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2 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Welcome to
Parrots magazine is published
12 times a year by Imax Visual
Limited, The Old Cart House,
Applesham Farm, Coombes,
West Sussex BN15 0RP (UK)

Telephone: 01273 464777

Website:
www.parrotmag.com
Publisher:

I
John Catchpole
editorial@imaxweb.co.uk don’t need to remind anyone that winter is just
around the corner and with the recent warm
Design:
David Ransom weather for those of us who live in the Northern
Editorial:
Hemisphere, it is so easy to lose sight that cold
Tel: 01273 464777 snaps could suddenly descend upon us. In this
Advertising: issue, Jennifer Ryan takes a look at some of the
Tel: 01273 464777 issues we need to be aware of so as not to get
Marketing & PR: caught out when temperatures plummet.
Laura Ball We mentioned in previous issues how some
US Office: of the smaller Conures have become extremely
Margo Rose
Tel: 800-294-7951
popular as companion birds, although not
Fax: (978) 246-0209 known for their talking. Pat Tucker, who is an avid
Contributors: enthusiast of Conures, tells us how some can
Rafael Zamora-Padrón, achieve a good vocabulary and how she has
John Hayward, EB Cravens,
Leslie Moran, Sally Blanchard, become a fan of talking Conures.
Pat Tucker, Annie MacIntyre, On a very sad note, we learn of the passing
Karen Chudley, Isobel
Thompson, Rosemary Low, of Stewart Metz and how this news has shocked
Tom Dutton, Jennifer Ryan,
Unni Schau
the parrot world. In three recent issues, Leslie
Moran covered the invaluable conservation work
Printed by:
Warners Midlands plc, of both Stewart and Bonnie Zimmerman and how
Bourne, Lincs PE10 9PH their enthusiasm has been playing a major role in
••••••••••••••••••• conserving the rare Abbotti Cockatoo. Stewart’s
Views expressed by
presence is going to leave a very large hole in the
contributors do not necessarily international parrot world and the conservation
reflect those of the Editor.
projects that Stewart has been involved in will
All rights reserved. also feel the loss.
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N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 3

 TE
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ga
Amboina / Moluccan King Parrot (Alisteris

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Considering a parrot's cage . . 28
Orinoco and Basil's antics . . . 32
2016 12 Foraging Toys . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
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2010
The Holistic Parrot . . . . . . . . 16
People, parrots & their vet . . 20
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2012

2013
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PDD – an update . . . . . . . . . 36
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4 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Basil The ‘royal’ amongst herbs! The basil plant
(Ocimum basilicum), a member of the peppermint
family and native to Asia and Africa, is now grown
worldwide and is prominently featured in Italian, Thai,
Vietnamese and Laotian cuisines. The word ‘basil’ is derived from basilikohn which, in
Greek, means ‘royal’ – showing just how revered this herb was.

Parrots enjoy sweet aromas

Although there are more than 60 varieties of basil, the highly fragrant and pungent
leaves of sweet basil is the form we are most familiar with.
But, basil not only smells good, it tastes good, and this ‘royal’ amongst herbs,
does us and our birds the power of good too! Basil contains very high levels of
vitamin K, which is fat-soluble and stored in the body, and essential for coagulating
the blood. This herb also provides good levels of vitamins A, B6 and C, iron, calcium,
manganese, tryptophan, magnesium, potassium and fibre.
A high concentration of carotenoids, such as beta-carotene and a precursor
to vitamin A, is also present and is a more powerful anti-oxidant in this form. Beta-
carotene helps protect epithelial cells, which form the lining of numerous body
structures, from free radical damage, helping to prevent respiratory disease and
cholesterol oxidising in the blood stream and building up inside blood vessels.
Magnesium serves to relax muscles and increase blood flow – supporting the fight
against cardiovascular disease.

But, there is more…

Basil is most revered in the medical world for its unique flavonoids and volatile oils
which provide exceptional health benefits. Its unique array of active flavonoids, provide
protection at cellular level. In studies on human white blood cells, Orientin and vicenin,
two water-soluble flavonoids, have been found to protect cell structures as well as
chromosomes from radiation and oxygen-based damage.
The volatile oils found in basil containing, estragole, linalool, cineole, eugenol,
sabinene, myrcene, and limonene have been found to inhibit the growth of numerous
bacteria, including Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli,
Yersinia enterocolitica and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. These volatile oils are a natural
food preservative and kill infectious bacteria such as Shigella, which trigger diarrhoea,
and can accumulate on uncooked foods such as salad ingredients.
Basil has even shown the ability to inhibit several pathogenic bacteria
from the genera Staphylococcus, Enterococcus and
Pseudomonas, which are now widespread and have
developed a high level of resistance to commonly
used antibiotics. Eugenol is a potent anti-
inflammatory agent and can block the enzyme
called cyclooxygenase (COX) –
aspirin and ibuprofen work to inhibit
the same enzyme.
Fresh basil is superior to dried,
and is best bought as a
growing plant.
Freshly cut and
chopped basil
can be covered in
water and frozen
in ice cube
trays. ■

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 5

Parrot News Bites
Alexa and your voice‚ to search the Web‚ create shopping lists‚ shop
online‚ get instant weather reports‚ and control popular

the Amazon order smart-home products, all while your phone stays in
your pocket.
Modern technology can be a wonderful thing, but When Corienne received an e-mail confirming an order
not for the owners of an African Grey called Barry, had been placed with Amazon‚ she listened to the Alexa
which has placed his first Amazon order! recording. She could hear the parrot speaking ‘gibberish’ to
Alexa‚ an the machine and Alexa responding to the gibberish, asking
Amazon invention‚ aloud if the order is for gift boxes and mentions the word
is an intelligent "bubble wrap". The parrot hears the response and squawks.
Bluetooth speaker Corienne says, “Alexa must have interpreted Barry's chirp
that responds to as the word "yes"‚ required for the purchase to take place.
voice commands Corienne’s husband‚ Jan‚ has now added a pin code‚ which
and will order pizza‚ must be quoted before Alexa makes a purchase in future.
set reminders or Alexa was acquired from Corienne’s father who used it
even tell a joke. Well, mostly to set reminders. She would turn it on by saying its
when Barry’s owner, name and then ask to be reminded to turn off the bath taps.
Corienne Pretorius, It was after a few days of her speaking to Alexa that Barry
arrived home, she could hear Barry talking to Alexa. The learned to say "Alexa".
speaker turns on when addressed by its name "Alexa". Corienne is amazed at how popular the story of her shopping
What Corienne didn't realise until later was that the parrot is. "Everybody is talking about it, my friend in South Africa
conversation between Barry and Alexa had resulted in an heard it discussed on the radio, my Dad heard it discussed on
order being placed with Amazon. The Alexa voice service is the radio in Australia and even a radio station from Florida in the
described by Amazon as needing nothing, but the sound of USA has called me."

Correction! Feathered Friends

Oops! OMG, we’ve messed up twice!
The front cover photo on the October Photo Competition
issue is a Maroon- We are proud to announce that Karen Boezio from
bellied Conure and Port Elizabeth, RSA, is the winner of the Facebook
not a Green-cheeked
“Feathered Friend’s” group monthly photo
and the credit for the
photo in our News competition. The prize is a six month subscription
section (page 6) of to Parrots magazine. The group is located in the
a Sun Conure UK and run by Sheila Ambrose, who would love to
should be Marcelo Vilarta and not hear from other enthusiastic parrot owners.
Rosemary Low. Smacked wrists all
round and our thanks to Rosemary Contact details:
for pointing out these errors! www.facebook.com/pages/Feathered-
Friends/197863400259322

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6 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
Please send any news stories you have to:
editorial@imaxweb.co.uk or Parrots magazine,
The Old Cart House, Applesham Farm,
Coombes, West Sussex BN15 0RP, UK

Irma threatens
endangered Amazons
When Hurricane Irma continued on its
devastating path towards Puerto Rico, people
across the island launched into their emergency
preparations. Edwin Muniz and Tom White were among
them, but they had a somewhat different plan for dealing with
All formulas are produced in Each batch tested for Each batch fed to HARI’s
the storm than most, seeing as they also had to ensure the state of the art food plant nutritional value flock since 1987
safety of a group rare Puerto Rican parrots (Amazona Vittata)
containing 230 individuals.
The species, which has been protected for five decades,
is the only parrot found on US soil. Residents of the island
have nicknamed the birds ‘iguaca’ because of their chattiness.
Muniz, a field supervisor at the Caribbean Ecological Services
Office of the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), called the
parrot an ‘icon’ of the island.
By the late 1960s, however, this species was in trouble,
mostly because of habitat loss, agriculture and road-
building. As a result, the FWS began tending to the birds,
which now make up three wild populations and two captive
populations, including the parrots Muniz and White needed
to get through Hurricane
Irma’s wrath at the aviary in El Yunque National Forest, • Complete balanced diet in the form of extruded pellets
situated in the north east corner of the island. • Contains no artificial preservatives, colours and flavours
• Multi sizes and shapes satisfy a wide range of species

Captive populations are important to conservation • Multi-grain variety with tasty fruits, vegetables,
because they produce birds that will be released into the legumes and nuts with added benefit of Tropican
wild, and their success rates are higher than those of wild • Familiarises seed eating birds with the nutritionally balanced
populations. "The captive population is a critical and integral benefits of an extruded food
component of our overall species recovery programme," said • Provides a stimulating eating experience and
foraging opportunities
White, an FWS parrot biologist who has worked on the island
for 18 years.
Tending to the captive populations isn’t the only way the
FWS is helping the Puerto Rican parrot. The birds lay their
eggs in the hollow cavities of trees, so in order to encourage
reproduction, conservationists mount artificial cavities in forests
to give the parrots more opportunities.
Hurricanes have always been a threat to Puerto Rico, and
Available And good parrot food
the parrots are in no way immune to them. In 1989, Hurricane From ww w. sc arle tt spar rotesse ntials . co .u k
stockists nationwide.
Hugo killed nearly half the wild population, 25 of a total of just
47 birds that existed in the wild. There isn't much that can be
done to protect the wild parrots, but it’s a different story for the
captive populations.

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 7

 Birds of Wales art exhibition
Eric Peake, internationally acclaimed professional Welsh bird artist
founded the concept for a birds of Wales exhibition, which has been
in the
making for six years.
‘Birds of Wales’ raises
the profile of our wildlife
and habitats through
art. Oriel Ynys Mon,
Llangefni, Anglesey,
N. Wales is hosting the
exhibition from 16th
Sally Blanchard’s September-
5th November,

Tongue-in-Beak supported by The

National Lottery through

Clayworks the Heritage Lottery

Hand sculpted, hand-painted,
unique one-of-a-kind parrot bird
caricatures
https://companionparrotonline.
com/TIB_4_sale.html
Fund. Eric is exhibiting
20 original highly detailed
watercolour paintings
and pencil drawings for sale.
Some major accomplishments include:
• A commission for HRH Princess of Wales, Princess Diana.
• Featured artist at the Hotel Botanico, Tenerife, Spain where 900 limited edition prints
hang along with originals in the Loro Parque corporate art collection.
• Original painting, ‘Spix’s Macaws’ chosen for the Loro Parque Foundation logo.
• A six year project featuring 40 paintings and 50 pencil drawings for the limited edition
collector’s book, ‘Monograph of Macaws and Conures’ published in Canada.
• Avid author and illustrator for many worldwide avian related publications.
• Twice featured artist at SEWE, the largest international wildlife art exhibition in
Charleston, South Carolina, USA along with exhibiting 17 times.
• Founding member of NEWA exhibiting all 24 years along with 285 other art
shows internationally.
• A 25 year retrospective exhibition celebrating ‘Birds in Art’ in 2001 at the
Grosvenor Museum, Chester, England.
• ‘African Grey Parrots’ original painting is part of the permanent collection
at the Appleton Museum of Art, Florida, USA.
• To date donations of his artwork have raised over £315,000 for
international charities.
• In 2016, the National Library of Wales archived www.ericpeake.co.uk
for future generations.

Eric has been honoured in the USA, Canada and UK for his outstanding contributions
to his nation and for artistic and avian related achievements. Eric concentrates his
work with the emphasis on endangered species, always remembering that extinction
is forever. Details: www.birdsofwales.org

Calendar of Events:
16 Sep-5 Nov ‘Birds of Wales’ exhibition; Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey,
N. Wales. Eric Peake, 20 original watercolour paintings and pencil drawings for sale.
www.ericpeake.co.uk/blog_40.html
2 November 2-3:30 pm ‘Birds from a Brush’, Illustrated lecture by Eric Peake.
Oriel Ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey, N. Wales. Gallery Lecture Fee: £3;
Call to book: 01407 720962 ■

8 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
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News from Loro Parque
Rafael Zamora-Padrón, Scientific Director of Loro Parque Fundación
Continuing
Breeding Successes
T he breeding season at Loro
Parque Fundación is progressing
successfully, especially for the Amazon
species and in
particular, with The
Jamaican Amazon
(Amazona collaria).
It is summer at
our geographical
location and the
young Amazons are
starting to progress
under the watchful
eye of our curator,
Marcia Weinzettl, and
her team. This year
we have noticed an
important difference in
the development of the Jamaican Amazon (Amazona collaria)
Amazon group due
to changes in the handling and
protocol optimisation.
The Jamaican Amazon (Amazona
collaria) belongs to the genus Amazona
that had a successful breeding season.
Thanks to these breeding results,
we now have a stable range of this
species, which is rare in aviculture and
not easy to breed in captivity.
Some of the chicks that have
already grown up this year are quite
different. Some have more pink
over their young plumage that is still
opaque. But we can already see the
first colouring of their definitive plumage, genus in Loro Parque Fundación. The
which is going to be more beautiful after
passing the moulting phase.
The Jamaican Amazon is not the
only species that has reached good
breeding results. The Blue-fronted
Amazon (Amazona aestiva aestiva)
has also produced offspring after two
unsuccessful seasons, which is because
of improved handling and care.
The lack of breeding usually occurs
in the breeding centres when breeding
stock is changed. Hopefully, this can be
10 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m
reversed with perseverance, knowledge
and confidence in the birds. However,
we must always offer our birds the right
conditions so they can develop their
natural life cycle.
The offspring of other species like
the Rose-breasted Cockatoo (Eolophus
roseicapillus) and the
Philippine Cockatoo
(Cacatua haematuropygia)
is also developing well.
In the case of the latter,
we were pleased with
a successful breeding
season and with a stable
population of this flagship
species for conservation.
The offspring of the
Moluccan Cockatoo
(Cacatua moluccensis)
and the Leadbeater's
Cockatoo (Lophochroa
leadbeateri) are in
the same phase
of development
since they
already have
started to feed
independently.
The healthy
growth of a small
chick of the
Thick-billed Parrot
(Rhynchopsitta
pachyrhyncha)
seems to make
The Pileated Parrot for a good
(Pionopsitta pileata) season for this
pairs showed courtship behaviour during
the mating season and they frequently
visited the nest, which has resulted in a
fertile egg laying. The pine tree occupies
an important place in the environmental
enrichment of their aviaries since their
natural habitats are rich in pine forests.
Their success is closely connected to
these trees and the daily consumption
of its bark, its leaves, fruits and nuts
is an important factor for the correct
development of their metabolism.
Thick-billed Parrot (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha)
The Pileated Parrot (Pionopsitta
pileata), also known as the Red-
capped Parrot, has managed to
breed successfully along with the
Red-shouldered Macaw (Diopsittaca
nobilis). Several offspring have done
well in the hand-rearing facility. This
coexistence offers us wonderful images
of socialisation between species, which is
vital during their growing phase in order
to get strong and healthy.
The Red-capped Parrot is still
rare in aviculture and although their
management protocol requires some
dedication, the yearly breeding reward
is enormous. The red in males, although
absent in females, stands out along with
their charismatic behaviour within the
parrot world.
It is also worthy to mention that Loro
Parque has been recognised as the best
zoo worldwide by TripAdvisor which is
the world's largest travel site based on
customer reviews. Loro Parque already
boasted the first position in Europe and
has moved to the top position of zoos
worldwide. Siam Park, which belongs to
the same group, also repeats consecutively
as the best aquatic park in the world. Our
valued visitors have rewarded our good
management and animal welfare. We thank
them for their repeated visits and it is
due to their good experiences throughout
the years that we could achieve this
excellent accreditation. ■
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
BirdAlert
By JOHN HAYWARD
NATIONAL THEFT REGISTER
Tel: 01869 325699 Email: jh@ntr.supanet.com
w w w.parrotmag.com / lost-and-found-register
Beware of the opportunist!
T he majority of thefts generally come in two categories,
namely those that are pre-planned and others that are purely
opportunist by the casual thief.
The same goes for parrot thefts when collections are stolen,
especially from external aviaries where the perpetrators have
made a previous ‘recce’ and return with the appropriate bags,
nets and other equipment. On the other hand we receive reports
of the opportunistic thief who just stumbles across a bird in a
vulnerable place and easy to steal.
Such is the case with the solitary theft reported this month
when a pet parrot was stolen in Gloucestershire to the shock and
distress of its owners and it is worthy of comment as once again
lessons can be learnt.
The brief circumstances are that a couple living in the county
are the proud owners of a Jaguar car and a cabin boat moored
on the canal close to the city of Gloucester. The gentleman’s
mother died a short time ago and they inherited her beloved
Crimson Rosella named ‘Harley’. During the summer months
they regularly take the boat on weekend cruises, accompanied
by ‘Harley’ in its cage.
On the last such occasion they drove to the canal bank,
parked up and proceeded to carry their weekend bags the
50 yards to the boat. All that was left in the car was ‘Harley’.
The owner then returned to where the vehicle was parked and
found it gone. Not only was the Jaguar missing, but ‘Harley’ no
doubt was transported away in the car by the thieves. It then
transpired that the owner’s wife whilst walking towards the boat
had seen a cream coloured van with two white males parking
up close to their car.
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Unfortunately the keys had been left in the ignition, which the
thieves took advantage of and were able to drive it away. Losing
the vehicle was one thing, but losing ‘Harley’ was the real bitter
blow to the whole family, especially the doting grandchildren.
Having had lengthy discussions with the owners who are
desperate to find their pet parrot, it appears that the offenders
may well be local and just driving around looking for anything
worth taking. This was proved to be the case as after two weeks
the Jaguar was found abandoned in the Gloucester area, but
with no trace of the bird.
Our efforts are now centred in tracking it down, whether it
has been offered for sale, let loose, abandoned or given away.
We appeal to anyone with any knowledge of the whereabouts
of poor ‘Harley’. The majority of thefts can, and should, be
prevented by care, awareness and security, but it is always so
easy to lapse and be vulnerable.
This particular theft is the ultimate opportunist and casual
unplanned incident with an insecure motor vehicle, keys left
in the ignition and a parrot on the back seat in its cage. The
chances are that the thieves initially wanted the car and whatever
it contained, but would have been shocked when they realised
they had inherited a parrot as well.
Never leave any vehicle unlocked and insecure, and definitely
never leave any pet animal in any such unattended situation as
so often animals are stolen for re-sale or now commonly taken
as a part of kidnapping for blackmail and extortion purposes.
Dealing with the lost and found parrots for the last month,
these can all be viewed on the parrotmag.com website. ■
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w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 11
11/08/2015 10:00
 Complete Psittacine
Lesser Known Pet Parrot Species
I
n addition, those of us parrot keepers who are deeply devoted to world parrot
There are myriads of conservation know that there is much in the wide world of pet birdkeeping that can
psittacine types in the work ‘for’ rather than ‘against’ avian conservation.
Make no mistake, there are certainly lovely, but less publicised species that are, as
marketplace today – from
I write this, in danger of being lost to mainstream domestic aviculture because of lack
the tiniest parrotlets to the of pet buyer interest, difficulty of breeding, small original imported gene pool, and other
imposing macaws, so that reasons. When I choose to seek out and purchase one of these ‘sleeper’ species, so to
speak, I not only give breeders an incentive to raise more such babies, but I help stabilise
it is sometimes challenging
prices on such saleable pets, keeping them from dropping so low that no one even wants
for a prospective bird buyer to reproduce them. Witness the clever Nanday Conure in the United States, a gorgeous
to come to a decision about psittacine imported by the thousands in the 1980s, but having slowly faded from the pet
Conure breeding scene.
what kind of pet bird to
It is no coincidence, therefore, that some of the psittacines currently listed in the
purchase and take home. following articles are also in danger of someday dying out in common domestic
This is made even more breeding. Some may have even become rare locally in their native habitats. So for
anyone who might be considering a first parrot pet, or another bird purchase to add to
difficult by the fact that
his or her beloved flock, you might give serious thought to one of the following species.
much of the mainstream One final note. I have been fortunate over the years to have raised, kept, trained,
information about hookbills boarded or cared for the types of parrots on this underrated list. Yet whenever any
writer or behaviourist attempts to make a generalisation about the personalities of any
continually highlights
species of psittacine, it behoves the reader to realise that above all else, intelligent
the same high-profile or creatures like these are unique individuals. In many homes, avicultural ‘exceptions’
commonly available parrot reign supreme…
species.
When stories do focus 1. The Patagonian Conure –
upon lesser known kinds The Burrowing Parrot (Cyanoliseus patagonus)
of birds, a lack of insightful The Patagonian Conure is a classic example of a pet psittacine species that has struggled
reference information is often for decades to shake the damaging reputation earned when thousands of inexpensive,
traumatised birds belonging to this monotypic genus were imported for the pet trade. Yet to
readily apparent.
compare the properly raised hand-fed "patty"
to those wild-trapped forebears is decidedly
unfair. Captive-born chicks are calmer, less-
nippy, and especially quieter when pulled
from the nest to be raised as pets.
It is no surprise that Cyanoliseus may
sometimes be observed extending cheek
feathers to partially hide their beaks as do
the Cockatoos from ‘down under’. For we
have found baby Patagonians to be the
closest thing to a Cockatoo in cuddliness
that South America has to offer. I mean,
these chicks truly love to be held close.
An avid ground feeder by nature,
Burrowing Parrots a pet patty will run and scuttle
are the ultimate flock around on the living room rug with
bird and will befriend his owner, burrowing under pillows
many different kinds or into a soft lap, then rolling over
of parrots on its back with its feet in the air
only to close eyes and decide this
is a perfect time for a nap! And when this
highly vocal psittacine begins to whistle,
mimic, and talk shortly after weaning, the
fun really begins.

12 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 By EB Cravens

that Charm and Captivate Part 1

There is actually the nominate and three noted subspecies of
Cyanoliseus. The very threatened and rare Chilean native (C.p. bloxami) has
sometimes been termed the ‘greater’ Patagonian due to its larger size; and
is almost unknown in USA aviculture. Most hand-fed pets are offspring of the
smaller C.p. patagonus, the C.p. conlara or the somewhat duller C.p.andinus
or, as is likely with psittacines imported en masse, partial hybrids of two.
But personality-wise, it matters little. These olive and green, yellow,
red, white, turquoise and cobalt gems are one of the underrated hand-
fed parrots in the American marketplace today. We would buy them in
clutches and more often than not, they were spoken for long before final
weaning. One of the reasons was that, for a psittacine as large as the
smaller Goffin's Cockatoos and Severe Macaws, Patagonian Conures
were about half the retail price of these parrots. Pet shop list was $399 to
$450. That was somewhat amazing for a cuddly 18-inch bird with good
talking potential.
If Pattys have a weak point, it is that they tend to go through a horrific
teething period during and after weaning at 10 or 11 weeks. Not only
do they love to chew cardboard, wood, cloth, but a single pet perched
restfully on owner's arm or shoulder may sometimes utter a happy little
squeal, then reach over and grab the tiniest bit of skin with a pinch. It's no
wonder that one of the first words our babies learned to repeat was "ow!"
Such beak tendencies are always best channelled towards proper
chewing outlets. Like any large Conure, Patagonians need an abundance
of toys, leather, wood, and fresh branches to make into
toothpicks. Adolescent wrestling playtime must always be Beautiful in a restrained
focused away from fingers and hands, say with a toothbrush way, Patagonian Conures
or ice cream bar stick, to keep nips and nibbles to fingers from always seem to be smiling
becoming habit before proper training is accomplished.
Then, there is the caution that these pets so love the floor (in the
wild they are diggers in sand and limestone cliffs and river banks) that
without notice babies can sneak up behind one's feet and put themselves
in danger of being stepped upon. The wonderful baby phase of these
parrots loving to be touched will often last far into the adult stage with
proper social training, and will frequently be carried on even with strangers. Families with several children have purchased baby
Patagonians to the delight of all members of the family. They are the consummate flock hookbill and it would be a fatal mistake to keep
them continually caged and away from interaction with their humans or other tame parrots.
It bears mention that Patagonians, much like any large South American long-tailed psittacine, do have a piercing alarm call. This
alarm note in imported birds was one of the reasons sensitive customers would choose a different species. But much of this noise

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was originally learned from parents and formerly wild individuals,
but hand-fed pets are slower to develop it. Still, it helps for us
to encourage quiet twitters and talking vocalisations as early as
possible to pre-empt any excessive flock calls.
Though Cyanoliseus is considered of least concern with
regard to threat status, locally they have been under duress
because of beach going tourism, cultivated crop damages, and
habitat loss. In aviculture, I would classify them as somewhat
uncommon and hard to find. This is a shame since a pet
Patagonian Conure is a bright, affectionate, and thoroughly
entertaining psittacine. As a footnote, they are one of the few
birds that actually have tiny eyelashes.
Coloration is stunning spatting, and got down to raising their
on this mature male
Amboina King Parrot
14 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m
2. Amboina King Parrot – Moluccan King
Parrot (Alisteris amboinensis)
If a greater number of prospective hookbill pet buyers had a
chance to see an example of the newly weaned amboinensis,
this would never be an unsung parrot. Its beauty alone elevates it
to the desirable class of captive psittacine. Picture this. A shining
scarlet red body with bright orange beak and eye, clean-washed
forest green wings, a deep, velvet purple and black tail lined
with pink, all highlighted with the most electric cobalt blue ‘cape’
between the shoulder blades.
Wow! The first time I experienced having a pet King on my
hand, I decided, "If beautiful Lories and Lorikeets
are forbidden in Hawaii, then I choose this
species in their stead." That first pet's name was
"Solo" and he was wonderful. He got on anyone's
shoulder, liked petting and riding in the car, and
was very quick to learn.
I hand-fed and raised my first two Amboinas
the next year. It was not easy finding a breeder
who had chicks, especially one who would sell at
a reasonable price. I know this species is difficult
to reproduce in captivity. Mate killing, also, can
enter the scenario, but the fact remained that in
the early 1990s some breeders were still holding
on to adult Kings because they over-valued them
as babies. I paid $300 apiece for my hand-fed
neonates and ended up selling the offspring for
around the same once my gorgeous pair in the
25ft planted aviary quit showing off and
first family. Incidentally, the key to getting
them to breed was when an expert breeder
friend told me they prefer a very, very deep
nest box akin to a hollow tree. I built them a long,
slender six footer and hung it midway down the
cage wall and bingo, their interest escalated!
On the pet parrot scene, the Amboina King
Parrot has not yet succeeded in shedding its
pigeonhole as an ‘aviary bird.’ My experience
is the males make the more stable pets, but in
a species as rarely kept in the house as this,
owners tend to make their own rules.
I loved my Kings. They are so thoroughly alive
in their intelligent assessment of any situation
around them. Curious and shoulder trained, apt
to give hesitant kisses, they could spot a walnut
in my hand at a hundred paces. Just let me
open up an adjoining flight and remove another
psittacine, and then turn around—here pops up
a King or two in the open cage as if to say, ”I’ve
been wondering for weeks what it would be like to
sit on this perch and eat from this bowl!”
"Get out of there, you rascal, Ohia."
A warning to those of you contemplating
another parrot for a household, which already
contains a red parrot (ie. a Lory, female Eclectus,
Rosella, etc.). These Kings do not like other red
birds, perhaps even partially red birds. Even a red
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
t-shirt can get them hopped up and excited. And
their personality can go into full flight attack mode
on a moment’s notice!
I know how some parrot keepers feel about
psittacines flying around in the house, but I have
been training baby fledglings to fly around inside
for 15 years or more, and believe me amboinensis
is manoeuvrable. My free-flying pet could make
high speed dashes through thick woods uttering a
distinctive ‘kree-kree-kree’ warning shriek. Formerly,
my precise, professional wing trim taking the
outer three feathers first made these parrots more
dependent on humans, and a snap to train. But now
I no longer wing clip any birds.
Amboinas have enormous appetites leaning
toward fruit, veggies, sprouts and softbill type
food, so nutrition is usually simple as long as one
feeds a varied and fresh diet and does not fall into
timesaving ruts.
Though I have never taught mine, I have heard
of Kings that will speak words. Instead 'Ohia' and
‘Maile’ taught me to whistle their distinctive three-
note contact call. The male would answer back or
call to me when he wanted something. The rest of
the time I just find myself staring at their awesome
beauty, my mouth slightly agape!
On the avicultural conservation front, the
Moluccan Kings are considered in no immediate
peril. There is the nominate and five subspecies
differing in colour and size slightly depending upon
from which island they originate, all the way to Ah, who’s cage
West Papua. Of course, deforestation and local is this? I wonder
habitat loss is always a concern. Domestically I what’s in here!
wish breeders would seriously begin to market
the gentle, desirable characteristics of this stunning that every hand-fed or parent raised baby placed into a caring
broad-tailed parrot. It is not a hands-on petting type of bird, but home is insurance towards the continued birth of such birds in
individuals can become affectionate, and the males especially the future in captivity. ■
are whip smart and extremely entertaining while being low
maintenance in home or aviary. They are not particularly easy
to breed unless given larger imaginative flight enclosures, while Next Issue: We take a look at the Jardine’s Parrot, the Goldie’s
clutch size varies from only one to three. But it makes sense Lorikeet, and the White-Fronted Amazon.

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N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 15

 The Holistic Parrot

In addition to providing antioxidant by preventing degenerative disease

properties these compounds also act or by being used therapeutically to
as natural detoxifying enzymes. reverse numerous chronic disease Elvis,
In 1997 a cooperative study conditions. These nutrients are often Green-
cheeked
involving five institutions, the New York concentrated in the skins and outer Conure
University Medical Centre, the Strang portions of the fruits. Subclasses of savours his
Cancer Prevention Centre, NY, the flavonoids include flavones, flavonols, blueberries
University of Minnesota Cancer Centre flavanones, catechins, anthocyanidins
and the American Health Foundation, and isoflavones.(7) For foods rich in
all in the USA, and the flavonoids see the chart.
University of Milano, peppers the dried form of poblano, a mild
Italy, found that I3C Quercetin chilli pepper (Capsicum annuum), and
transformed bad This powerful antioxidant buckwheat. Common foods that contain
oestrogen into the safer only exists in plentiful much lesser amounts are apples, apricots,
version of this female amounts in a few eatables, black grapes, blueberries, broccoli, celery,
hormone(4). According in descending order these cherries, blackcurrants, kale, lingonberries,
to Shari Lieberman, include the raw red grapes, spinach, watercress, yellow
PhD, CNS, in the body, leaves of the snap beans, hot green chilli peppers and
Indole-3-carbinol herbs lovage, jalapeno peppers (both being Capsicum
(I3C) is converted dock and dill annuum varieties).
This
to diindolylmethane budgerigar weed. Foods
(DIM). DIM then enjoys his
slightly with considerable Resveratrol
induces certain steamed amounts include Another flavonoid, able to exert substantial
enzymes in the broccoli hot wax yellow photo-protective effectives against UV
liver to block the peppers (a spicy- (ultraviolet) induced skin inflammation,
production of the bad oestrogens hot Capsicum helps prevent free radical damage
and increase the production of annuum), ancho (oxidative stress), DNA damage, protects
beneficial forms. Lieberman, and
other sources, explain that eating these
vegetables slightly steamed enhances
the creation of I3C.

Sulforaphane
Provides enhanced protection in
the body against oxidative stress,
also called free radical damage.
The chemoprotective phytochemical,
sulforaphane, is found in cruciferous
vegetables.(5)
In descending order from highest
to lowest these vegetables include red
cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts,
white cabbage and cauliflower.(6)
To ensure the highest levels, eat these
foods raw, heat damages the process
that creates this organic sulphur
compound. (For more details see this
column issue 225).

Flavonoids
A food plan containing rich amounts
of these well-known antioxidants has
been shown to enhance overall health

18 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Corby, Blue and
Gold Macaw
samples a fresh
orange slice

against dioxin exposures and can help neutralise dioxin toxicity.(2)

Resveratrol is the natural protective agent in the skins of red and
purple grapes, blueberries, blackberries, mulberries, bilberries,
ligonberries and jackfruit (Artocarpuc heterophyllus) a member of
the fig, mulberry and breadfruit tree family.

Antioxidants in sprouts
Although the published papers and resources cited have not
mentioned the antioxidant nutrients in sprouts, select foods
do contain comparable amounts in many of the foods already
discussed. The ‘Total Content of Antioxidants’ (TCA) in buckwheat
sprouts measures slightly higher than blueberries. The TCA in wheat
sprouts is comparable to those in white cabbage and TCA levels in
lentil sprouts are slightly less than amounts in watercress. ■
Next month we explore the benefits of changing our old
bird-care customs and how to succeed in keeping these
New Year’s Resolutions.
Do you have any questions on any aspect of parrot care that you
would like to learn an holistic approach for? If so, send them to
Parrots magazine.
Graphics and images, all by author.

Resources
(1) “Toxicity of Ochratoxin A and Its Modulation by
Antioxidants: A Review”, Valeria Sorrenti, Claudia
Di Giacomo, Rosaria Acquaviva, Ignazio Barbagallo,
Matteo Bognanno and Fabio Galvano, Toxins,
Vol 5, 2013.
(2) “The Protective Role of Antioxidants in the Defence
Against ROS/RNS-Mediated Environmental
Pollution”,Borut Poljsak and Rok Fink, Oxidative
Medicine and Cellular Longevity, Vol 2014.
(3) “Indole-3-Carbinol”, Linus Pauling Institute,
Mirconutrient Information Center, Oregon
State University.
(4) “Effects of Indole-3-carbinol on the Metabolism of
4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone in
Smokers”, Emanuela Taioli, Samantha Garbers,
H Leon Bradlow, Steven G Carmella, Shobha
Akerkar and Stephen S Hecht, Cancer Epidemiology,
Biomarkers & Prevention, Vol 6, 1997.
(5) “Relevance of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
activities of exemestane and synergism with
sulforaphane for disease prevention”, Hua Liu and
Paul Talalay of the Johns Hopkins University School
of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, US, Proceedings of the
National Academy of Sciences of the United States
of America (PNAS), November 19, 2013.
(6) “Contents of Sulforaphane and Total Isothiocyanates,
Antimutagenic Activity, and Inhibition of
Clastogenicity in Pulp Juices from Cruciferous
Plants”, Jiri Totusek, Jan Triska, Danuse Lefnerova,
Jan Strohalm, Nadezda Vrchotova, Ondrej Zendulka,
Jirina Pruchova, Jana Chaloupkova, Pavla Novotna
and Milan Houska, Czech Journal Food Science,
Vol 29, 2011
(7) “Anti-cancer potential of flavonoids: recent trends
and future perspectives”, Priya Batra and
Anil K Sharma, 3 Biotec, 2013.
(8) “Tragedy and Hype: The Third International Soy
Symposium - Part II”, Sally Fallon and Mary G Enig,
PhD, Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients, 2000
(9) “Creation of a Database for Content of Antioxidants
in Food Products by an Amperometric Method”,
Yakov I Yashin, Boris V Nemzer, Vadim Yu Ryzhnev,
Alexandr Ya. Yashin, Nina I Chernousova and
Polina A Fedina, Molecules, 2010.

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 19

People, parr
by Sally Blanchard

What should you expect from

your avian vet?
Over the years I have talked with hundreds of people about their vets.
Some were very pleased with the care their bird received and some
were definitely not. I have heard stories of horrific situations that
have happened in a vet's care. I personally know that some of
them have been true, but some people tend to overreact if they
think their parrot is being mistreated.
As I wrote in the first article on this topic, the vast majority
of parrots don't appreciate being captured, held and prodded.
Some will even scream as if they are being tortured and they
probably feel as if they are. However, your vet and his staff should
always handle your parrot with respect for its needs. Your parrot
should be approached and handled in a calm,
competent and gentle manner. The client has
a right to know what is happening and the vet
should explain what he is doing and why. You
should also be told if there is anything that
could happen once you get your parrot home
after an examination or procedure.
Years ago, I took my Amazon, Paco, to
a new vet. He ran some cultures and a few
basic tests, but when I got her home, she
started bleeding from the vent. I didn't know
then that this was a possibility after he did a
cloacal swab. It was in the late afternoon and
I couldn't talk to anyone at the animal clinic
until the next morning. You should also be
Photo: Great Western Exotic Vets given some idea of the cost of the visit before
your bird is treated. The cost of avian medicine
including equipment, tests and medications can be
more expensive than a trip to a dog or cat clinic.
Even though avian medicine has come a long way, there are still
many puzzles to solve in the diagnosis and treatment of birds.
most quality I believe it is unusual to find an avian vet who has all or
even most of the answers. Luckily most quality avian vets
avian vets will will confer with other parrot specialists if they need more
confer with other information or a second opinion.
parrot specialists As I wrote earlier, it is up to parrot caretakers to
consult with their vet as soon as they notice something
if they need more may be wrong and it is their responsibility to communicate
information the facts to help the vet successfully diagnose and treat
You can search for the parrot. One of the saddest situations occurs when a
your local avian vet on the parrot dies at the vet's surgery. People are often inconsolable.
Parrots magazine website: Some people get very angry and blame the vet. While this may be
www.parrotmag.com/vets true in some situations, parrots die for a lot of reasons that we don't

20 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
ots and
their vet
always understand. In these situations, I think it is
important to have a necropsy to know what caused the
death – this is particularly true if there are other parrots in part 2
your home that may also be sick or get sick from the same
health issue.
that information in a chart. That way if your parrot seems to be
Choosing an avian vet sick, the vet will have important basic information that will be
helpful when the bird is having a problem.
If you are lucky enough to live in an area with several vets
that say they treat parrots, you can make a choice. Of course
not all vets that say they treat birds know enough about their After the visit
medical intricacies, so you will need to do some research. It is While many parrots recover quickly from any stress they
best to see a competent avian vet if there is one in your area. I develop during a veterinary examination, some are sensitive
recommend that in lieu enough that they remain traumatised. This can
of a knowledgeable be true even if a parrot has been handled
avian vet, a vet gently, it often has more to do with the
should have at
best to see parrot’s personality than what happens
least 25 to 30 per a competent
cent birds for their avian vet if
patients.
If you know
there is one in
other people with your area
parrots, ask them if
they can recommend
an avian vet they have
been satisfied with.
If there is a quality
pet shop nearby,
ask them if they can
recommend someone.
You can also call the
surgery or veterinary
hospital and ask them about their vets who specialise in birds.
Once you take your parrot to a vet, if you are not
satisfied with their competency or their staff and
there is another one in your area, check it out it is very
and see if you like them better. Even if you
important to
have taken your parrots to a particular vet for
some time and a situation occurs that you establish a to it at the vet’s surgery. Some of these
are uncomfortable with, you have a right to relationship with an sensitive parrots will get over a trauma once
get a second opinion or even to change to
avian vet even they are home, but a few will continue to be
another practice. vigil and exhibit phobic behaviour for some
I think it is very important to establish a if your bird is time after a perceived trauma.
relationship with an avian vet even if your bird is not sick True phobic behaviour is not when a parrot is
not sick. It gives him or her an opportunity to see afraid of new toys or new experiences, but eventually
your parrot, weigh it, run some basic tests, and put adjusts or accepts the change. True phobic behaviour

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 21

 is when a parrot becomes afraid of just about make sure they are
everything and everyone. There may be no ok without it being
evident reason or it may have experienced an threatening to them.
obvious trauma. Parrots are prey animals and One of the best
I think when a parrot becomes phobic, it goes ways to get your
into a sustained prey mode. traumatised parrot
If your parrot seems unusually to relax with you
apprehensive or afraid after a veterinary again is to just leave
examination (or after any potential traumatic it be for a while after
situation), your behaviour towards him can you get him home.
make a big difference in how long it takes for Keep your energy
it to get past its fear. low and don’t show
A stressed parrot’s posture is usually thin your concern or
and tall with feathers flat against its body, and try to commiserate
maybe over reactive to its surroundings. First directly with it. Trying
of all, if it seems afraid of you, don’t take it too hard will just
personally. If you approach too directly, even make problems
if it is to comfort him, you can actually create worse. Being with it
more fear, especially if you are worried. without making any
The best way to get it past its fear, is to be demands can help
very indirect. For example, win back its trust.
I lived in the San Simply sit in a chair
Francisco Bay Area close to the cage
If you approach and there are and read a book or
too directly, even occasional magazine. Every now
if it is to comfort earthquakes, and then look up at
some minor him for just a second
him, you can and some and then lower your
actually create pretty scary. eyes submissively.
more fear Parrots can When it starts to
become quite move towards you,
traumatised by continue to keep
these earth tremors. your energy low and
If they try to fly, they will often end up avoid any strong
thrashing in their cages and their fear eye contact until it
becomes even greater. Years ago I would is relaxed with you
rush over to my parrots to make sure they again. This Chair
were all ok and my alarmed presence would Exercise is often all it
make their fear even greater. I eventually takes for a sensitive
learned to walk into the room slowly and parrot to get past its
sit down in the middle of the floor. I lower fear after a traumatic
my head and hum softly. In a minute, I can situation like going to
start to make eye contact with my parrots to the vets. ■

22 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Award winning
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Nanday Conure
Photo: J. Patrick Fischer
Golden Conure, Jeena, raised
at Feathering Crest, with her
potential Mate, Jackson
24 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m
Conure
talking ability
SPBE Co-Chairman and judge, Pat Tucker,
enlightens us about talking Conures
The remarkable truth is that only two creatures
on Earth can produce human language – humans
and birds. Of all the birds that can imitate human
speech, including Mynah birds, crows, and
ravens, parrots are clearly the best at it.
I
n the wild, parrots, including Conures, use their vocal prowess to share
important information. Vocal language is different between mates, parent/
offspring, and other members of the flock. As they move from place to place,
they use contact calls, or parrot language, to keep in touch. Parrots are even
capable of learning and using varying dialects, and when they swap regions,
the transplants often pick up the new local language.
As we understand the patterns of
parrot communication in the wild, it is not
surprising to observe that when parrots
In the wild parrots,
are integrated into a human household, including Conures, use
they will try to integrate
themselves verbally into their vocal prowess
that human flock. Pet
parrots have all the essential
to share important
conditions for picking up information
language: time, motivation,
and mental capability. In the wild, parrots focus on other parrots
for what they want to learn. It's only in captivity, when humans
become their sources of social interaction, that they start paying
attention to us.
Talking and the pet conure
Members of the Aratinga and Guaruba genera have powerful
voices that even their biggest fans describe as shrilling. Their
smaller cousins in the Pyrrhura genera possess a lower decibel
level and fewer words, generally speaking. Although Conures
are not one of the top talking parrot species, most will learn
to say a few words and phrases, and some individuals can develop large
vocabularies. Conures in the Aratinga and Guaruba genera top the list for
overall number of words spoken. It has been reported that males have a slight
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Pet parrots have
all the essential
conditions for picking
edge over females and that both male
and female Conures can be talented
sound-effects artists, mimicking
common household or human noises,
such as laughter, microwave beeping,

up language: time, telephone rings, coughing and

sneezing. Nanday Conures, one of
motivation, and the better talking species, reproduce
the tone and timbre of human
mental capability conversation without producing actual
words in much the same way as
human babies’ 'jargon' while gearing up to attempt actual speech. This
can be especially prevalent while humans are speaking face to face or on
the phone.
Conures speak in their own tone, unlike the African Grey that mimics
voices exactly as they are heard by humans, our Conures speak in their
own voice no matter who they are mimicking.
My Golden Greys will
Conures (both mimic exactly the
males and sounds they hear
females) all have
a high pitched, very clear voice. My Sun
Conure (female) has a very gravelly, low-
Conures speak in their
sounding voice. It is not clear whether own tone, unlike the
each species has a unique voice for that
species or whether it has more to do with African Grey that
the individual and their environment. It is
noteworthy, though, that every Golden
mimics voices exactly
Conure I have heard talk has this same as they are heard by
higher pitch to their voice.
Talking to your bird using appropriate humans, our Conures
words for the situation, such as a
greeting when entering a room, naming
speak in their own
a food when it is offered, asking for 'a voice no matter who
kiss' before giving one, will teach your
bird to understand what the word or they are mimicking
phrase means. My male Golden Conure,
Jackson, loves to give kisses. He says, "Gimme Kiss" and then makes
the kissing sound. Of course, he always gets a kiss when he does this to
reinforce this behaviour and knows it will bring me running. Screaming, on
the other hand, will send me away and this may be the reason my Conures
barely scream. Those of us who live with Conures enjoy the occasional
talking, but the most endearing quality of these amazing parrots continues
Sun Conure to be their energetic, funny, and affectionate nature. Talking is just an extra
Photo: Cory Waheed
fringe benefit. ■

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N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 25

Considerations
for a parrot
In this second and final part of her article,
Annie MacIntyre considers cage accessories
Perches and Swings
M ost people don’t think about their parrots’ feet
that much, but we have to realise that they
spend 24 hours a day on them. Wild parrots get to
rest their feet when they fly and even when they are
perching, and have an incredible assortment of sizes,
shapes and textures for their feet to grip. Captive
parrots should have several perches of different
materials and diameters.
Sitting on the same material, texture and size
perch day after day can cause foot problems.
Luckily perches of all kinds are now available. Natural
wood perches are definitely preferable to dowels,
but perches made of manzanita or another very
hard wood can be too smooth for a parrot to rest on
securely. Sanding the perch to make it less slick will
give it a better surface for perching. Rope and sisal
perches are usually quite comfortable for parrots, but
keep loose strings trimmed and always make sure
perches have not deteriorated enough for parrots to
get their toes caught.
PVC is fine for one of the perches in the cage,
but it should be textured. I pity the poor parrot who
has nothing to sit on but PVC. Some people still use
nothing but PVC perches in their cages because they
are easy to clean. I am not a big fan of what are called
nail trimming perches because some of them are too
rough on the feet. If you choose to use one of these
perches, make sure it is not too sharp. Grasp the perch
tightly and then pull it through your
hand. If it leaves scratches
or deep impressions, it
is too sharp for your
parrot’s feet. A cement
perch or one of
another material that
is intended to keep
the nails trimmed
should not be
used as the
highest perch,
or the one your
parrot sits on
most of the
time.
Unfortunately
sandpaper
28 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m
perches are still around, but they are totally
inappropriate for perches. Several companies
manufacture metal, wood, stone, or PVC platforms
for cages, and many parrots like these for sleeping,
playing and eating and they are particularly helpful for
those that are handicapped.
Swings also come in many materials and shapes.
Conventional ones usually have two sides and a
perch, a round fabric ring, or even a round ring hung
to sit horizontally. Most active parrots absolutely love
swings. In the cage, parrots are more likely to use a
swing if it is the highest perch. Stainless steel or high
impact plastic rings also provide lots of swinging and
hanging fun and exercise. Boinggs that are cotton
rope or sisal tightly coiled on metal spirals are a very
popular type of swing. Some swings could actually
be considered toys because they have all sorts of
goodies on the sides.
A Variety of Safe Fun Toys
The ingenuity of parrot people never ceases to amaze
me. So many people have observed their parrots
carefully and come up with an incredible variety of
stimulating toys and play objects to enrich their lives.
Toys are now made from almost every conceivable
material – wood, acrylic, stainless steel, hard nylon,
PVC, cotton and sisal rope, fabric, bells, vegetable
tanned leather, high impact plastic, beads, rings, 100
per cent cotton socks, coconut shells, rubber, paper,
cardboard, natural branches, corn husks, dried palm
leaves, a variety of organic materials, and all sorts of
other imaginative items.
Toys also come in endless shapes, sizes, colours,
and combinations of materials. There are hanging
toys, toys that attach in one way or another to
the cage, rotating toys, cuddle toys, puzzle toys,
chew ‘em up toys, bouncing toys, cluster toys,
preening toys, noisy toys, interactive toys, foot
toys, and in more recent times, foraging toys.
Most parrots love just about all of them. They
are equal opportunity destroyers of toys, and
it is important to realise that is one of the main
reasons we buy toys for our avian companions.
The manipulation and destruction of play
objects is essential for the emotional and physical
health of companion parrots. Curious parrots will
often go to a new toy immediately to work it over.
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
’s cage
For some parrots, a stainless steel bolt
on a chain is as cool a toy as an
elaborate high price contraption.
Parrots don’t always need
fancy toys, they just need a lot
of them.
If you have a super
destructive parrot, in
addition to several toys made
for parrots, you might want to
provide something less expensive
for your parrots to destroy. Small
clean branches from
unsprayed safe trees
are a great way to keep
your parrot busy in its cage. Even
wadded white paper or a plain
paper adding machine roll can be very
entertaining. If you choose to make your own bird toys,
it is important to use only materials that have proven
to be safe. Many household items that you may be
tempted to use for toys may be dangerous for your
bird. These include costume jewellery, clothes pegs
with springs, squeaky soft rubber toys, metal or plastic
kitchen items, painted or varnished wood, plastic
bottles that have not been washed thoroughly – the list
could go on and on.
However some household throwaways can create
much fascination and activity, like cardboard tubes and
cereal boxes. Watch your parrot carefully to make sure
that it is not actually consuming something that could
cause problems.
Many parrots play hard and the key is to make sure
that you provide your parrot with a variety of safe toys.
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
Some materials may be safe for supervised play, but
may be dangerous in the cage when unsupervised.
Any long string whether it is rope or a leather strip
should be knotted or trimmed or it could become
a hangman’s noose. Toys made of rope or rubber
should be examined on a regular basis. Parrots have
been injured seriously by getting caught up in rope
perches and toys. Make sure your
bird’s toenails are trimmed so
they don’t get caught in loose
rope and always keep the rope
trimmed as it begins to fray.
Rubber toys should be removed
when they start to disintegrate
or the moment parrot starts
to chew on them
instead of just
ripping them
apart.
Inspect toys
for any possibility
of your parrot
getting its toes,
beak or head caught.
While most of the bird
toys made today are safe,
caregivers need to carefully
observe their parrots to know
what might not be safe for them.
The cage should be fun, but it also
should be bird-proofed to make sure
there are no dangers, hidden or otherwise.
It is often recommended that people rotate
their parrot’s toys to keep them new. If people
notice that a parrot is no longer playing with a toy
they used to really like, taking it out and putting it
away for a week or so makes sense. Sometimes
a parrot will greet it as an ‘old friend’ while others
may see it as a new fun adventure. The concept of
rotating toys made me realise a long time ago that
there are certain toys within a parrot's cage that are
more than just toys to the bird.
Some parrots like to pull toys together in the
evening before they go to sleep, which may make them
w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 29
feel more secure. Some parrots like to lean
against a special toy at night. Almost every
bird I have met has one toy to ‘beat up’ in
its cage. These toys have an important
purpose that would deny parrots certain
important routines if they were removed in
the process of rotating toys.
Cage Accessories
Food and water bowls are an essential
part of any parrot’s cage. There are
three bowls in each of my cages. One
is for water, one is for dry foods and
one is for wet foods. Food bowls come
in a variety of materials, high impact
plastic, ceramic, and stainless steel
are all safe for feeding, but I would
caution not to use any of the old
galvanised metal bowls because of
the potential of heavy metal toxicity.
Parrots should always have access to clean filtered water.
Many parrots enjoy the culinary pastime of soup making and,
unfortunately, some
occasionally seem to
confuse their water dish
with a toilet. Consequently
the water bowl will need to
be changed at least once
or twice a day. Hooded
bowls are available for
messy birds, although
some owners prefer to use
water bottles. A caution
about water bottles. While
they don’t get as messy as
quickly, the bottle still needs
to be cleaned and the water
needs to be changed at
least every day. People also
need to be absolutely sure that their parrot is actually drinking out
of the water bottle before removing it.
Most parrots like to have their bowls located in places that
are easily accessible from a nearby perch. However there are
parrot-family birds, including Cockatoos, that like to spend time
on the cage floor and enjoy getting their food in a bowl placed
away from perches on the bottom of the cage for a change of
routine. The dry food bowl almost always has pellets although
my parrots are not big pellet eaters, and I prefer to feed a diet of
varied healthy fresh foods.
Two or three times a week, I give my parrots a small amount
(about an eighth of a cup) of a high quality seed mix. I also buy
healthy treats at a local health food store – they particularly like
the unsweetened whole grain cereals. I don’t change their pellet/
seed bowl every day, but I do change the wet food every day.
All of my parrots get a wide variety of cooked and raw foods
including grains, vegetables, greens, sprouts, fruits and mashes.
These foods should be fed fresh and not left in the cage long
enough for bacteria to be a problem. This has always been the
major part of their diet for almost 30 years.
Another cage essential is a stainless steel skewer. Several
companies make these specifically for parrots and they provide
enrichment for eating and playing. I buy organic produce
30 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m
every week, so my parrots always get their
skewers. The produce we put on them can
include a vast variety of healthy foods sliced
and chunked to fit, organic corn wrapped
in collard greens, kale, bok choy, a chunk
of carrot, a cherry tomato, broccoli, pea
pods, green beans, an orange slice, a chunk
of mango or papaya, a slice of banana, a
Brussel sprout, slices of deep orange sweet
potato, squash, or whatever I have that they
like to eat. Of course, a lot of it ends up on the
bottom of the cage, but they certainly have
fun with it all and enough of it gets into them to
provide excellent nutrition.
How about a toy box? Happy companion
parrots usually have a lot of stuff and not all of
it hangs from the ceiling of their cage. Use a
fourth bowl in the cage for their nuts, foot toys,
or other non-food goodies.
Another great cage accessory is a platform
perch. Most fit in the corner of the cage, but I have seen others
that fit on the side. Platforms are made from several materials
including powder coated steel, stainless
steel, hard nylon, stone, and wood. There
are times when all of my birds like to
hang out on their platform to play or to
eat. For those parrots who like to play on
flat surfaces, a platform perch provides
another great opportunity for fun.
Save room for a parrot hideout. In
the wild when a parrot is threatened
or when it rests, it is well camouflaged
by tree leaves. This camouflage gives
them a sense of safety and security.
Our companion parrots also need a
place to rest or hideout in their cages,
a place where they can go when
there is too much going on around
them. Several companies are making
products for this purpose. There are three sided wood shelters,
big plastic hollow balls, tents, tubes, and huts.
Many of these parrot products are made of fabric so, again,
with anything that can become frayed or ingested, make sure
the hideout in your parrot’s cage is safe. You can also cover a
corner of the cage with a sheet or other close knit fabric as long
as it does not interfere with the parrot’s need for light. A caution
about enclosures in a companion parrot’s cage. If your parrot is
spending a lot of time in the enclosure, defending the territory
and is behaving in a sexual manner, the bird may perceive the
enclosure as a nest and it should be removed.
Having Space for all of their
Stuff in their Room
Now you see why I think parrot cages should be big with lots
of room for all of their various items. Cages that are too small
don’t have the room for all of the things that a parrot should
have to keep life in its ‘room’ enriched and active. We are lucky
that there are so many quality parrot products on the market
now. The days of companion parrots living in an 18in square
cage with one wooden dowel perch and a chain with a toxic
rawhide dog toy are hopefully a thing of the past! ■
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
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 Orinoco and Basil's antics
By Karen Chudley
Orinoco (our male Orange-winged Amazon)
lives with, and is very bonded to Bollywood
Basil (our male Moustached Parrot).
Yesterday, Hot Pants (our rehomed Black-
headed Caique) was out and about flying
around the room, generally causing chaos,
when he landed on the corner of Orinoco
and Basil's cage. Basil went over to a corner
perch to "have a word" with Hot Pants, but
Orinoco went up to Basil, held up a foot, as
if to say "no Basil, I'll deal with this". Basil
wandered off to his favourite swing and
Orinoco went over to the corner perch and Photo: Karen Chudley
"had a word" with Hot Pants, who flew off
and went to bother Scary Scarlett (our female Eclectus),
who is infatuated with Hot Pants, a feeling which is (strangely)
mutual. Orinoco often defends Basil from perceived threats. Orinoco is a parrot of hidden depths. ■

Do you have any funny parrot anecdotes? Email us at editorial@imaxweb.co.uk

Publications from J. & P. HAYWARD

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32 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
Foraging Toys
By Isobel Thompson

T
oys have become an everyday item cardboard boxes etc, there
for many parrot owners, which have are many other natural
proven really good for keeping parrots possibilities.
happy and amused. In the wild, they have an Peppers make great
abundance of different activities they can get foraging treats and
involved in, but in a captive environment, boredom parrots love them. I often
can easily rear its ugly head. buy one of the long red or
More recently, there has been bell peppers, hollow
increased focus on foraging them out, remove
toys. These toys not only the seeds
provide valuable activity, and place
but also produce a treat some of
at the end. Foraging their favourite
in the wild is a vital nuts/vegetables
part for survival and inside. What I do
is a natural instinct. In with the bell
captivity, however, life peppers Super Star Foraging (ref. 344331)
available from Northern Parrots
for our birds takes on a is to cut a
www.northernparrots.com
completely different role small hole
with foraging providing in the side that I can get a jam spoon
activity and great in and then I remove the seeds and
pleasure, and we all know whatever I can with that spoon and
that a happy bird is more then put some nuts or vegetables
likely to be a healthy bird. inside. Of course, the hole is only small,
Searching for food but they can see what is inside and
is a natural and powerful soon they will chew their way in having
instinct in most animals and great fun.
parrots are no different. If we Don’t underestimate the value of
can continue to stimulate this encouraging your birds to forage, it is a
searching emotion, then not only natural emotion and will keep them active
are the birds happy, but we also are for hours, and healthy. ■
happy in turn. So it is a win all round.
There is an increasing number of foraging
toys now on the market, although some can be expensive,
Foraging Tower (ref. 371107)
but if they provide the best situation for your birds, then it available from Northern Parrots
can be money well spent. www.northernparrots.com
However, owners can do such a lot in making their own
foraging toys using household throwaways, cardboard tubes,
boxes, and many other containers, but we must exercise
extreme care. Some of the bought foraging toys are really
good and have shown that a lot of thought has gone into how
they work and I have some for my own birds, but there are
many less expensive ways to provide this valuable activity.
I use a lot of kitchen towel inner cardboard tubes, which
I cut into two or three different lengths. I punch holes in the
ends, put some nuts in the tube and then tie the ends up. I
have spent many an hour watching my Orange-wing chew
her way into the tube and extract the nuts. These types of
toys can keep your birds amused for literally hours on end.
There are many more ways to achieve foraging without
spending lots of money and apart from cardboard tubes,

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 33

The Museum photo: Rosemary Low
Green-wing and Blue and Yellow with hybrid
from these two species (right): Carola Radke/
Fotografin Museum fur Naturkunde Leibniz-Institute

museum
D
evotees of Macaws
might be forgiven

where for thinking that a

museum would not be the

Macaws
most exciting place to view them. They would be surprised if they
went to Berlin, the city of museums! The Museum für Naturkunde
(natural history) is fascinating at any time – but doubly so at present.

come to The huge palace-like building was opened in 1889 by Kaiser Wilhelm II. It now contains
30 million specimens, of which fewer than one in 5,000 is on show. Behind the scenes it

life
houses the largest bird skin collection in Germany.
On 23rd May 2017, a remarkable exhibition opened. Simply entitled “Ara” (Macaw)
it shows every species of Macaw with poses so natural, and plumage and soft parts so
accurate, only the fact that they are not breathing distinguishes them from the real thing!
I knew nothing about modern taxidermy and the techniques used to virtually
bring animals back to life, but Jürgen Fiebig, the taxidermist of the bird department,

by enlightened me. He took me around the workshops and explained how it is done. I won’t
give away the secrets here! He said, “Besides preserving specimens for our collection,
I also produce aesthetic and anatomically correct exhibition pieces to try to enthuse
Rosemary Low visitors and arouse their interest in further information.” This aim was achieved with
outstanding success with the Macaw exhibition. I noticed that visitors were fascinated,
lingering in front of every exhibit, and not just strolling past with careless glances.
It took Jürgen Fiebig and his colleague, Robert Stein, two years of painstaking work
to achieve the utter perfection that was now on display. Each species is shown in a
separate glass and wood exhibit, well spaced throughout a large hall. Who could resist
such engaging poses as three Severe Macaws together, one hanging by one foot from a
branch, or a pair of Noble Macaws, one of which was swinging below its perch?
For me the highlight, though it made me sad, was the skin (not mounted) of the
extinct Cuban Macaw (Ara tricolor). The last known living specimen was shot in 1864
when hunting and deforestation spelt its death knell. I have seen the famous plate
of the Cuban Macaw by the French artist, Barraband, but nothing prepared me for
Severe or Chestnut-fronted Macaw the vibrancy of its plumage. Berlin’s specimen is more colourful and, indeed, it was a
Photo: Rosemary Low beautiful Macaw!

34 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 At the beginning of the 20th century, the
Berlin Museum had two skins of this species,
but it was not until 2017 that scientists at the
museum discovered what happened to the
second one. It was exchanged in May 1925 for
a copy of the valuable Birds of Australia that is
still in the museum’s ornithological library.
The Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus
glaucus) is, sadly, also presumed extinct. Similar
in size and appearance to Lear’s, its plumage
is more greenish-blue and greyish-brown. This
Macaw is thought to have lived in south-eastern
Brazil, north-eastern Argentina, north-western
Uruguay and probably also in Paraguay. This
is not a Macaw without physical evidence of
its existence, such as the extinct Macaws of
Caribbean islands other than Cuba. Here, in this
great museum, you can see the skin of the bird Hyacinth Macaws
Photo: Carola Radke/Fotografin Museum fur Naturkunde Leibniz-Institute
(not mounted), which is said to have died in Berlin
Zoo in 1892. Wild specimens were caught in
Argentina at least up to the 1860s.
A fascinating exhibit depicted three Macaws,
a Green-wing and a Blue and Yellow, with a hybrid
from the two species in the centre. The hybrid was
being preened by the Green-wing, and evoked
captivity (dowel perch), while the other exhibits
were on natural branches. Talking of captivity, The extinct Cuban Macaw
one exhibit was quite heart-wrenching, a Green- Photo: Rosemary Low
winged Macaw in a small, old-fashioned domed cage. It was plucked on the
breast and the taxidermists had managed to convey the wretched demeanour
of an unhappy caged bird, unlike the joyful, playful poses of some of the other
exhibits. I looked in the bottom of this cage – there were droppings on the floor!
No detail had been missed!
The exhibition is not all about the visual impact. It is also designed to make
you stop and think. The horrors of smuggling are illustrated with the body of
a Severe Macaw stuffed into a plastic bottle and the hazards of predators are
demonstrated with a Green-winged Macaw in the talons of a Harpy Eagle. One
conservation initiative is illustrated with the fake Macaw tail feathers sometimes
now being used in headdresses of people in Panama alongside a headdress
Green-winged Macaws
made of feathers obtained by killing Macaws.
Photo: Carola Radke/Fotografin Museum fur Naturkunde Leibniz-Institute
I particularly liked the display, which indicates how the threat to birds and the
loss of biodiversity is linked to our own lives. Much of the Brazilian cerrado, home
to several Macaw species, has been destroyed (as I have seen for myself) for
intensive farming of soyabean. Much of this soya is exported to Western Europe,
where it ends up in the feeding troughs of animals raised for meat production –
cattle, poultry and pigs. Ask yourself: do I really need to eat so much meat?
This is an extraordinary exhibition, far exceeding my expectations. But then
those who made it have won major prizes, including World Champions, in
taxidermy competitions throughout Europe. It is hoped that the exhibition will
later go on show in other European cities. The closing date in Berlin has yet to be
decided, but is likely to be some months away.
This exhibition has the potential to open the eyes of many thousands of people
to the beauty and also the threatened status, of the charismatic Macaws. ■

Acknowledgement
My thanks to Jürgen Fiebig for spending three very instructive and enjoyable hours with me.
The Museum of Natural History is located in the centre of Berlin. You can reach it by
the underground (U-Bahn) line U6 or tramlines M5, M8, M10 or M12. The underground
and tram stops are named after the museum "Naturkundemuseum". You can also go to
Hauptbahnhof or Nordbahnhof stations, served by lines S5 and S7.
For further information visit Spix's Macaws
www.naturkundemuseum.berlin/en/museum/exhibitions/macaws Photo: Carola Radke/Fotografin Museum fur Naturkunde Leibniz-Institute

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 35

Proventricular
Dilatation Disease
Update on cause, diagnosis and management
by Tom Dutton BVM&S CertAVP(ZM) DipECZM(avian) MRCVS

Introduction evidence has been produced showing that

these waterfowl genotypes can cause disease in
Proventricular Dilatation Disease
psittacines.
(PDD) is predominantly a disease
The faecal/urate oral route of disease
of pet psittacines and is a common
transmission is considered the most significant.
cause of morbidity and mortality in
The respiratory tract has also been suggested as
parrots in the UK and elsewhere.
a route of transmission. ABV has been isolated
Species other than psittacines
from the lung of infected birds and high-volume
have also been affected and the
air sampling has detected ABV in the air of
role of wildlife acting at a reservoir
infected aviary environments. ABV has also been
is still being investigated. PDD
is a potentially fatal neurologic
disease that uniquely affects the
gastrointestinal and nervous system.

Clinical Features
Avian bornavirus (ABV) has
been identifi ed as the cause of detected in feather calami and feather
Proventricular Dilatation Disease dander. Bornavirus, however, does
(PDD) in psittacines. The clinical not survive for more than 48 hours
signs relate to an immune outside the bird’s body.
mediated reaction to the virus. Undigested seed Initial clinical signs are generally
in the faeces is a non-specific. Birds present as lethargic,
Gangliocides are produced which common clinical
cause changes to the nerves which sign in PDD cases
and being off-colour. Insidious weight
leads to disease. Many healthy loss is often noticed and undigested
birds are infected with ABV, but
the development of PDD in such Dilated proventriculus seen
on a lateral radiograph –
cases is unpredictable and not fully the proventriculus depth
understood. is 85% that of the sternal
It is currently thought that carina – significantly larger
then the normal 48%
approximately 30 per cent of
bornovirus positive birds will go
on to develop clinical PDD. It can
take between as little as two weeks
and potentially up to seven years
or more for an infected bird to start
showing clinical disease. Detecting
ABV in a sick bird is not proof that it
is suffering from PDD and detecting
ABV in a healthy bird does not
indicate that it will become sick.
ABV is not restricted to psittacines
and a PDD-like disease has been
diagnosed in canaries (passerine).
Bornavirus has been shown to
have a high prevalence in North
American waterfowl, however, no

36 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17

food can occasionally be found in the
faeces. Crop impaction, delayed crop
emptying, vomiting, regurgitation and
coelomic distension are the most common
GI signs. Birds often have a good appetite,
but occasionally, anorexia is observed.
Some birds will be seen to pluck feathers
over the coeliom. In a small percentage of
cases acute peripheral and central nervous
system signs are seen including blindness,
fits, seizures and falling from the perch.
Within a collection of birds, isolated
cases may be diagnosed, but equally
epidemics of infection affecting a large
percentage of the collection can occur with
a fast progression of disease from birds
being acutely ill to death within 11 days.
Other birds will show a slower disease
progression with gradual weight loss
and gastrointestinal signs. Some birds
in the collection will be asymptomatic,
but if endoscopy or radiography is
performed, will have mild/moderate signs
of proventricular dilation. Other birds within
the collection will be unaffected.
Cockatoos, Grey parrots and Macaws
appear most susceptible to the disease.
However, this disease has been seen in
over 50 species of bird and all psittacines
must be considered susceptible.
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
Fluoroscopy is a useful tool
to assess gastrointestinal
motility and to monitor
response to treatment.
Unlike most radiographs no
anaesthetic is required
All age groups can be affected.
Incubation period is from as little as 11
days to greater than seven years. The
disease is not considered to be highly
infectious and the pathogen is labile –
not surviving outside the host for longer
then 48 hours.
Proventricular dilatation disease
is difficult to definitively diagnose. It is
straightforward to diagnose a dilated
proventriculus using common imaging
techniques (radiography, endoscopy,
fluoroscopy) however proving the dilation
is due to a bornovirus infection is, in our
experience, difficult.
Clinical signs are non-specific. If a
clinician suspects PDD then radiographs
(ideally with contrast instilled in the
proventriculus in the anaesthetised
bird) or fluoroscopy can help detect
proventricular dilation. Dilation of the
proventriculus is present if the depth of
the proventriculus is greater then 48 per
cent of the greatest depth of the carina
of the sternum when viewed on a lateral
projection. Traditionally a crop biopsy
was performed (examined for signs of
myenteric ganglioneuritis) as part of the
diagnostic protocol, however, this test is
only 55-76 per cent sensitive.
Diagnosis
To make an informed diagnosis of PDD
a clinician should rule out potential
differential diagnosis and obtain evidence
of ABV infection. It is however important
to remember that many clinically healthy
birds shed ABV, adding to the challenge of
making an accurate ante-mortem diagnosis.
Other common causes of
proventricular dilation include:
• Gastritis/enteritis
• Parasitic disease
• Heavy metal toxicity (zinc/lead etc)
• Neoplasia
• Foreign body/obstruction
Studies at Texas A&M University have
suggested reverse transcriptase–PCR
as an efficient method of determining the
presence of ABV RNA (virus detection).
Four serotypes of ABV are currently
recognised and many laboratories
do not currently test for all serotypes.
The selection of appropriate samples
for PCR testing is vital to obtaining a
meaningful result. Urates/faeces as well as
conjunctival, choanal and cloacal swabs
are the most appropriate samples to be
collected. ABV is shed in greatest volumes
in urates and faeces, however shedding
is intermittent and false negatives are
therefore a problem. Multiple PCR tests
may be required in the diagnoses of the
disease, which is potentially costly for the
owner. Serology (testing for antibodies)
has the potential of being a useful
diagnostic test as there appears to be
correlation between antibody titres and
disease development. Also sudden sero
conversion has been seen to occur just
prior to the onset of clinical disease.
Treatment
Treatment has historically been based
around the use of anti-inflammatory
medication. This was hypothesised
based on the observed histopathologic
lesions being inflammatory in nature. The
author's treatment of choice is Celocoxib
(Dalhausen et al 2002). Birds were treated
for 6 to 12 weeks with Celocoxib at 10mg/
kg BID and showed marked clinical
improvement. Fluoroscopy can be used
to monitor treatment success and the
dose of Celocoxib titrated down to the
minimum affective dose. Many birds that
first present with PDD have secondary
bacterial/fungal crop infections and/
or enteritis which, when treated, lead to
significant clinical improvement.
w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 37
 Barium Contrast Instilled
under anaesthetic
allows more accurate
measurement of the
proventriculus
Left sided
coelomic dilation If it is the owner's aim to eradicate ABV from their collection, all birds
should be tested using repeated PCR tests and serology. Birds should be
grouped and, if required, isolated based on the results of this testing. It
has been reported that within a
Ventral-dorsal radiograph with contrast positive group of birds, a small
showing a marked proventricular dilation
number of infected individuals are
persistent high-level shedders
of the virus. These birds should
be targeted and removed as a
priority. Due to the intermittent
shedding and inconclusive
serology testing, testing and
Barium Contrast Instilled under anaesthetic allows more separating birds may require years
accurate measurement of the proventriculus
to obtain ABV-negative aviaries. ■
Many authors have progressed to using meloxicam References:
however a recent study using this drug demonstrates it Hoppes SM, Tizard I, Shivaprasad
may be contraindicated. Early trials with alternative drugs HL. (2013). Avian bornavirus and
proventricular dilatation disease:
including Ribavirin (antiviral) and Cyclosporine have not
diagnostics, pathology, prevalence,
been encouraging. and control. Veterinary Clinics
of North America: Exotic Animal
Practice. 16 (2), 339-55.
Preventing Disease Dennison SE, Adams WM, Johnson
Preventing disease in collections is based around good PJ . et al(2009). Prognostic accuracy
of the proventriculus: keel ratio for
hygiene and biosecurity. Any new birds, sick birds or
short-term survival in psittacines with
ABV-positive birds should be isolated and quarantined. proventricular disease. Vet Radiol
Healthy ABV-negative birds should be visited first and Ultrasound. 50 (5), 483-86.
traffic from infected/ill birds to the rest of the facility Dahlhausen R, Aldred S, Colaizzi
E. (2002). Resolution of clinical
should be avoided. In an effort to maintain a disease free proventricular dilatation disease by
flock all newly presenting birds should all be tested using Enlarged proventriculus with cyclooxygenase 2 inhibition. Proc
barium contrast instilled
multiple PCR tests together with serology. Annu Conf Association Avian Vet. 9-12.

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ISBN-13: 978-1500289683
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38 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
Fireworks T he massive firework displays we have seen in
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N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 39

 Ready for
Winter?
With the days getting shorter and the nights getting longer, the
winter season is on its way. Jennifer Ryan sheds some light on
a number of the things we need to do to keep our birds safe,
particularly those that are outside in flights.
N
ow the summer is behind us, holiday times have
unfortunately ended and the children are back
to school, we must not think that this is now a
time when we can sit back and take it easy for a few
months. What we are facing is the start of the next year
as we need to repair, renovate and make-good outside
flights, and the breeders need to think carefully
about their next year’s breeding stock.
If you are new to breeding, you
need to think what species and
pairs you would like to keep, and
there needs to be time for them
to acclimatise and to get used to
each other, or if you are adding
new birds into existing flights.
Don’t leave pairing to the last
minute and then expect your birds
to produce healthy babies without
issues. The winter months can be a
good time to settle and prepare for the
new breeding season.
Preparation
So before the weather gets really bad, you need to
make sure that outside flights are in good condition
and particularly those with wooden housing that may
need a new coat of preserver. I have used a number of
different makes, but prefer the spirit-based preservers
and not the painted-on ones. The spirit types absorb
into the wood and their main object is to preserve, but
they also have a very good waterproofing effect as well.
I have never had any detrimental effects to my birds,
but I always keep them away for a few days until the
solvents have dispersed.
Make sure galvanised weldmesh is firmly attached,
as staples can work loose. Wherever possible,
battening over will give additional security and I would
add that all my flights are double-wired to prevent
predator attacks, although I understand this might not
always be practical for some owners.
40 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m
If you are located in an area that tends to be
subjected to harsh weather conditions, I would strongly
recommend you cover at least three sides with plastic
sheet, glass reinforced plastic (GRP) or metal sheeting to
ensure your birds are adequately protected. Also make
sure any open sides are not facing prevailing or north
winds. Sleeping quarters should be robust and able to
be heated in times of very low temperatures. All my birds
are shut in their quarters every night, and also during the
day if the weather is extremely inclement. In my birds’
quarters, I use enclosed tubular heaters linked to a
thermostat, to ensure temperatures never drop below a
specified limit. More about low temperatures later on.
Structurally you should make a thorough check all
around your flights and particularly if you have a solid
roof, to ensure there are no nasty surprises, as winds
can reach high speeds with damaging gusts.
Vermin
This is a time also to
thoroughly inspect
all around your
aviaries for rats
and mice and
any other
possible
predators that
could gnaw
their way in.
With the colder
weather, these
unwanted guests
will be looking for
warmer places to make
home, and bird housing
can be ideal. Rats can be a particular problem, as they
are very adept at burrowing and gnawing their way
through timber and even fine mesh and wire. Once into
a flight or quarters they can very quickly kill adult birds
and, particularly, any young ones. Mice can be another
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
nuisance as they can get through the tiniest openings
and once in, can spread problems with their urine. Mice
can produce many offspring in a very short time.
Also in more rural areas, one must be aware of
stoats, which can cause a great deal of damage and
injury. If birds are left out during the dark hours of night
and are spooked, some will fly and perch on the wire,
which makes them vulnerable to attack from rats and
stoats. This is one of the reasons I always shut my birds
up securely at night, where I know they will be safe.
Snow and Rain
Some of you will be living in areas that see snow every
year and although it looks lovely and pretty, it can add
enormous weight to the roof of an aviary. With flights
that are constructed mainly of wire mesh and covered
on top with light roofing sheets,
in extreme conditions, the
weight of snow can
damage the roof,
pulling staples and
fixings away from
mesh panels.
With climate
change,
we are now
experiencing
unusual and
extreme weather
conditions, which
can involve torrential
and heavy downpours,
occasionally with extremely
large hailstones the size of golf balls.
If your aviary is not strong and robust, you could easily
sustain damage that will allow your birds to escape. With
loose and insecure panels, heavy rain can easily ingress
into bird rooms and wooden housing, causing damage
and expensive repair bills.
Noise Nuisance
During dark nights your birds will probably settle down in
a calm and dark environment in their outside housing or
owners' homes, but noise nuisance can be a big problem.
In the UK over recent years, fireworks have become
extremely loud and are causing increasing problems, not
just with our birds, but also with people. Bonfire night on
5th November and New Year’s Eve now appear to attract
what sounds like massive explosions and these can have
devastating effects on our birds, dogs, cats and many
other pets. Such unpredictable sounds can terrify our
birds and, in severe cases, even kill them with shock. The
only solution I have is to keep some lights on and ensure
they are securely enclosed to try to alleviate the noise.
Fireworks have become a controversial issue in the UK
and there are now a number of campaigns to ban the
‘bangers’ – I hope so!
For your free winter checklist download, visit
www.thinkparrots.co.uk/WinterChecklist.pdf
N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
Lighting
With much shorter days, natural daylight
can become a problem with some
species. Natural daylight is invaluable
for the health of our birds and to
compensate for this there are some
very good options that can be
used with great effect.
Full spectrum lighting is
available from a number of
suppliers and has proven
beneficial during long winter
nights. In my bird room, I have full
spectrum lighting which I keep on
until well into the evening, and I am
confident that my birds have benefited.
Low temperatures
Depending on which areas of the country you live
in, we have to be conscious that temperatures can
suddenly drop and, in some areas, that can be well
below freezing. We can enjoy sunshine and blue skies
during the day, but at night time, temperatures can
plummet creating real problems. At this time of the year,
it is recommended that perches (preferably natural) be
replaced with those of much wider diameters, so that
when the birds perch, their feathers can cover their feet
and prevent possible frostbite.
Feeding
For those species that are kept outside in open flights,
attention must be given to the right food and nutrients
that the birds require. Nutritional requirements can
vary with different species, so serious consideration
should be made to provide the correct diet, especially
in cold climates.
High water content foods like greens,
pulses, sprouts, etc., can still be given,
but must be monitored as they can
deteriorate quickly or even freeze in
cold weather. During the day, the
sun can be warm and can easily
lead to a false sense of security
when feeding. I do still provide
some high water content foods,
but watch over and remove them
if I consider the temperature
is having an adverse effect.
Check that water bowls have not
frozen over.
If in doubt about nutrition, you must
seek expert advice from other experienced
owners or join your local
bird club.
… and Finally
By using common sense and seeking expert advice, there
is no need for birds to suffer during winter months. ■
w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 41
 Pa rrots eader ’s S tory
Get
R

£2.98!
for ju st

per i ssue
The
two
when you subscribe for
12 months only £35.75
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by Unni Schau
■ SAVE over £12 with Topsy, my Senegal
12 issue subscription parrot, was
■ FREE delivery to 14 years old this
your door year. We have
been through thick
■ NEVER miss an issue and thin together,
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£12 saving is compared to UK shop
prices when you subscribe for
12 months to Parrots magazine.
W hen I retired and moved to Farnham, the neighbourhood was
dreadful with nasty neighbours and constant dog barking.
There was a large green at the back of my house and the children
playing there kept hitting my back windows with their football. This
is when Topsy started to pluck his feathers. Parrots become very
stressed, and can also feel their owner's stress.
I sold the Farnham house with great difficulty and many problems,
after which we moved into a fairly new town house with a back garden,
but regrettably with a very arrogant and noisy neighbour. Poor Topsy
was a comfort through it all, but luckily, the noisy neighbour moved
after our having to put up with him for two years.
This whole episode took its

E
toll on me, with the result that I

AV
spent two nights in hospital. All

SOVER
I could think of was Topsy, but

!
luckily I had a neighbour who
used to call in from time to time.

2
He told me not to worry about

£1 Topsy as he would call in during

the day to check on him.
Arriving back home from
hospital looking pretty awful – oh
what a sight I was, although that
SHOP SUB SAVE didn’t seem to affect Topsy at
all. He still recognised me, and
£47.88 £35.75 £12.13 you should have seen his eyes in
amazement. What a welcome I got!
See page 47 for further details
Prices apply to UK subscription only

42 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Since then, he won’t let me out of his
sight and doesn’t like me going out. I go
swimming two to three times a week, and
never stay out for more than three hours
at a time.
When I return home and park up, he
starts calling, as he recognises the sound
of my car. The first thing I do is to go over
to his cage and talk to him, as he then
settles down.
Recently he plucked out his tail
feathers, but plucking can become a
habit. Parrots never forget. We are now
heading in the right direction with lots of
healthy food and vitamins. I give him a
sprinkle of Guardian Angel
once a week in his food,
and then another day,
calcium and vitamin D3 in
his water. I spray him with
warm water every other day.
I eat a very healthy
diet, mainly organic, and
so does Topsy. I feed him
on Parrot Premium and
NutriBerries, but he also
loves grapes, orange, watching me.
carrot, lightly cooked baby When I wheel
corn, courgette and sugar it back into the
snaps. He has walnuts and cashews, but living room, he stares at the TV as though
not too many. I recently bought some soft asking me to switch it on?
banana chips without sugar, and he just Then it’s shoulder time. He loves
loves them. a sightseeing tour around the house
Topsy is very calm and well behaved. looking into cupboards and wardrobes.
His feathers are growing back, but I worry Otherwise during the rest of the evening
about his tail feathers, and hope they will he settles on my shoulder watching the
grow back as well. He has lots of wood TV, especially wildlife programmes!
and cotton to He taps my face when he
chew on. He wants to go (having a whoopsy)
comes out with and I put him back on the
me for breakfast, perch outside his cage. I keep
eating my newspapers underneath.
porridge made Occasionally he has an accident
with organic oats, on my shoulder, but that is part
lots of seeds and of owning a parrot. Around
berries cooked in 8.30 pm he is quite pleased
skimmed goat’s to go back into his cage after
milk with a drizzle lots of cuddles. He has a big
of cinnamon eating session, and settles
on top. down on his little swing. He
He doesn’t loves his swing, although he can
like to be out of barely fit into it, so I could never
his cage in the take it out. The swing came with
morning, and him when I bought him.
is quite happy He has become a good
looking out in talker, multilingual as well.
the garden at the activity of the birds on I often hear “Hei”, which is Norwegian for
the bird table. Around 3pm we have a “Hi” and he keeps saying “It’s OK”.
nap together, as he likes to do the same Between 9.30-10 pm he likes his
as I do. At about 4pm I wheel the cage blanket and I turn the TV off and say
out in the kitchen to clean it out, which goodnight, looking forward to another
I do every day, and he sits on the top day with Topsy, my best friend. ■

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 43

your er ies
q u
parrot answered
Our panel of experts is available to answer all your queries on companion or breeding parrots. Please send your queries to: ‘Queries’,
Parrots Magazine, The Old Cart House, Applesham Farm, Coombes, West Sussex BN15 0RP, UK or email: editorial@imaxweb.co.uk

Q Q
Cockatiels or Conures?
A local bird breeder who breeds
Green-cheeked Conures wants to
sell some of his young birds and
has offered me a pair he has bred
from. Being a newcomer to breeding parrots I
thought I would start with Cockatiels, but now
have this dilemma. What would you suggest?
Breeding Umbrellas?
I have been breeding from a pair of Lesser
Sulphur Cockatoos for a number of years now.
Sometimes I get fertile eggs, others don’t hatch,
and that doesn’t really bother me providing the
birds are happy and healthy. A good friend of mine has been
breeding Umbrellas and has been putting a bit of pressure on
me to do the same. However, I have heard a lot about Umbrella
Cockatoos, which has made me somewhat nervous about

A
John Childs, by email
taking them on. Should I decline?
I assume you are Elizabeth Thompson, by email

wanting a breeding
pair? If so, please
consider the
many differences
between the Cockatiels you
were considering and the Muriel Barnes
Pyrrhura Conures that you have over 30 years'
experience
been offered. Make sure you in keeping
read up on the behaviour of and breeding
many species
both species as things between
of parrots and
them are very different. For parakeets.
example, Cockatiels should
only have nest boxes during the warmer months,
as they will continue to nest if allowed to do
so, which is not good for their overall health.
Whereas Conures need a nest box to sleep in
all year round, but will only breed in it when the
season is right for them – usually the cooler
months of the year.
It is not often breeders will ‘sell off’ young
breeding pairs of Conures, so perhaps you might
like to question why he is selling young stock
as opposed to older birds. Also there is a great
difference between the feeding of the Conures
and Cockatiels, Conures should have fresh fruit
and veg regularly as well as parrot and parakeet
seed mixes, whereas Cockatiels rarely eat much in
the way of fresh fruit or veg and prefer a Cockatiel
seed mix and millet sprays (the smaller seeds).
Personally I would possibly stick to my original
preference and start with Cockatiels as a starter
breeding pair. Cockatiels are also happy to breed
on the colony system, whereas a pair of Conures
must have an aviary to themselves. MB
A
I successfully bred this particular
species for about 20 years with
few problems. However I did have
concerns when I temporarily cared for
a cock and hen for a friend.
For the first year I had to keep a careful eye on
them, as they could become very aggressive if Bob Mann
they didn’t get their own way, especially during the over 35 years'
experience
breeding season.
breeding
Most parrots, especially Cockatoos, do like their Cockatoos,
privacy, particularly at breeding times, and it is very Amazons and
Macaws.
satisfying when they do breed as you know they are
settled and happy in their surroundings.
You may well end up with a very compatible pair, but you won’t
know this until you have kept them and studied their behaviour
together. It depends on the amount of time you are prepared to give
them if it is needed.
I know I had to separate the pair I had several times over a
12 month period, but eventually they became good partners.
If you decide to take on a pair, find out as much as you can
about their history before making a decision. Like most birds and
pets, they need your committed attention, which you, as their
keeper, must provide.
I wish you well if you take on this new venture. BM
Parrots are quite individualistic just like people, and
each has its strong inclinations, be they good or bad.
It can be every bit as destructive to pressure a
dominant parrot personality into being forever docile,
as it is to force a reclusive, passive companion pet
into a role of 'gregarious people bird' EB Cravens

44 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Q
Vitamins for Are the foods you eat a good
variety of fresh fruits and Your Bird's
my Grey? vegetables, and does your
Home
I have an African Grey, which parrot eat them all? Or are
is now 11 months old and you using a basic sunflower Your parrot cage is
seems to be very happy seed mix, and offering pizza your bird’s home,
and chips?! Alan K Jones
with life. My eldest daughter, who is 16, is BVetMed MRCVS, so needs to be as
pressing me to feed vitamin supplements. If the former is true,
then your bird probably
over 30 years
specialising in
natural as possible.
Would this be something that would be
recommended, as he does get a very does not require dietary avian medicine Rather than simply
with parrots and
varied diet including seeds and lots of supplementation. However, parakeets.
having a cage
other foods that we eat? if the latter - and especially standing alone in a
Lesley Sullivan, by email if he is choosy about room, why not treat

A
My feeling is that provided a
parrot is not only given a good-
quality varied diet, but also
actually eats all the components
of that diet, then the bird should
be getting all the nutrients it needs. However,
many birds - especially African Greys - are
notoriously selective feeders, and will pick
out what they like from the mix and discard
the rest, thus taking in an inadequate variety.
Also, you do not go into detail on the ‘seeds
and lots of other foods that we eat’! Is this a
good-quality, clean mix of seeds and nuts?
food selection - then supplements would your companion
be worthwhile. Nutritional requirements are
to some items of
always higher in young growing birds, while
they go through a moult, or when laying eggs.
interest. Foraging
toys, a play stand
So on balance, since your parrot is still very
young, I would suggest a good quality vitamin or even some potted
and mineral supplement would be worthwhile shrubs around the
until he matures a bit more. Calcium is cage to provide
particularly important for this species of parrot, more of a ‘green’
so at the very least offer calcium-rich foods, or environment? Of
use an avian-specific calcium supplement.
I hope this advice helps, and that you (and
course, make sure
your daughter!) will be able to continue to
any greenery is
enjoy your parrot for very many years. AKJ ‘safe’ for parrots!

Q
Stick training
I have had my Yellow-naped Amazon now
for just over two years and am trying to
get him to step up onto a stick I hold in my
hand, but he appears to be terrified of it.
Is it likely that he will ever get used to it and should I just
keep persevering?
Janet Wilson, by email
the toys and the stick without poking it at
him. Tell him in a calm, gentle manner that
everything is safe.
Once he is used to this and no longer sees
the stick as a threat, pick him up on whichever
hand he is more comfortable being on. Then
pick up the stick with your other hand. Don't Sally Blanchard
over 40 years
poke it at him. Hold the stick close to the
dealing with

A
Imagine that you are a prey animal and another
animal that is over 100 times your weight takes a
stick and points it at you or even prods you with
it. You, too, would be terrified. There is certainly a
much better way to stick train your parrot, which
would build trust instead of destroying it. When a parrot is
afraid of something or a new situation, it is always essential to
introduce it in a safe way with your reassurance. Most parrots
are more wary about new items introduced in their cage territory.
Choose a room in your home where he can't see his cage.
A bedroom, study with a couch or guest room would work
very well. Set up the room before you take him in there, and
place a neutral coloured towel on the bed or couch. Even if he
is afraid of towels and it is flat on the bed, it most likely won't
be threatening to him. Put a stick or branch, that is the right
size for his feet, on the towel. You can also have toys he likes
or some special treats on the towel. Then take him into the
‘neutral’ room and with a friendly smile and some reassuring
comments, place him on the bed a foot or so away from the
perch. Sit down on the bed and let him see you playing with
bed. As you hold the stick, talk to him calmly bird-related
about it. Slowly bring the stick up so he sees behavioural
issues.
it and keep talking about it to reassure him.
International
If he accepts this part so far, put the hand he speaker.
is sitting on around that end of the stick so
you are holding it with both hands. Keep reassuring him. If he
is comfortable with this you can take advantage of a principle
about parrots that is usually true. They like to be at the highest
point. Choose a word as a cue, both “up” or “On the Stick” can
work for him to associate the words with the behaviour.
Keep holding the stick with both hands and slowly lift the
stick up with the hand he is not on. At this point he may climb
on to the stick to climb higher or to get to your other hand. As
he is safely on the horizontal stick, slowly move the stick up and
down to prevent him from stepping on your hand right away.
Keep reassuring him. Praise him for doing what you want him
to do and give him a few special treats as he moves around on
the stick. This may not work the first time you try, but don't give
up. I have successfully recommended this method many times.
Be patient and reward him with both praise and treats. Once
he is patterned to accept the stick in this manner, you can start
asking him to step on the stick around his cage. SB

N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 45

Letters...
Please send your letters and photos to: ‘Letters’, Parrots Magazine, The Old Cart House, Applesham Farm, Coombes,
West Sussex BN15 0RP, UK.
Or email: editorial@imaxweb.co.uk or through Facebook Dear Parrots magazine
My New Family
great comfort? It was
Who says animals don’t give you
Dear Parrots magazine my husband and
three years ago, when sadly I lost
Go natural! since. This has been
have been living on my own ever
as my health has
An elderly relative who had recently died had a White- an extremely difficult time for me
ression set in and I
fronted Amazon and as I was the most animal orientated also suffered. Needless to say dep
ants from my doctor.
relative, this parrot, complete with cage, ended up with me, reluctantly went on to anti-depress
pened. A friend of
as I already had a Green-cheeked Conure. But the cage But then something fantastic hap
I get a parrot, as he
it came in, in my opinion, was not ideal and had dowel one of my neighbours suggested
ething that had never
perches. I soon dumped the cage, bought a much larger had two Cockatiels. This was som
take a look.
one and added some natural apple perches, trimmed from occurred to me, but I thought let’s
house and as
one of my trees. The difference in the bird was striking, it He kept his two Cockatiels in his
great comfort and
appeared much happier and active, and I can only suggest he was a widower, they gave him
usly thinking and I was
to get rid of those dowel perches and replace with natural companionship. This got me serio
look at the birds they
ones, it makes a lot of difference. soon down to my garden centre to
sight when I saw these
Anthony Marsland, by email had. I suppose it was love at first
and I knew I just had
two gorgeous looking Cockatiels
to take them home, which I did.
and these two
Whilst Parrots magazine will always allow contributors
That was just over a year ago now
ely changed my life.
the opportunity to voice their opinions on any subject little feathered friends have complet
now have a new
– no matter how contentious they may be – we wish I am no longer living on my own and
to point out that these views do not necessarily reflect family and am off my tablets!
those of the Editor.
Marion Jones, by email

46 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 Subscriptions and Orders
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48 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
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N o v e m b e r 2 0 17 w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 49

 Parrots Calendar
If you would like your show to be listed in our calendar section and on our website,
please submit to editorial@imaxweb.co.uk or call +44(0)1273 464777

■ October 22, 2017 (UK)
Bird Keepers Association
Bird Sale Show
The Bird Keepers Association will be
selecting a new venue for its 2017 events.
www.birdkeepersassociation.org.uk
■ October 29, 2017 (UK)
The South West Bird Show
Table Top Sale
For this show you pay for your tables
and/or tickets on the day. Tables are £10
each and tickets £6 each. Free entry for
Children under 16. Doors open 10.30am
until 3.30pm. Special early entry (9am)
(only available up to 7 days before show).
Call Andy on 07851 916377 to book your
early tickets.
Sedgemoor Auction Centre, M5 Junction
24, Bridgwater, Somerset TA6 6DF
www.southwestbirdshow.co.uk
■ October 30 - November 17, 2017
(Argentina and Chile)
Wild Parrots Up Close
This will be a trip to truly remember for all
the right reasons. Patagonian Conures by
the thousand with Austral and Slender-
billed Conures, are some of the special
Parrots that cannot be seen in any other
country but also some amazing scenery
with glorious colours of the mountains in
the Salta/Jujuy region, the coastal areas
of the Valdes Peninsula and the lake
crossings in Chile.
www.wildparrotsupclose.com
E: steve@wildparrotsupclose.com
■ November 4-5, 2017 (UK)
National Pet Show
NEC, Birmingham
www.thenationalpetshow.com/
birmingham
■ November 10-20, 2017 (USA)
Parrot Lover's Cruise
Panama Canal with Costa Rica &
Caribbean aboard the Caribbean
Princess from Florida
http://parrotloverscruise.com
■ December 3, 2017 (UK)
Parrot Society 'Help Bird Keepers'
Show
Staffordshire Showground, ST18 0BD
Admission £6 (£5 in advance)
www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/ps-uk-
shows/psuk-show-information
■ November 26 – December 7, 2017
(Costa Rica)
Wild Parrots Up Close
A trip to this country once again and
with chances of seeing up to 15 Parrot
species including Scarlet and Great-
green Macaws. Visiting the Pacific coast
as well as Arenal, Laguna del Lagarta
near the Nicaraguan border as well as
Savegre for the Resplendent Quetzal
(a really stunning bird after the parrots
of course) we usually see in excess of
300 bird species. With national parks
and a boat trip as well as visiting two
conservation projects for Macaws this will
be an exceptional trip.
www.wildparrotsupclose.com
E: steve@wildparrotsupclose.com
■ February 24 – March 2, 2018 (Cuba)
Wild Parrots Up Close
Only two parrot species here, the Cuban
Amazon and the Cuban Conure, but they
are amazing parrots to see in the wild.
However, we still have time to see many
of the 376 species of birds that inhabit
Cuba including some of the 25 endemics.
www.wildparrotsupclose.com
E: steve@wildparrotsupclose.com
■ July 22 – August 12, 2018 (Mexico)
Wild Parrots Up Close
A three week trip going at the best
time to get the greatest chances of
seeing and photographing Thick-billed
and Maroon-fronted parrots, White-
fronted, Red-lored, Green-cheeked,
Lilac-crowned and Yellow-headed
Amazons amongst other parrots and
many more birds.
www.wildparrotsupclose.com
E: steve@wildparrotsupclose.com
■ September 16-November 5, 2017 (UK)
Eric Peake's 'Birds of Wales' Exhibition
Oriel ynys Mon, Llangefni, Anglesey,
North Wales
Eric delivers 20 original watercolour
paintings and original pencil drawings.
17 of the collection are for sale. A very
rare opportunity indeed!
www.ericpeake.co.uk/2.html
■ September 24-27, 2018 (Tenerife)
IX International Parrot Convention
E: congreso@loroparque.com
■ January 26, 2018 (USA)
National Parrot Rescue &
Preservation Foundation (NPRPF)
Parrot Festival 2018
Another celebration of our favourite
birds! Parrot Festival 2018 is going to
be exceptional fun this year with some
wonderful talent and new events for guests
to enjoy. The Houston Budgerigar is
hosting a special exhibition of our theme
bird for 2018, the Budgie!
Doubletree Houston Intercontinental
Airport, 15747 John F Kennedy Blvd,
Houston
https://allevents.in/houston/parrot-
festival-2018/1927668907492425

Parrot HelPline AdvertiSer’S

If you have a parrot problem – whether it be health,
diet, or whatever – you can contact any of the
index
advisors listed here. They will do their very best to For display advertising contact us on 01273 464777
point you in the right direction. advertising@imaxweb.co.uk
Bristol: Christine Goodall – 0117 950 8059 a Animal Genetics ................ 13 l Rosemary Low Books ....... 39
Bucks: Vicki Hammond – 01494 875641 Avian Biotech ................ 6, 11 M Meadows AH .................... 15
Devon: Kathy Moore – 01398 331157 Aviary Life......................... 43 Most Unlikely Globetrotters. 38
East Kent: Rowan Vanmiller – 01843 447020 or
B Best Bird Food Ever........... 2
01843 223737 n Northern Parrots ..... 9, 31, BC
Oxon: Nicole Place – 01608 811281 Birdcare Company ............ 19
P The Parrot Society ............ 25
Surrey: Juliet Eberle – 01306 884569 Sally Blanchard Clayworks.. 8
Parrot Society of Australia . 46
Spain: Sylvia Rush – 00 34 654 433 190 e EMP Soft Eggfood............. 2
Eric Peake Avian Art.......... 32
Please understand the advisors on our Parrots Helpline Exotic Direct Insurance ..... 11
are dedicated parrot people, and unpaid volunteers that give G Garden Feathers ............... 23 t Tenerife Parrot Convention. 22
their time for free. It would therefore be appreciated if you would
H Rolf C Hagen (UK) ............ 7 V Vetark Professional ........... 5
ensure your call is important and that you contact them at
a reasonable time of day, unless an emergency. Jim Hayward Books .......... 32 W World Parrot Trust............. 6

50 P a r r o t s • w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m N o v e m b e r 2 0 17
 CLASSIFIEDS
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Parrot Boarding Services
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Myrtle Cottage Bird Hotel.
Lancashire/Yorkshire border.
24 hour care from a budgie to a
macaw. Tel: 01282 854011.
The Parrot Lodge. Professional
Parrot Boarding Service,
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
www.theparrotlodge.co.uk
Tel: 07770 099460
For total peace of mind, our
Exotics Clinic offers boarding
facilities for birds. Supervised
by our vets and cared for by
our experienced staff. C.J. Hall
Veterinary Surgeons, London,
SW14. Tel. 0208 876 9696.
Holiday home for birds.
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care. Call 07592 619150
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orr post on www.parrotmag.com/freeads
Copy deadline for issue 239: 3rd November 2017
Toos Nest Bird Boarding.
Over 32 years bird keeping
experience and ex avian vets
assistant. At home majority
of day. Cages available.
www.toos-nest-bird-boarding.
co.uk Tel. 07766 476054/
01622 851123 (Kent)
WANTED
Splendid parakeets, normal
and mutations. Will collect
or arrange carriage. Please
contact Eric on 01444 482867
(West Sussex)
Safehaven
Parrot Refuge
– ESTABLISHED 1986 –
– CHARITY NUMBER 1075873 –
We offer a free specialised
Rehoming and Bequest Service.
Those who donate their parrot to
us are encouraged to keep in touch
with the Foster Carer.
We also give help and advice on
caring for your parrot. You can
become a member of SPR for as
little as £15 per year.
TELEPHONE 01684 850466
safehavenparrotrefuge.co.uk
£ 8.95
INC P&
P Jim Hayward, tel. 01993
(UK ON
LY )
Abbreviations
H/R Hand-reared
C/B Captive-Bred
P/P Proven-Pair
T/T Tame-talking
C/R Closed-rung
S/S Surgically sexed
C/T Cuddly-tame
H/T Hand-tame
U/R Unrelated
FOR SALE CONN
ECTING PARROT PEOPLE
CLUB PARROT
South East Parrot Club
Blue Fronted, Bolivian
Amazon. D.N.A. Iten C/R 2015
bred, aviary bird. Very good Covers the UK’s south
condition. Been on a varied eastern counties, and
diet. £350. Tel. 07826 555623 possibly further afield.
(Somerset)
Call Deron on 07583 356048
Kings – 2 P/P Kings £350 pair.
P/P Sun Conures £325. 7 young for Kent or Jayne Colgate on
from above 3 pairs £80 each. 07962 028826 for Essex.
2014 Hen Sun Conure £170.
2013 Cock Jenday £120. Retiring
Sale - Table at Stafford (October Leicestershire Parrot Club
2017). Contact Billy: 07927 We meet 7.30 pm on last
962426 (Northern Ireland) Thursday of every month
African Grey babies, hand-
reared, cuddly tame, hatching
at Co-Op Sports & Social Club,
Birstall Road, Birstall,
certificate, micro-chipped,
article 10 Cites certificate, £895.
Leicester, LE4 4DE
www.leicestershireparrotclub.co.uk,
Tel: 078333 74988 (Herts) call Rita on 01283 713623
Celestial parrotlets various
colours. Splendids, normal and
blue. Bourkes, normal, rosa, East Midlands Parrot Club
lutino and rubino. Turquoisine, Meets on the 2nd Tuesday of
opaline and grey/green. every month 7.30pm at
Kakariki, golden yellow and Pride Park Veterinary Centre,
Riverside Road, Derby, DE24 8HX
yellow/pied. All ready now from
£25 each. Call Eric on 01444 Get your Parrot to bring you along.
482867 (West Sussex) For further details
info@midlandparrots.com
Tame and Semi-tame Telephone 01159 725965
Bourkes (various colours),
Bluewing grass parakeets and
Nyasa Lovebirds sometimes
available for pets and aviaries.
Only sell to caring homes.
Prices range from £25 to £60
per bird. Also Mexican House The Society for
Finches from £50 pair. Buyer Conservation in Aviculture
collect. Tel. Jim 01993 841736 Do you own or keep a bird?
for friendly details (England). Do you need advice concerning:
Pure strain of rare Amboina • Re-homing
• Health and husbandry
King Parakeets. Birds
available periodically, for • Conservation issues
dedicated aviculturists only. • The future – when we get old
WE CAN HELP
Prices on application. Details:
write to:
841736 (England). M Williamson, c/o MECNW
Monks Ferry, Wirral CH41 5LH
Private advertisers can Caring Hands
advertise here free of charge. Preserving Wings
secretary@thesca.org.uk
Call 01273 464777, or email
advertising@imaxweb.co.uk www.thesca.org.uk
w w w.p a r ro t m a g.c o m • Parrots 51
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