wire 1 part water Repel flies Pure(Pure ACV* in a bowl) Unblock drains x 1 ACV* : 1 salt : 1sodium bicarbonate

*ACV - Apple Cider Vinegar FunFun && seriousserious webweb links.links.

www.parrots.org/arpilleras www.exoticpetvet.net/avian Dr. Wissman is a Board Certified Avian Specialist Local art supports clay lick protection. who has an exclusive avian and exotic animal In partnership with Peru Verde, the World Parrot practice in Wesley Chapel, Florida. She works Trust is proud to introduce Arpilleras. These with several pet retailers and many bird and amazing one-of-a-kind fabric artworks support reptile breeders. She writes the popular "Causes a community in one of the very wildest areas of and Cures" column for Bird Talk magazine. She the Peruvian Amazon. The community in turn is active in the Association of Avian Veterinarians protects their local clay licks-an arrangement and lectures world-wide on avian and exotic that benefits parrots and humans alike. animal topics. For more information or to order online please This is a excellent site for avian vets, vet go to their web site. technician, pet store personnel, aviculturists and companion bird caretakers.

37

Understanding The Personality By: Sylvie Aubin Schema of our Birds

In our lifetime, we will establish many themselves as to whether they are breeding are talking here about their genetic and relationships, some last but many will have the right species for the companion market. hereditary baggage. But even if some traits a different fate. As human beings, we are What species should we breed for long are common to a particular group, each perhaps inherently programmed to think we lasting relationships? I personally don't think individual has its own unique way of can change others according to the ideal that this question relies solely on the developing them. Therefore, no two we've imagined for them; how they should breeders choosing the right species to Umbrellas share exactly the same traits to or shouldn't be and how we can help them breed, but mostly in the way future the same degree. caretakers choose their companions. change. I often reflect on a famous scene In spite of physical and social environmental from the movie “The Way We Were,” which Too often I have consulted with bird owners influences to which your bird has been illustrates this perfectly. Robert Redford is or future bird owners who believe that their exposed, every bird develops a central core annoyed at Barbara Streisand for always own particular way of raising the bird will of personal traits that are resistant to trying to change him: “You push too hard. make it into something it is not. They think change. It's the strength of that core, joined There's no time to ever relax and enjoy that if they raise their Cockatoo the same to the vital strength of the individual bird living.” She responds: “If I push too hard, way they raised their African Grey, the that gives it the capacity to become itself it's because I want things to be better. I Cockatoo will grow up to be more like a (an Umbrella Cockatoo) and remain faithful want you to be better. Sure I make waves, Grey. They believe that their Cockatoo will to its species. and I'll keep making them till you're not have the same affection and attention The core is the internal centre, instinctive everything you should be and will be.” needs as a “regular” Cockatoo since they and intrinsic of the personality. It's in this Of course we all know and understand why that will have taught it to behave like a Grey. I internal center that is located the particular relationship was doomed… firmly believe this is a mistake. It is crucial fundamental needs, the capacities and all when selecting a bird that one understands But when bird-human relationships fail, one anatomical and physiological data for this precisely the profound nature of that can very well search until the end of time particular species. why it has not worked. Perhaps the bird particular species - the central core of its screamed too much, bit, was messy or time personality. This simply means what the bird In short, you can read all the behavior consuming, etc. But perhaps all of these is fundamentally, forever representative of modification books, try every positive reasons are only the symptoms of the its species. reinforcement trick until you feel nauseous, and your bird will stay faithful to what it underlying reality. A much deeper and To illustrate this unarguable fact, we are truly is, in spite of all the multiple influential honest assessment could reveal that the going to learn about the personality schema tricks you will challenge it with. Meaning right species selection for the compatible with its three components: the central core, that a cockatoo will always be a cockatoo, a companion had not been made. the intermediate layer and the peripheral Lovebird a Lovebird and a Grey a Grey, layer. To analyze this perspective more I could go on and on about different despite what you wish for it to become. This concretely, I will use my own Umbrella problems, solutions and techniques to solve does not mean that you are wasting your Cockatoo, Toby, as an example. or alleviate these problems. But instead, I time and energy when trying to modify or have chosen to tackle the underlying eliminate undesirable behaviours in your problem that is generally at the root of all companions. Far from it! One has to make other problems. We are perhaps Central the difference between an undesirable disillusioned to believe the chosen one will core behaviour that can be modified and an become what we wished it could be. innate and unavoidable behaviour! Regrettably, the scenario is often like this: intermediate layer To illustrate this notion, let's look at one of (1) Buying the bird on impulse. the Umbrella Cockatoo's personality traits: (2) Honeymoon period: everything is peachy; their unquenchable need for affection, the bird is usually very young, gentle and Peripheral petting and preening. It's a common belief tame. The family and caretakers are ecstatic layer that they seem to need more affection than about the bird. most other parrot species. This particular (3) Somewhere between 6 months and a trait can be attractive for a new caregiver or year (the onset of the juvenile age), the bird completely incompatible with one's begins to bite, scream and generally does The central core personality or lifestyle, family dynamics, etc. not seem well adjusted to its surroundings. Toby as a representative of the It is a trait that will require you to raise this The foundation of mutual trust, respect and Umbrella Cockatoo species. bird to be as independent as possible, to training has not been established. reduce the unfavourable behaviours that can (4) In desperation, the caretaker either starts Evidently, for birds, some characteristics are common to individuals of a same species, result from a bird that cannot thrive without to search for help, sells the bird or gives it having his feathers ruffled and caressed at away. including: courtship, their capacity to create and use tools, their capacity to learn to talk every moment. It is not a bad behaviour Aviculturists, pet stores and refuges are or vocalize, their screaming pitch, their that one needs to change. However, If this is challenged with the increasing reality of gregarious nature, etc. This means, not the kind of relationship you are companion bird abandonment. Numerous Umbrellas share many personality traits with comfortable with, then an Umbrella conscientious bird breeders question other individuals of the same species. We Cockatoo is really a bad choice for you.

38 The intermediate layer the more the human feels the desire to be The Problem Toby as an individual available for the bird and care for it. Inevitably and regretfully when the human The intermediate layer is less resistant to Inversely, the less the bird reacts or shows does not respect the central core of the bird changes than the central core. Each bird interest in the human caregiver, the less the trying to impose behaviours that do not tends towards the full growth of its human wants to care for the bird or be belong to its respective species, big capacities and dormant potentials because available for it. problems arise. of its profound nature. The peripheral layer You are expecting certain behaviours and Each personality is unique because it is Toby, MY Umbrella Cockatoo traits from your “Toby,” and perhaps he different from all others in the manner that wants to please you by trying to change his This is the only layer of the three in which it organizes the traits that define it as well natural behaviours towards the ideal model you will ha as strength given to each one of those ve an influential role. It's the you have traits. This means that the personality is a social and environmental fabric that in mind. At the same time, “Toby's” central very complex ensemble of characteristics surrounds the bird and that can modify core is trying to fulfill his needs and to that gives each being its own particular some actions and reactions. The immediate make him act along with his inherent colour. One's personality is a phenomenon environment and actions of people with “programming” that belongs to his species. never repeated and the individuality of it is whom it interacts, especially people who We are then talking about conflicts between your bird's major characteristic. Therefore, provide love, care, respect and education the real self of the bird and the human's Toby is different from any other Umbrella influence each individual bird. ideal self of the bird. Cockatoo while also exhibiting many traits The peripheral layer is the most superficial As a result, Toby lives in a constant state of that are typical to the Umbrellas. and ephemeral one. Each action, each stress and discontentment since he cannot We have just seen that the central core is change in the bird's environment will touch reach the ideal self that you are asking of resistant to changes in order to stay faithful this layer and possibly modify it. him. The more he is confronted with to its genetic and hereditary baggage. One If you do your job well and provide your different models of what he should be, the could say that it's the central core putting companion with a stable, stimulating and more “Toby “becomes anxious, nervous and up resistance toward external attack: when safe environment, combined with training problems start to accumulate one after the one attempts to “redress” the bird's and supervised with a clear framework of other. Biting and screaming is often most behaviour. Because of this internal boundaries and limitations, its peripheral frequent, which is intolerable and disturbing resistance, that individual strength, the bird layer will reflect the education that you for you and your family. reacts to its environment and all the provided. Therefore, your bird will be an The Solution external stimulus on its own. By doing so, its entirely unique being, showing typical and unique individuality grows. As soon as the intrinsic traits of its species, while The problems must be dealt with at the bird hatches, one can see its uniqueness in respecting the limits you've established and roots - this means before they appear. the way it adapts to the environment. This reinforced. The reward will be a stable Educate yourself about the profound nature, uniqueness shows in the way it feeds, foundation for a mutual bond to grow. the central core of each species of bird you moves and vocalizes. The more the bird are considering adopting as a companion. reacts and learns from the human provider, Read, get informed and do research. More

39 warn dog owners and parents: it is usually not fast enough or efficient enough when used alone to raise a dog or child properly. Despite the fact that children, dogs and birds are very different, the same logic applies. I've read numerous articles and heard conferences from very well-known bird behaviourists stating that one should never use the word “no” with one's parrot. I, for one, disagree completely with that! I'm sorry but “no” is the very first word any living being in my house that can walk, fly, jump or climb will learn. Their life and well- being can very well depend on it! It can prevent my dog from being run over by a car, my parrot from being stepped on while chasing someone's feet or my child from jumping out of the window.

In fact it can be very positive to say “no!” It's a dangerous myth to believe that if we succeed to break down in self-explaining bits and pieces the mechanics of the personality, we would then be able to solve or modify the bird's behaviours and actions. This magical thinking leads us into believing that birds' behaviours can be modified on the whim of any good avian behaviourist. It's false to believe that with positive reinforcement you will make something else out of your bird than what its profound nature tells it to be. You can click your importantly, accept that each species has its Evidently, all birds can benefit from time clicker as much as you want to, use all the own particular traits that differentiate it from invested to make them educated, socially “bridges” and “jackpot” rewards you want, any others and that you can't do anything adjusted and well-balanced beings. If you a Cockatoo will never be anything other about! Personally, I always thought it was take pleasure training your bird to perform than a Cockatoo. It should be respected for strange that people could understand that a tricks, you and your bird will only benefit what it is. herding dog would never become a hunting from the quality time spent together. But, We could gain from learning to let go of the dog. This kind of rationale should not be and this is an important but, remember that uncontrollable things, to accommodate different for companion birds, nor should it no bird loses its home just because he one's existentialist conditions, while being be difficult to accept. Perhaps we should doesn't know enough tricks! And knowing awed by difference, its multiple contrasts start categorizing birds into groups tricks can't save a bird that is unbalanced and its richness. accordingly to their abilities and and a misfit with a human's household personalities like we do with dogs: working flock. A bird that bites and screams will group, herding group, etc. We could give most surely lose its home, even if it knows certain guidance to people in helping to how to roller-skate and play basketball… select the right species. We could have have the determination, patience and these categories made for the human imagination to integrate mutual respect and caregivers as well as for affectionate establish guidelines for living within your people, trick- training people and the group human and feathered flock. for rowdy and destructive people, etc. Without degrading the virtues of positive Before attempting any kind of “work” with reinforcement, it cannot be solely relied your bird, start by asking yourself these upon to provide a structured and nurturing questions: The particular trait I want to framework for education. It is an excellent change in my bird's behaviour, is it a natural tool to teach birds to perform tricks, behaviour for its species or is it a problem especially show birds. But teaching tricks to that has developed as a reaction to its your bird and raising your bird to live environment, relationship or education? harmoniously in your home are two different Could it be a health related discomfort things. It is crucial for any animal Sylvie resulting in an undesirable behaviour? Are companion to be properly raised, otherwise my objectives and hopes realistic with they risk losing their home. Reputed dog Aubin regard to its species, gender trainers and child psychologists agree about and age? the limited use of positive reinforcement and

40 THE AVIAN TRANSPORTER CONCENTRATED FULL This is the perfect time of the year SPECTRUM VITAMIN, MINERAL to get those cooped up feathered AND LIMITING AMINO ACID companions out for a car ride and SUPPLEMENT a visit to a friend. Your annual veterinarian visit and feather grooming • Ultra fine highly palatable powder appointment might be coming up, so is does not cake over time HIGH PERFORMANCE TROPICAN your avian transporter close at hand? - MACAW BISCUITS & BREEDER • Penetrates soft foods for accurate Are you ready for an emergency dosage administration One of the major areas of research evacuation? Should there be crises • Contains 14 vitamins and 9 minerals carried out at HARI is nutrition. Extensive such as a sudden evacuation of your missing in most seed/vegetable/ trials have revealed that Tropican has a home or a change of lifestyle whereby fruit diets greater nutrient density and digestibility you are forced to relocate and your than other formulas on the market. companion bird must live in a transport • Extra vitamin C and E for increased Scientifically formulated as a completely cage during the move. Is your breeding and as antioxidants balanced extruded diet, it contains eight transporter ready? The transition and • Calcium gluconate carrier adds grains and nuts for maximum palatability change of environment will be easier required calcium which is deficient in and biological value, which results in for your feathered companion if it has most other supplements better plumage, weight balance, lower been periodically accustomed to • Exotic fruit flavouring without consumption, greater metabolic spending time in this transporter. water production and therefore lower added sugar which can promote water intake, lower urination and much Your transporter should be stored pathogenic organisms less feces odor. near the day or night cages, easily • Lysine and methionine amino acids accessible, clean, equipped with a improve diet’s protein quality The research recommends the stable perch, feeding dishes and High Performance diet for breeding newspaper bottom, safely adapted • Unique combination of enzymes and individuals, weaning chicks and the first for each species' individual comfort. acidifiers to improve digestion 6 months to one year of the fledgling's • Micro-encapsulated beneficial life. Birds housed in larger flights with Note: It should definitely not be stored bacteria (probiotics) keep birds in a stimulating environment favouring away on the top shelf of the shed or top condition exercise and exposed to cooler garage where rodents and spiders will temperatures can be fed the High have comfortably settled into it, and Performance diet longer during the year. you must borrow the neighbours step MAKES A GREAT ADDITIVE TO Species such as the large macaws, ladder to reach it! EGG AND NESTING FOODS. African Greys and some Cockatoos can benefit from this richer diet periodically THE BEST WAY TO ENSURE TOTAL throughout the year. Tropican High NUTRITION FOR ALL CAPTIVE BIRDS. Performance Parrot Biscuits are an excellent supplement food for large Available sizes: parrots who are on a seed-based diet. #82102 - 20 g, #82105 - 70 g, Alternating with the Tropican Lifetime #82106 - 1 lb, #82110 - 5 lbs formula is recommended for the out of breeding season and periods of lower energy expenditure. Weight monitoring is recommended at least twice per year to evaluate the dietary needs and prevent obesity. The weaning of chicks fed Tropican Tropican High Performance babyhand feeding formula must be Parrot Biscuits make an done with the same excellent foraging treat. High Performance diet available in cockatiel size granules, parrot www.hagen.com granules, sticks and Distributed by: Canada: Rolf C. Hagen Inc., macaw biscuits. Montreal, QC H9X 0A2

www.hagen.com http://www.hagen.com/hari/

BACK ISSUES Our unwavering determination to This truly interactive magazine is 2 3 promote awareness for the undated and should be conserved for preservation and conservation of wild future reference. Parrot Life is now and captive parrot species echoes available through avian specialized pet throughout our pages—because their stores and parrot conventions plight is our concern. internationally where its sale has contributed to fundraising for various For those who have chosen to become Parrot Life features quality reports, foundations and research projects. guardians to these wonderful reviews, valuable and practical feathered creatures, Parrot Life chronicles on topics such as psittacine Magazine strives to provide you with behaviour, versatile living quarters, the most accurate and updated facts trends and advancements in and recommendations on responsible aviculture, health and nutrition, and parrot care and husbandry. conservation efforts. 1 4

41 Parrots International works in concert The Lear's Macaw with international governmental Conservation Program agencies and conservation Bahia, Brazil organizations. Parrots International is Anodorhynchus leari honored to serve, by official invitation, in the following international The Hyacinth Macaw Project capacities: (Projeto Arara Azul) The Pantanal, Brazil • A member of the Working Group for Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus the Spix's Macaw • A member of The International The Bahama Parrot Project Committee for the Management of Abaco & Inagua, Bahamas the Lear's Macaw Amazona leucocephala bahamensis • A member of The Hyacinth Macaw Group of Brazil Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Program • An official fundraiser for the USFWS El Yunque, Puerto Rico Puerto Rican Parrot Recovery Project Amazona vittata

Parrots International Projects The Military Macaw Project By Mark and Marie Stafford Parrots Oaxaca, Mexico We endeavor to generate continuing Ara militaris International awareness of parrots throughout the world by supporting international The Great Green Macaw Project Benefits Parrots conservation efforts to help maintain Costa Rica and preserve parrots in their natural Ara ambigua Everywhere habitat. We work to create strategic partnerships to accomplish effective The Blue-throated Macaw Project Parrots International is a 501(c)(3) tax parrot conservation for each project. Amonia, Beni, Bolivia exempt, not-for-profit, organization Ara glaucogularis with the goal of benefiting parrots In addition we support captive everywhere by promoting and fostering breeding programs that are tied closely The Blue-fronted Amazon Project international cooperation. to maintaining wild captive bred Pantanal, Brazil populations of endangered parrots. Parrots International's ambition is to Amazona aestiva promote the conservation of Parrots International is active in endangered parrot species and to supporting conservation programs in Yellow-eared Parrot improve the lives of companion parrots. the field. ProAves, Colombia Ognorhynchus icterotis We work in cooperation with other “Conservation Happens in the Wild.” conservation organizations, donors, Following is a list of species work, in situ The Alternative Headdress Project field research teams, responsible conservation projects, and responsible Beni Department, Bolivia aviculturists and parrot clubs to aviculture projects that Parrots propose, develop and fund conservation International supports and promotes: Licuri Palm Project projects throughout the world. We Jeremoabo and Canudos, Brazil support conservation via aviculture and The Spix's Macaw School Project Anodorhynchus leari emphasize "in situ" conservation with Curaça, Brazil the premise that: The Pfrimer's Conure Project The Spix's Macaw Project, Central Brazil "Conservation Habitat Purchase and Restoration Pyrrhura pfrimeri Gangorra Farm, Curaça, Brazil Happens in the Wild." Cyanopsitta spixii The Slender-billed Conure Project Southern Chile Additionally, we promote the education The Lear's Macaw Corn Enicognathus leptorhynchus of the public and parrot owners on the Subsidy Project proper care and unique requirements Jeremoabo and Canudos, Brazil You can also join or donate online at of healthy, happy companion parrots. Anodorhynchus leari www.parrotsinternational.org

Get one of the Parrots International Parrots in the Wild Parrots in the Wild Videos DVD for a $55 donation (includes shipping) Parrots International currently Pay using PayPal or send your order to_Parrots has 3 Parrots in the Wild DVDs. International 15332 Antioch St. #417 Pacific Palisades, The videos are available in full CA 90272 screen, high resolution & Please Include your shipping information and email broadcast quality. All proceeds address for confirmation. help support projects that are Send a DVD as a gift. Provide a name and address and supported by Parrots we'll mail it for you! International. http://parrotsinternational.org/main-videos.html

42 Parrots International in Oaxaca Mexico to fund Carlos Sabino Canyon, a narrow steep 750 Bonilla-Ruz and his continuing work. foot deep canyon. Sabino Canyon is provides continuing donations and The largest known population of located in the foothills of the Sierra support to the Military Macaw Project Military Macaws (Ara militaris) live in Madre Mountains.

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Photography by: Mark & Marie Stafford 43 The Dream: A photo montage of the last known Spix's Macaw nest, located on the Gangorra Farm, and two Spix's Macaws now residents of the captive breeding program at Lymington Foundation.

The Spix’s Macaw Project Habitat Purchase & Restoration

determined by ICMBio, the Working Group for the These organizations have unequivocally demonstrated Gangorra Farm, Curaça, Brazil Recovery of the Spix's Macaw, and the approximately their desire to see the future reintroduction of the The Spix's Macaw, Cyanopsitta spixii, has been extinct 77 Spix's held within the cooperative breeding Spix's to its historical habitat. Parrots International in the wild since the last solitary male disappeared program spread across the globe in Qatar (AWWP), serves as a consultant to the Working Group for the from the Melancia Creek watershed south of Curaça, Germany (ACTP), Spain (Loro Parque Foundatión), and Recovery of the Spix's Macaw, dedicated to the return Brazil in October 2000. The future of the Spix's is now Brazil (Lymington Foundation and the Sao Paulo Zoo). of the Spix's Macaw to its historical habitat.

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Photography by: Mark & Marie Stafford 44 Abaco and Inagua, Bahamas Amazona “leucocephala bahamensis”

The Bahama Parrot Project

The Bahama Parrot on Abaco differs because years Parrots International has donated more Additional donations have been made by it’s the only known parrot that nests in the than $30,000.00 to help protect the Parrots International to The Bahamas ground in the Western Hemisphere and has Bahamian Parrot. These funds have provided National Trust to help Caroline Stahala with adapted to fire and hurricanes. This little predator control, nesting studies, her study of the nesting ecology of Bahama Amazon Parrot faces pressures from demography studies, post hurricane stoduies, Parrots on the Island of Inagua. predation and fierce hurricanes. Over the and annual censuses for the Bahama Parrot.

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Photography by: Mark & Marie Stafford 45 Where the Wild Work is Done... RESEARCH By Nathalie Lemieux Wild Life

Amazing Wildlife Researchers

We all look at photos of wildlife in remote areas. International, who coordinated wild parrots in awe and Let’s think about what life our adventure down to Chile. wonder how amazing it would is really like for those devoted I spent several days be to see them first hand. biologists who spend all their assisting in the field with Have you ever stopped to time in the field tracking and research on the Slender-billed think what was involved in gathering information about Conure. These parrots are one getting the opportunity to get wildlife first hand. of the three most southern close enough to see these I recently had the species of parrots in the world amazing birds in their natural opportunity to witness and little is known about their habitat? Photographers firsthand these amazing basic biology and ecology. Slender-billed require an enormous amount of researchers at work in the field Suzan Payne, Mark and Conures patience and dedication as as I was given the chance to Marie Stafford and I spent Enicognathus they wait patiently to take that live a dream of mine, to work over a week in Chile in leptorhynchus perfect photo. In turn, many of with parrots in the wild. This January of 2009. I’d like to these photographers meet up was made possible by Hagen, share my experience and what © Above photo by M Stafford Parrots with wildlife biologists so they who sponsored my trip and Dr. I learned about the dedicated International can more easily gain access to Mark Stafford from Parrots field biologists. Left photo by NR Lemieux

So How Did the Research Begin?

Every research project, whether it conference in southern Chile from "Amigos de las Aves US." the nets. These flocks would be physics or biology, always begins when he took note of the Receivers were donated by manage to change course at with a question. Dr. Tom White from parrots flying around outside. by the USFWS and all the the last minute causing them the US Fish and Wildlife Service After asking many questions required climbing gear was to completely miss the nets. attended an ornithological about these species of provided by Parrots Many days were spent parrots, he had few answers. International. without a single bird in hand. This sparked interest with The first step was to After a dozen days of failed other researchers and so the determine how to capture attempts, a flock with project was initiated. adult birds and fit birds with predictable behaviour was Once proposals were the radio collars. identified by the Staffords. written, a research plan was This task proved to be This predictability along with set and funding obtained. very challenging especially the assistance of a local bird Field work began in October when dealing with such highly of prey, the Chimango 2008 with graduate student intelligent creatures. Mist Caracara, led to the Ana Bertoldi and Dr. Jaime nets were set up in hopes of successful capture of two Jimenez of the Universidad de catching adults but most adult birds. They were fitted Dr. Tom White (US Fish and Wildlife Services) and Los Lagos in collaboration birds would just bounce off with collars and led the Dr. Mark Stafford (Parrots International) with the with Dr. White. the nets. They even witnessed researchers to a roosting site first adult ever captured for science and the first Transmitters were one of the birds warning the of over 100 birds, making the ever fitted with a radio collar. donated by Dr. Janice Boyd flocks as they flew towards days of hard work a success. © Photo by M Stafford PI

Finding and Accessing the Nest Cavities

Have you ever tried accessing the nests parasites and so much more. promptly demonstrated how following birds as they fly from themselves. This would include finding quickly they were able to climb tree to tree? Now imagine So after many days of ways to work with local these trees with the use of trying to follow flocks of trying to locate nests, it was poachers in hopes of yellow nylon ropes while parrots in hopes of finding decided to obtain assistance benefiting both the species wearing rubber boots! their nesting cavities. from some of the local and the project. Now these conures tend to poachers. They were quickly The project received Mauricio, nest in Nothofagus trees able to share their knowledge donations of climbing gear but former (Coihue) trees that average of known nesting sites and they needed at least two poacher now over 30 m in height. The assist with accessing the individuals and the proper assisting with nesting cavities themselves young birds. skills to tackle their way up the project were on average at least half It is important to take into and down the tree safe and demonstrating way up the trees. This left the account everyone and sound. Now on the other hand his amazing researchers with the challenge everything that interacts with the local poachers easily tree climbing skills. of not just locating the nesting wildlife species, such as the outdid the high-tech gear that cavities but the difficulty of predators, competitors, was acquired and they © Photo by SE Payne

Background photo: flock of Slender-billed Conures © M Stafford Parrots International

46 In the Field

Once it was finalized that for the luggage not making it Our drives into the field we would be heading down to to our final location. sent us on a lot of off-roading Osorno, Chile, to assist in the Field work often involves routes onto farmland so that field, we started receiving trekking out into remote areas, we could get close to the regular updates and photos living in tents, dealing with nesting sites. On a few about the project. This caused biting insects and always occasions we had to climb a lot of excitement about our being on alert for encounters over or under fences (mostly future adventure. with the not-so-safe wildlife barb wire). One site involved Our visit was coordinated species. leaping over a 6-foot deep ABOVE: around the time that the young This particular field project ditch, some more skilled than Suzan adding birds would start fledging so was situated in a much others. a sign to one of we could maximize our efforts friendlier environment with no Over all, a lot of time was the nesting trees. during our time there. real pests or potentially spent waiting as climbing gear RIGHT: The trip from Canada down dangerous critters. Our only was set up and someone Ana looking up to Chile involved 3 separate main concerns were insuring tackled their way up the tree at tree in search flights and driving another we had enough water on hand, while the rest of us ended up of nesting hour to get to our final plenty of sun protection, suffering from kinked necks as cavities destination. This took over 17 packing lunches and snacks we tried see the nests from hours of waiting in lines and and having tissues for those down below. © Photos by sitting on airplanes. Our trip required pit stops in the NR Lemieux was mostly uneventful except woods.

The Fledglings

The most exciting part of There were also remnants of a Jaime talked about a local our trip was the hands-on makeshift ladder nailed to the festival and known location work. Many of these nests had tree. Luckily this site managed where poachers sold young three or four chicks and we to stay out of harms hands birds. We took a side trip to had the opportunity to assist this year and we were very see if we could see it first as each bird was weighed, delighted when Mark found a hand but had no success. We measured and banded. One or total of 6 chicks in the nest. did meet up with a vendor that two of the oldest birds from Unfortunately, this was not had an adult conure trained to each nest was fitted with a always the case. Another nest retrieve your fortune. radio collar so they could be that previously had five chicks All in all, fifty young birds tracked once they fledged. was down to one. This is when were banded and twelve One of the nests had we learned that poachers received collars during our obviously been a poaching site always left one chick in the stay there. It was great to help! for many years. It had a wedge nests they visited. This insured cut out in the tree just below that the parents deemed it a ABOVE RIGHT: Three conure chicks from a nest of 6 young. The one on the left is its opening. This piece would successful nest and would sporting his new radio collar. be removed to provide easy return to the nest site again RIGHT: Mark replaces the tree wedge access to the young birds. next year. below the nest cavity. © Photos by NR Lemieux

What does the future hold for the Slender-billed Conure? These conures are only Ana will be spending the understanding of the bird’s found in Chile and their next few years gathering data ecology, plans can be numbers appear to be about these conures. She will implemented to help protect declining. Factors threatening be following the collared birds them. Projects such as these birds are the increasing so they can understand their replenishing the Coihue trees conflict with farmers who habitats, diet, and nesting used by these birds and public shoot them when they are habits. Trees and nest cavities education can increase the found foraging in their grain will be measured. The appreciation of these amazing fields, habitat loss as more surrounding habitat will be endemic wild parrots, all made Ana carefully records all of her data. and more trees are cut down documented and many hours possible by the dedicated © Photo by NR Lemieux for pastures and nest in the field will be logged. wildlife biologists. poaching. Hopefully with a better

Nathalie Lemieux is one of the directors of the Canadian Parrot Conference and the President of the Golden Triangle Parrot Club. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a biology degree and currently works full time at the Ontario Veterinary College as the Support Service Technologist in the Department of Pathology. She worked at the Mostert Aviaries for 7 years during her university years and currently lives with six feathered friends (B & G Macaw, 2 Congo Greys, 1 Timneh Grey, a Quaker and an Alexandrine), four daughters and her husband. Nathalie with Slender-billed Conure chick. © Photo by SE Payne

47 On the road Familiarizing chicks to various stimuli, environments, training and physical activities is the responsibility of the fledglings' caretakers. These are examples of how chicks are raised at HARI facility. We recommend all chicks be introduced to-ideally before leaving-in order to enter their new lives as companions.

1. Early socialization with other clutch 2. Preening activity and introduction 3. Petting the chick under the wings 4. Training to step up and step down or cage mates to weaning to teach the fledgling to enjoy and from the scale have complete confidence with human touch

6. Familiarizing the chicks with various interventions practiced during a physical exam. Note using a stethoscope on the 5. Introduce daily misting to encourage top of the head in the nursery to 7. Familiarizing the chick with 8. Familiarizing chicks to fresh natural natural preening. This is the best help detect respiratory difficulties nail grooming branches to perch and chew time to expose the chick to various sometimes is associated with musical compilations slight food aspiration.

48 to companionship The transition to this new lifestyle will be its future guardians, and possibly others to time (educational time) with the chicks easier for the bird. Basic commands will come. Some activities and training have raised in your nursery. The future of the have been understood, a code of respect been repeated from previous articles, parrot species for human companionship established, independence encouraged although we stated they should be all depends on aviculturists' determination to and stimulated; the building blocks for a featured together to reinforce the notion raise chicks to be prepared to live with a healthy and structured foundation for a that they are all equally important, and human /feathered flock. long lasting companion relationship with possible to initiate while spending quality

9. Chicks becomes accustomed to towels

10. Familiarizing chick with towel 11. Inspection of the oral cavity 12. Basic training on perch 13. Flight exercise to promote healthy restraint can save its life in the without restraint muscle development and cardio event of a trauma that requires activity emergency intervention

14. Harness training 15. Speech training16. Familiarize chick with avian 17. Introduce various activitys, foraging transporter and educational toys of different materials, colours and shapes

49 Weaning techniques The educational process of weaning is the eating enough formulated granules on their own to the fledgling’s curiosity. Millet is visually stimulating foundation for a healthy nutritional life. maintain a healthy and stable body weight. Offering for a weaning bird, and when offered to them a cafeteria-style buffet of various foods before the triggers the foraging behaviour and encourages Chicks should not be rushed into the chick is weaned will compromise your success in independent foraging activity. weaning process, which will extend weaning your chick onto a healthy diet. This can also throughout the chick’s late fledgling age, until jeopardize your chick's healthy eating habits for the juvenile maturity for the larger parrot future as well. species. Starvation weaning is definitely not encouraged. Abundance weaning is a more ethical and successful technique, ensuring proper physical and psychological nurturing. Sally Blanchard wrote years ago, “Parrots who have been abundantly weaned with nurturing techniques are clearly more secure and contented, and have much greater pet potential than chicks force weaned with deprivation.” A starving chick is not able to relate its starvation to the presence of food. Hand-feeding formula, either syringe or spoon fed, prior to spoon-feeding soaked granules or offering dry granules, will be a far more successful technique. The chick will not be in a 5 starvation trance throughout weaning education sessions, such as the spoon-feeding or assisted foraging activity. 2 5 Adding a clutch mate that has achieved a further stage of weaning will greatly increase the learning process. Unfortunately, this chick was alone 2 At this age the chicks are syringe-fed and throughout the beginning of the weaning process supplemented spoon-fed warm soaked granules. and the weaning cage selected was too big, thus compromising the success of our efforts.

1 3 1 We recommend that the weaning process start at the fledgling age (when feathers start to emerge 6 from the shaft). 3 Warm soaked granules can be supplemented It is at this developmental stage that the crop has with warm hand feeding formula. Note this soaked reached maximum potential and will now start to food must be discarded after 1 hour to prevent 6 These macaw chicks were successfully weaned reduce in size. Weight gain has reached a platform at bacterial contamination. and learned to preen each other quite early as they this developmental growth stage. From this point on, engaged in their foraging curiosity together. a maximum weight loss of 10 % is permitted until the end of the weaning process. Birds should be • Nursery caretakers use an opportunistic moment weighed daily until you are confident that they have to introduce dry foods while preening the chicks. successfully weaned; then every other day following While you have the devoted attention of your pupil, this stage and weekly for weaned juveniles. nibble on dry granules yourself! Positively reinforce with nurturing attention, sweet soft vocal praises Chicks in the wild are fed regurgitated seeds and throughout the preening session create a precious nuts at a few days of age. In captivity, we strive to bond. raise chicks that will be weaned onto a 100% formulated extruded diet. Chicks must start • The next three (3) pictures (7, 8, & 9) show digesting foods of more solid consistency to prevent 4 that It is important that all feeding from this stage on the GI tract from getting lazy. Crop tonus and motility be done in the fledgling pen and weaning cage, and are enhanced when feeding soaked granules, ideally not on the counter top as the chick must learn that of the same formulation as the hand-feeding diet at 4 A bowl of dry granules of various shapes and the fundamental food source will come from within this age (high performance formula). Introductory sizes, as well as strands of spray millet are offered its cage. Pretend to nibble of the soaked pellets from food sampling will gradually begin when the chick is during the day in the chick pen, to take advantage of the spoon as well.

50 HEALTH Education

7 11 14 11 These dens offer a comfortable retreat which shelters from harsh light and distractions. 14 The chick's pen is then introduced into the weaning cage when the feather stage is almost finished. The weaning cage should be the smallest size possible to offer limited but comfortable movement, yet not too big to allow distraction from the principle activity the chick must focus on, eating.

All perches should be cotton ropes, preferably installed very low over the chick's pen to offer 8 maximum grip, to accommodate the stability of the fledgling, and prevent irritation on the delicate fledgling's feet. A towel covers the weaning cage, preferably on 3 sides, to minimize distraction, promoting a well-rested bird and aiding in a gradual transition from the nursery environment.

Paper liners at the bottom of the weaning cage are changed at every feeding time (whether the chick has been fed by you or not), as this will allow easy monitoring of the feces, indicative of the 12 consumption of food ingested. Some chicks appear to be eating when they are actually nibbling on their food. Don't let this behavior fool you, they might not 12 This Exoterra terrarium is an excellent unit for be consuming food by themselves. 9 smaller parrot species transitioning to their weaning cage. Recycled newspaper pellets make an excellent substrate for this preliminary weaning stage.

10 13 15

10 A cardboard box or plastic den for small animals 13 This stage also coincides with the introduction to 15-16 Assisted foraging between the caretaker / is placed in the chicks' pen when the chicks are the aviator flight harness. Once again anopportunistic mentor and the fledglings will help the weaning by retrieved from the breeding pairs and placed into the moment to offer dry or soaked granules to nibble on providing a stimulating activity to satisfy their nursery. These dens offer a comfortable retreat which while petting under the wings and praising the chick. curiosity and encourage independent foraging. shelters them from harsh light and distractions. An ideal occupational therapy for his lifetime. Chicks must be well rested to engage in the weaning process.

51

Weaning techniquescontinues

HOW TO SPOT A HUNGRY BIRD.... 16 Younger birds, in or just after the weaning stage, show signs of hunger quite soon after a meal is late. They sit in a crouched position with their head tipped slightly back, feathers ruffled upwards. They have a dazed look in their eyes. They also weave backwards and forwards quite apparently. Another obvious sign of hunger is when the bird leans to one side sporadically flickering the wing shoulder. Babies will not try to eat on their own at this point because they are far too hungry to remember where the food source is or how to get to it. Droppings of chicks that have not eaten have characteristically vivid green faeces when these fledglings are fed natural formulated diets. Normal faeces would be brownish beige when food is being digested. Droppings should be monitored for consistency on a daily basis. Paper lining on the weaning cage bottom should be changed at every feeding to monitor the faeces. 18 Note: Fully weaned birds can easily un-wean due to food deprivation, a change in their environment or a stressful event. An un-weaned baby may also show no typical sign of bopping without stimulus. When 18 Training to step up and step down onto a scale bobbing stimulation is set off accidently by touching for weight monitoring is an integral part of the the sides of the beak, the bird lunges forward. The weaning process. Chicks should not be lured onto bird may also start screaming loudly, hoping a scale; they are intelligent creatures and can be someone will nurture and feed him. Sally Blanchard trained to stepping up onto a scale perch. refers to starving fledglings as having excessive frenetic, and even aggressive energy.

17

17 Large biscuits are a great treat to help wean chicks.

Note: nails should never be groomed at this age. Grooming nails too short or too smooth compromises the natural eating behaviour, which is dependant on such dexterity and balance required to hold food in Chicks should be fed inside the weaning one foot. cages and not on top of the cages, training perches or counter tops as they must understand that their food source will come from within their cage. 52 Chick Aviculturist:______Tel #:______Information File Contact person:______For nursery management

Species: Medical Observations: Scientific Name: Note: Attach medical file if treatments were administered Suspected date egg laid: 1 Parental mutilation Hatch Date: 2 Difficult hatch Size of band Date banded 3 Hyperthermia Band # 4 Hypothermia Microchip # 5 Dehydration Sexing: male female 6 Crop motility problems Polyoma vaccination 1st booster 7 Crop impaction Chick order /# chicks in clutch :_____/______8 Pendulant crop Raised with clutch mates: other chicks: Yes/No 9 Burnt crop 10 Sour crop Clutchmates ID______, ______, 11 Fungal or yeast infection ______,______,______12 Bacterial infection 13 Foul droppings 14 Stunting- slow weight gain Parents: Cage # 15 Splayed legs F______, M______16 Constricted toe syndrome # of days raised by parents 17 Crooked toes Evaluation of parental care: 18 Beak deviation, ______19 Beak prognathism ______20 Eye openings abnormal 21 Crooked neck syndrome Fostered: yes/no if fostered Cage #______22 Food aspiration suspected 23 Ear openings abnormal 24 Flaky skin Incubation 25 Respiratory concerns--wheezing Natural # days______26 Coughing Fostered # days______27 Regurgitation Artificial # days______28 Abnormal feather coloration *if Artifically, incubated attach egg wt chart 29 Puffed feathers, beady eyes, lightweight, 30 non responsive Hatching: Natural / Assisted 31 Stress bars Date & time chick 1st piped: 32 Aggressive lunges or bites Time hatched: 33 Clutch mates sick Clutch mates died Malpositioning: yes/no Other______Type: Egg yolk absorbed at hatching: yes if no, when Raised for future Captive Breeding : Yes / No Companionship: Yes / No Egg yolk absorbed in abdomen before 1st feeding yes /no ? Departure from nursery to vendor/owner Iodine on umbilicus: yes/no Date ______Feeding schedule at departure Newborn Nutrition ( duration: # days fed) Weaned partially weaned Water : duration ______Syringe fed: ______ml ______x per day Lactated ringers solution: duration______Spoon fed : #____tea sp._____ x per day 100 % hand-feeding formula: duration______Neonatal formula ( 10 % gastrolyte in handfeeding Last weight recorded at the nursery ______g formula) duration______

53 54

Species: ______Chick Growth ChartBand No: ______Hatch Date: ____/____/____

Date Weight Quantity x Feeding Crop Activity Crop Special Care Brooder Care- (Day- (g) Frequency of Response E: Empties well motility: Rehydration Crop Crop Treatment: Temp. taker Month- Feeding (+ or -) S: Empties slowly +/- (Electrolytes, LRS- Wash Bra See Medical (C) Initials Year) (ml x ____) Normasol, Gastrolyte) File (F∞)

Comments: Comments: Comments: Comments: Comments:

Hand Feeding Formula: Lot: Brand: Expiration Date:

? ? ?? ?

? ? Answers

observed is the presence of stress bars ?stress of presence the is observed

# 10 Scarlet Macaw Ara macao, abnormality in feather structure structure feather in abnormality macao, Ara Macaw Scarlet 10 #

# 9 Umbrella Cockatoo (White Cockatoo), Cacatua alba Cacatua Cockatoo), (White Cockatoo Umbrella 9 #

# 8 Patagonian Conure, Cyanoliseus patagonus Cyanoliseus Conure, Patagonian 8 #

Feather amazonica Amazona Amazon, Orange-winged 7 #

# 6 Green-winged Macaw, Ara chloroptera Ara Macaw, Green-winged 6 #

# 5 Blue and Yellow Macaw, Ara ararauna Ara Macaw, Yellow and Blue 5 #

# 4 Alexandrine Parakeet Psittacula eupatria Psittacula Parakeet Alexandrine 4 #

# 3 Blue-fronted Amazon, Amazona aestiva Amazona Amazon, Blue-fronted 3 # # 2 Double Yellow-headed Amazon, Amazona ochrocephala oratrix ochrocephala Amazona Amazon, Yellow-headed Double 2 # uiz auropalliata Amazona Amazon, Yellow-naped 1 # Q1) Can you guess what species molted the feathers below? 2) For a bonus trivia challenge can you identify which feather reflects a potential health concern?

1 2

3 4

5 6

7 8

9 10

55 A World Parrot Trust Retrospective

Introduction

In today's world, a charity that works for twenty years has achieved a great deal. In the case of the World Parrot Trust, founded in 1989 by Mike and Audrey Reynolds, veterinarian Andrew Greenwood, Rosemary Low and Paradise Park curator David Woolcock - a lot has been accomplished including efforts in conservation, research, welfare, sustainability, education - ideas were barely touched on by animal charities twenty or thirty years ago. Now not only are these ideas commonplace in the ongoing efforts of conservation and welfare groups, they're also vital. For two decades, the Trust has worked hard to implement them all.

As WPT matured, it has consistently put the needs of parrots first. This concept has become the basis of all of the Trust's decision making, its prioritization and its choice of strategies and tools to fight the loss of parrot species. And never has the need for putting the parrots first been greater than it is now. As ever, the Trust will lead the way in parrot conservation and welfare through its quick action, creative ideas and holistic solutions. Conservation

Crafting the Parrot Action Plan: 2000 - 2004 populations are limited to a total of 200 birds, therefore saving these birds The enormous task of creating a Parrot Action Plan fell to the some of the from extinction is an essential project for the Trust. This urgent conservation most accomplished and contrasting minds in the parrot world. Underwritten, work began in 2001 by a team of various international field biologists. This organized and published by WPT and IUCN in 2000, this publication profiles research is now headed by Dr. Igor Berkunsky. WPT has provided yearly the world's rarest parrots, identifies the issues facing their survival, and financial support to enable research and direct conservation efforts through provides recommendations for their conservation. Proposals for each species improving nest sites and chick survivability. This work has been achieved by were provided and included information on the causes of species decline not actively protecting nesting areas and nest holes from humans and animals alike, previously or carefully studied. The use of innovative solutions to aid building artificial nest cavities to encourage breeding, and studying every conservation needs were encouraged including: advocating for the use of aspect of the macaws' lives. The Trust has also arranged for meetings with local parrots as flagship species (a species chosen to represent an environmental groups, non-governmental organizations and other interested individuals to cause, such as ecosystem protection), calling for the end of the wild bird trade plan for the macaws' recovery. More recently the WPT has been working with and encouraging the development of ecotourism and environmental education the Natural Encounters Conservation Fund to develop both wild bird programmes in areas where parrots are found. The plan has helped researchers conservation and captive breeding efforts to help rebuild the wild macaw and conservation managers to design suitable strategies to save parrots globally. population.

Saving the World's Most Endangered Wild Macaw: 2001- present Hope Restored for the Echo Parakeet: 1991 - present The Blue-throated Macaw is now the world's rarest wild macaw. Wild By the 1980s the worldwide population of the Echo Parakeet had been Twenty Years of 56 reduced to less than 10 birds. Enter Carl Jones and his dedicated team at Black River Aviaries on Mauritius, and with the financial backing of the Trust and Macaws: Red-fronted, Lear's, Hyacinth, Great Green, others, his team was able to raise the population to about 330 individuals in Spix's, Scarlet, and Blue-winged; ten short years through captive breeding, research efforts, and veterinary care Amazons: Mealy, Black-billed, Lilac-crowned, Yellow-billed, Yellow-headed, via WPT Trustee Andrew Greenwood, D.V.M. Their heroic actions enabled the Yellow-naped, Green-cheeked, Mealy, Cuban, Red-spectacled, Red-necked, Red- species to be down listed from a critically endangered to an endangered status, tailed, Imperial, St. Lucia and St. Vincent; an astounding feat and the first for any species of parrot. Lorikeets: Kuhl's, and Ultramarine; Red-vented; Working to save Mexico's treasure, Cockatoos: Red-tailed Black, Goffin's, Citron-crested and Moluccan; the Thick-billed Parrot: 2002 - present WPT has supported translocations, radio tracking, conservation planning, and Other parrots: Yellow-faced, Cape, Red-faced, Meyer's and Grey, and the supplying of nest boxes for the endangered Thick-billed Parrot. These flightless Kakapo. activities have been conducted for many years by a team from ITESM (Monterrey Tech University) in Mexico. Their work has shed light on the problems facing this beleaguered species at risk in the Sierra Madre Occidental Research Mountains in Mexico, and has helped focus current and future efforts to save this parrot from extinction. Lora the Caribbean's Gem: 2004-present The Lora, or Yellow-shouldered Amazon, survives with small groups on four Too many to count: 1989-present Caribbean islands and small populations on the adjacent mainland of Since its inception in 1989, the Trust has also supported vital conservation Venezuela. Since 2004 WPT has supported biologists Sam Williams and later and research programs aiding: Rowan Martin in their research on this vulnerable parrot on the island of Bonaire. Their Ph.D. level studies, which have focussed on the reproductive Conures: Patagonian, Golden-plumed, White-necked, success and failures of this little-known Amazon, will greatly aid its survival. Yellow-eared, and Cuban; Threatened by intense poaching and drought pressures the WPT has supplied the “Happy Healthy Parrot”brochures in Dutch to island residents and ID rings for captive birds, to create an awareness program highlighting the plight of the Lora.

The Vibrant Palm Cockatoo: 1996 - 2000 A rare and flamboyant parrot, the Palm Cockatoo is found in Queensland and New Guinea. Beginning in 1996, the Trust began to fund research by Steve Murphy to assess population, diet preferences, reproduction and man-made threats faced by this species. Ground-breaking studies with all-day nest watches and in-nest, infra-red video surveillance found that the Palm Cockatoo to be a highly specialized feeder with a low breeding frequency, compared to other parrots in the same area.

A Golden Opportunity: 1998 - present The Golden Conure is a stunning and uniquely social species that is threatened by poaching for the pet trade and habitat loss in the eastern state of Amazonas in Brazil. With the support of the WPT, biologists Carlos Yamashita, and later Toa Kyle and Thiago Orsi conducted conservation research on this species, which revealed insight on Golden Conure behaviour, and the many threats to its survival. Carefully mapping nest sites, observing and documenting group behaviour, and analysing blood samples to determine the degree of relatedness among members of small flocks were all conducted to aid our understanding of the species' social biology. The Trust has supported this work by establishing the Golden Conure Survival Fund, set up in 1998 by WPT-USA Administrator Glenn Reynolds. To date, it has raised over $100,000 US to date for Golden Conure research and conservation work.

Further research: 1989 - present WPT has also supported the studies of various parrots from Africa and nearby Madagascar including the Black-cheeked Lovebird and Seychelles Black Parrot, Saving Parrots 57 make elegant parrot sculptures out of locally produced natural rubber. The figurines, carved from natural balata, or latex, stand three to four inches tall and four to six inches in length and are precisely detailed. WPT has sold the sculptures online and at conferences around the world, helping to support a sustainable industry to help replace the income trappers and their families formerly derived from harvesting wild parrots.

More recently the Trust embraced a project in Peru in partnership with a local organization to help indigenous people protect their parrots and their forests. With Peru Verde, WPT supports the creation of Arpilleras (appliquéd fabric wall hangings) made by over 100 trained local indigenous artisans. The hangings, marketed and sold by WPT to the international parrot community, depict life in the rainforest for both man and animal. The concept is simple, yet as well as searches for populations of reportedly extinct species like the effective: the community is encouraged to protect their local parrot clay licks in Glaucous Macaw and Red-throated Lorikeet elsewhere. Sadly, a 1998 survey exchange for Peru Verde buying crafts from the community's artists. They are by Dr. Charles Munn found the Glaucous Macaw to be extinct in the wild, and also educated to understand the importance of the clay licks to macaw extensive searching for the Red-throated Lorikeet turned up no new sightings. populations. New insight was gained through these searches, particularly the Glaucous Macaw work, into how a particular parrot species may become extinct - and much was learned on how to prevent further loss. Most recently, the WPT has Education assisted with surveys on Lear's and Hyacinth Macaws and supported biologist Toa Kyle, with his efforts to study the elusive Blue-headed Macaw in the heart Creating awareness for local populations… of its range in the rainforests of Peru. The distribution of educational materials about wild parrots to local peoples has been central to the Trust's efforts and has taken a wide variety of forms. This work began with the creation of the four Parrot Education busses in Sustainability Central America from 1992 to 1997.

Encouraging local people to protect their parrots: 2000 - current The original idea came from Paul Butler of RARE, a leading conservation The WPT firmly supports innovative ideas to protect parrots and aid people group, who asked if the Trust could provide an educational bus for the who share their environments. Sometimes local inhabitants may rely on Caribbean island of St. Lucia. This bus was to travel all over the island, trapping parrots for the pet trade as means of supporting their meagre, if only, visiting schools and other locations, telling the story of the endangered St. income. This effort is almost always unsustainable and when the wildlife Lucia parrot (Amazona versicolor) and what had to be done to save it from disappears from a certain area, both people and ecosystem are drastically extinction. WPT's team at Paradise Park, led by David Woolcock and Nick affected. Reynolds, refurbished an existing bus and fitted it out with working models, video programmes and other educational facilities, then shipped it out on a In Guyana where local peoples trap and sell parrots into the pet trade they also banana boat, and handed it over to staff of the island's forestry department. It was a great success, and resulted in similar buses being provided for the neighbouring islands of Dominica and St. Vincent, and also for use in Paraguay.

A World Parrot Trust This achievement resulted in Paradise Park and the World Parrot Trust being chosen by BBC Wildlife Magazine as winners of the 'Zoo Conservation Award Retrospective for Excellence'.

58 organizations and thousands of individuals would lend their names to the fight - a feat of international cooperation that has helped spare the lives of millions of birds each year. Welfare Saving millions of birds Realized in July 2007, the Wild Bird Trade Ban in Europe was the zenith of six years of effort. The ban has achieved the happy result of saving about four million wild birds annually and has dramatically reduced the risk of avian diseases entering the importing countries. WPT Trustee Cristiana Senni suggested this campaign in late 2000 due to significant concerns for parrot welfare both in the wild and in captivity. The unsustainable harvests, transmission of disease and high mortality of birds in the trade spurred the Trust on to work feverishly to the ban's triumphant conclusion. Having realized this goal, the WPT has now shifted its trade work to a country- by-country basis. The Trust is in the process of developing important working relationships with regional organizations in Southeast Asia, Mexico, Africa and South America. By targeting key markets accountable for much of the remaining bird trade, the Trust hopes to end this cruel and destructive practice in the few remaining locations where it still occurs.

Singing the Blues The trade in wild caught Blue-fronted Amazons has had a devastating effect on the species and its ecosystem. Since 1981 when it was listed on CITES Appendix II, 413,505 wild caught individuals have been recorded in international trade. WPT has informed officials in the US and the UK that these numbers are not sustainable, refuting previous claims. Through research conducted by WPT biologists it was uncovered that governing practices …And education for parrot caregivers everywhere. regarding the collection of these parrots are frequently violated. The Trust will The World Parrot Trust also distributes education worldwide with online, continue to support the gathering of clear documentation of the practices of multimedia and print materials. WPT's main publication PsittaScene was the trappers involved, providing importing countries with up-to-date, accurate launched in 1989, the Trust's inaugural year, and is included with each and independent information. membership. Now in its 20th year, parrot researchers and enthusiasts worldwide utilize it to stay informed about the latest research, projects and Cockatoos Too news from the parrot world. Thousands of copies of the Trust's “Healthy In 1992 WPT was made aware of the plight of a group of wild caught Happy Parrot”brochure, a short and snappy guide for new and aspiring parrot Goffin's Cockatoos. A television crew returning from filming on the owners, have been distributed worldwide. Most recently came a free online Indonesian island of Tanimbar reported to the Trust that over 500 Goffin's enewsletter, Flock Talk and the launch of the Trust's brand-new 7000-page Cockatoos were languishing in cages, held by trappers. WPT supported the educational website at www.parrots.org. Combined, these electronic and care of these birds by contributing funds to their rescue. Once rescued and print resources enjoy a readership of more than 250,000 people per year. rehabilitated, over 300 of the cockatoos were released back into the forest near Saumlaki, Tanimbar, Indonesia.

Advocacy For the Greys The Save the Greys Fund was begun in 2008 to achieve the following: to end Power to the people (and parrots)! the trade in wild caught African parrots, to encourage sustainable alternatives Over the last twenty years WPT has led many successful campaigns and to parrot trapping, to rehabilitate and release confiscated birds, to re-establish educational initiatives designed to bring awareness of issues affecting parrots. wild populations in suitable areas of their former ranges, and to raise In Mexico, the Trust partnered with Defenders of Wildlife to launch an awareness of the plight of African parrots. educational programme featuring posters and paintings that depicts endangered species and aids local communities in helping to halt the trade in In Cameroon, Grey Parrots are a special focus in the illegal trade in wildlife. wild parrots. WPT also supports as kid's educational awareness programme In 2008, WPT was informed of possible illegal exports of this bird from the developed to aid efforts to stop the wild parrot trade in northern Costa Rica. area, and with the help of local wildlife organization the Last Great Ape Organization (LAGA) the authorities acted to apprehend and convict the two The Trust chose the spring Bank Holiday, May 31st for World Parrot Day in men responsible. The trappers had caught over twelve hundred wild African London in 2004. This day of quiet demonstrations, banners and the antics of Greys and were preparing to send them out of the country to Bahrain, in the Superparrot (aka Nick Reynolds, of Paradise Park) culminated in a march Middle East. In the first days of the crisis, the Trust supplied emergency funds from Trafalgar Square to Downing Street to hand in a 33,000 signature and veterinary help to Limbe Wildlife Centre, where the Greys had been taken petition calling for a ban on the importation of wild caught birds into the to recover. Though the following difficult weeks of rehabilitation, treating European Union. The petition's signatures would eventually reach 40,000, sick and injured birds and watching the weakest ones die were difficult to and would play an integral part in influencing the powers that be in their experience, in the end more than seven hundred birds were deemed well enough decision to enact a prohibition. Eventually over 230 other non-governmental to be released back into the wild.

59 Busy Year for Canadian Branch of WPT

The last 12 months have been a busy period for the Canadian branch of the World Parrot Trust (CWPT) with conservation work on two parrot species and the pending launch of an online learning center. With support from the Donner Canadian Foundation, CWPT trustee Steve Milpacher traveled to Mexico to gather information about the Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) and review conservation and nest supplementation efforts. This work is being conducted by Mexican biologists from Monterrey Technical Institute (ITESM), a group of scientists deeply committed to saving the species. As these birds have suffered greatly from habitat loss over the past several decades CWPT is seeking ways to further assist with efforts to save the species. Based on the positive initial outcomes being generated Enriching lives by ITESM's efforts, the CWPT and its funding partners will provide Created with behavioural stimulation and education in mind are the DVDs additional assistance for research, conservation and education Pollyvision I and II and Where the Greys Are, some of the Trust's most programming in the forth-coming year. popular items. Designed for parrots and featuring a wide variety of videos of Assessing the impacts of Hurricane Ike on the Bahamas Amazon parrots in the wild, the DVDs are as educational and enriching as they are (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) was initiated in the past entertaining to parrots and humans alike. 12-months thanks to the generous support of Mark Hagen and the Hagen Avicultural Research Institute. Located on the small island of Continuing on… Inagua, this genetically unique population appears to have suffered Through two decades the World Parrot Trust continues to accomplish much in dramatic population declines as a result of the hurricane. the world of the parrot - through considerate and consistent conservation, Understanding its impact on the birds, their habitat, food, and nest education and advocacy the Trust achieves lasting results for the preservation availability has been a key focus for this study. Rounding out the efforts of parrots, people and ecosystems. It will continue these efforts for as long as has been the initiation of work to develop an online seminar series for they are needed. parrot enthusiasts, funded with support from the Donner Canadian Foundation. Intended to bring the world's top parrot experts to aviculturists, companion parrot care-givers and enthusiasts everywhere, this resource will provide an interactive environment for learning about the latest information on parrot care, conservation and welfare. A World Parrot Trust Development work on the technology and curriculum is well underway. Retrospective Stay tuned for more news on this exciting new technology

60 Bring Natural Daylight Everybirdie’s a We watch, listen, read, try andcritic! taste anything new and old on the bird market! Indoors Then we critique and praise.

Dr. Lupu's (DVM, AVBP,Avian) professional commitment to bird owner's education is DVDREVIEW demonstrated in her successful 25+ year avian veterinary practice in Montreal, numerous international speaking engagements, her two The things you should DVD's and an upcoming book. know before you buy a Partial proceeds of all of Dr. Lupu's educational companion bird. products go to the World Parrot Trust - an international organization dedicated to the World-renowned Quebec avian vet introduces protection of rare wild parrot species. 2nd bilingual DVD. This sequel to the 1st DVD “A positive Approach Yes, birds do to Parrot Behavior “, should perhaps be viewed prior to the acquisition of your first avian speak French! companion. The various topics presented are without a doubt essential for the proper Dr. Lupu's new husbandry and care taking for all parrot educational DVD guardians. release is entitled “Love Your Bird ACQUIRING A PARROT CHOOSING THE RIGHT (Volume 1)” It's a must BIRD HABITAT ENVIRONMENT NUTRITION see for anyone References to these various topics are clearly considering a demonstrated through live bird demonstrations. companion bird. In the This is a useful DVD for avian caretakers in retail DVD, she clearly illustrates the differences stores and novice veterinarian technicians as between exotic pet bird species. Dr. Lupu well, as it enumerates the basic yet fundamental provides concise descriptions on the personality aspects for responsible caretaking in a simple and characteristics of each bird type. With yet comprehensive fashion. strong encouragement that you choose a bird that compliments your own personality and http://www.parrots.org/ household. She also covers a broad range of For more information or interview with Dr. Lupu valuable subjects for bird owners such as please contact: Richard Cohen, Corico Education, creating a good environment, habitat 514 865 5328, [email protected] improvement and proper nutrition.

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