FORAGING…….NO MORE FREE LUNCHES!!!!! - By Gary Colvin

Parrots in the wild spend most of their waking hours preening, searching for food and water, and flying to and from their roosts and in search of food. They also will be seen playing and interacting with other parrots, playing, mating, nest building and even resting, but most of their time is occupied with preening and food foraging.  If we look at parrots in the wild we do not see the behavioural problems we often see in our companion parrots, such as aggression,  excessive screaming, feather destruction and self mutilation and, obsessive compulsive disorders, (OCDs ), where parrots will perform ,repetitive or ritualistic behaviours that seemingly serve no purpose. Sometimes these behaviours can act as a calming behaviour for over anxious animals, but usually have no obvious reason and can be performed non-stop till they start interrupting the normal function and behaviour or the parrot’s life.

These can manifest themselves in rocking back and forth, pacing in the same pattern, rubbing or tapping their beaks against the cage bars. Sometimes these behaviours can be subtle and be displayed as opening and closing their beaks while repetitively licking with their tongues, or clicking over and over non stop. The feather plucking and self mutilation is always more obvious, but usually has been performed by the parrot for a while before the owner seeks help and once it has become so ingrain, it is very hard to cure and permanent damage can be done to feather follicles and no feathers can regrow.

One of the most common reasons for these problems occurring is loss of natural function in these creatures, things such as flight and freedom, flock and mates, sleep patterns, food foraging and selection of foods and from boredom. When you consider that many of our companion parrots are the least domesticated of all our pets and that many are only a handful of generations from their wild cousins, then consider how different and unfulfilled many of  their lives are compared to that of birds living free, you can then start to try and understand the problems.

Foraging is something birds do as soon as they start to fend for themselves and will spend many hours searching and seeking out foods. In the wild, time and effort may be needed to be able to extract the seed, grain, fruit from where it grows and this is part of the bird using it’s mind and body and time to feed itself. This is an important thing to understand and try and implement when we are feeding our caged parrots. Placing a bowl of your parrots fruit and vegetables, pellets, seeds and nuts, already chopped up and in the same bowl, in the same holder, the same time of day, each day, does nothing to make your parrot use it’s mind or body to work for his food. It is just too easy and after the parrot has fed, this leaves many hours for your parrot to sit and be bored.

If you look at natural behaviours like foraging, which researchers say could take up as much as 70% of a wild birds time, and try and reproduce this in our birds life, this should start to stimulate them not only physically, but mentally by making them work for their food. If your bird is working for a lot more of his time at finding and getting his food, then there is going to be less time left for him to be bored. Foraging for food is going to supply him with a more natural behaviour and keep him thinking and alert……..No More Free Lunches! Researchers have found that animals actually prefer to forage for food that have it just given to them and a study with Starling showed that the birds would actually forage for meal-worms than eat the ones presented in a bowl to them.

These days there are more and more foraging toys coming onto the market to make it easy for you to supplying foraging opportunities for your parrot and with any toy always check for its safety and appropriate size to your parrot. You may have to start off slow and teach your parrot how to forage and how to find the food, if it has never played the game, but parrots being the inquisitive birds that they are, usually catch on really fast. If using commercial puzzle toys, make sure your parrot can work them out and doesn't find them too challenging, or not be able to get the food out at all. You want to present a challenge and make you parrot work, but not to the point of frustration. Start off with simple ideas and make it more challenging as he works them out.

Some simple ideas are to hide food in rolled up paper, or a paper cup rolled up, so your bird has to tear the paper off to get to the food. Covering your parrot’s food bowls with paper, or tied on with not toxic twine, so your parrot has to tear the paper to get his food. If he doesn’t get it straight away, you may have to make small rips in the paper and leave some food sticking out just to help him. Covering his food with wooden beads, rolled up small balls of paper, or small stones, depending on your parrots size can again add interest. All of these will make your parrot work to get to his food. You can also place food in containers that your parrot has to remove the lid, or hang food or containers so that your parrot has to pull it up, climb down, or have to swing to get any food.

Wire containers can be stuffed with leaves and flowers of non-toxin plants, with food distributed through, or rolled up balls of paper with food hidden through, that your parrot has to work to find. Pinecones can have a food jammed into the gaps and hung by a lace of untreated leather, so your parrot has to climb and hang, while trying to retrieve food from the cone.

Once you parrot has the idea, you can supply all your parrots food in different ways other than just placing it in his bowl
As always it is important that anything you use be safe and non toxic. Most papers and cardboard used for children are safe but always check anything you use for safety concerns. There are many different breeds of parrots and all are individuals, so look at your parrots natural talents, breed differences, or individual tastes as to the best and most entertaining ways to supplying foraging opportunities.

Make a foraging tree for you bird, as shown in the excellent CD- Captive Foraging, by Dr. Scott Echols,, or set you daytime cage up with lots of different foraging opportunities before you place your parrot in it each morning. Once you get used to doing this, it will only take a little bit more fore thought and effort to make your parrots life a lot more exciting and fulfilling every day.     

PARROTS 2008 UPDATE - By Jim Mckendry

Wow! I can’t believe that there is less than three months to go until `Parrots 2008’, the largest Parrot Convention being held anywhere in the world this year. What’s super cool is that this event is being held right in our own backyard. The Parrot Society of Australia Inc are bringing together the best and most qualified speakers in the world to help us learn more about the creatures that have become such an important and enriching part of our daily lives. I’d love to take this opportunity to give you guys a quick insight into what we have prepared especially for the Companion Parrot Community over the course of this event. The following is just a snapshot of the huge program of over 20 different lectures and workshops you can attend at Parrots 2008...

Let Donald Brightsmith, one of the world’s leading avian biologists, take you on a tour to the jungles of the Amazon and into the private lives of the Macaws of the Tambopata River in Peru. Don will be sharing some fascinating insights into the dynamic lives of Macaws and South American parrot species in the wild over the course of two lecture presentations and a very special appearance at the Parrots 2008/ABK 21st Birthday Gala Dinner.

Dr. Susan Friedman, today’s leading behaviourist with a passion for parrots and learning will be opening up a whole new perspective of thinking about the way we interact with our parrots and how the brilliantly effective an applied behaviour analysis approach to behaviour modification can enhance our relationships with our birds. Susan’s two presentations will really take our knowledge and understanding of parrot behaviour to a new level.

Barbara Heidenreich will be back by popular demand! Without a doubt the most positive feedback from Parrots 2006 was a call for Barbara to come back and give us more! Barbara is one of the most experienced animal trainers and consultants in the world, author of absolute `must have’ books and DVD’s on parrot behaviour, and publisher of the only magazine dedicated to avian behaviour and training – `Good Bird’. At Parrots 2008 Barbara will be sharing three workshops with us, including an introduction to positive reinforcement training and a practical demonstration of training and handling with `live’ parrots. Barbara will also be joined by Jim McKendry for a special workshop on developing the skills required to manage a `flighted’ companion parrot. An exceptional opportunity for parrot enthusiasts in Australia to learn from the best in the world.

`Enrichment’ has been the buzzword in the companion parrot community for a number of years now. But how do we really achieve effective enrichment with our parrots? Nicholas Bishop from Taronga Zoo and Olivia Day from Cairns Tropical Zoo will be sharing some super cool enrichment ideas for companion parrot owners based on their experiences as professional parrot keepers and trainers. Nicholas is one of the `new breed’ of progressive avian trainers with an infectious passion for parrots and an enviable suite of gifts and talents in the parrot training field. This session is bound to inspire and motivate us all to get out there and enrich the lives of our feathered companions.

Guys – that’s just a small selection of the huge program that you can download at the Convention website located at www.parrotsociety.org.au/Parrots2008/index.html. Check out the website and have a look at all of the events we have scheduled – it’s awesome!

If you haven’t already registered as a delegate for `Parrots 2008’ then I am hoping that you will jump online and join us! This event really does represent the ultimate education opportunity for parrot breeders, keepers and trainers. Certainly, if you are involved in professional parrot behaviour and training, conduct parrot-minding services, or offer behavioural advice and support, then attendance at Parrots 2008 should be considered absolutely essential for enhancing your professional credibility in these fields. We are really counting on everyone involved in the companion parrot community to get behind this event, support it via your attendance and if you can’t be there, help us out via getting involved in our promotional initiatives. If you would like to receive some posters for the event to place at a local bird retail outlet then just let me know!

If you have any questions at all about Parrots 2008, don’t hesitate to give a call on 0421 175 841. I hope to see many of you there – come up and say `Hi’!

The Parrot Society of Australia Inc is super keen to establish a regular networking meeting of companion parrot enthusiasts as part of their bi-monthly meeting schedule. The new PSOA meeting format is superbly set up to facilitate companion parrot enthusiasts coming together and sharing their experiences. It is anticipated that a guest speaker will address the companion parrot network at least every second meeting. Alternate meetings will then provide opportunities for open discussion forums, product showcases and idea sharing. We’re open to your feedback on what you would like to experience at these gatherings so join in, share your thoughts and let’s see if we can really build this into a vital event on everyone’s calendar every second month!

Zarita and the PRC Shop will be there so there’s plenty of cool new parrot products and resources available for purchase. To make this a success and to grow our community it would be great to see companion parrot enthusiasts in SE Qld get behind this initiative and come along. If you’re not a PSOA member that’s OK – come along and I’m sure you will find out many reasons to join and become part of the most progressive avicultural society in Australia!

The next meeting willbe held at The Broncos Leagues Club at Red Hill on the 21st June.

If you would like to find out more about this exciting new networking opportunity for companion parrot enthusiasts then feel free to give me a call on 0421 175 841.

Kind Regards, Jim McKendry
Parrot Behaviour & Enrichment Consultations
www.pbec.com.au

Please Click here for our full product range.

• This foraging Maze is a great stimulating toy for the inquisitive parrots.
• The wheel spins as your parrot holds onto the hole on the maze. They will spin the wheel around and around and watch their treats go from one shelf to the other in the wheel, until their treat enters the hole.
• Made from heavy durable plastic and attaches to cage with large plastic washers and a wing nut which will be situated on the outside of the cage.
• Comes in Small and Large
  

• Talk 'n Play initiates the social instinct to communicate.
• Four easy-press buttons activate individual phrases and light that will stimulate verbal interaction, and will encourage independent play.
• Talk 'n Play is bird safe and easily quick-links to the cage for high quality avian entertainment.
  
• Comes in Small and Large

Howdy Parrot Rescue Centre supporters!!!

In this edition of PRC Newsletter Zarita has asked me to share with you a recent Q&A response I was asked to do for the World Parrot Trust `Ask the Experts’ initiative. If you are not a member of the World Parrot Trust then I would strongly encourage you all to consider joining the largest and most effective non-government organization in the world that is committed solely to parrot conservation. Your membership and support will save the habitat and future of many endangered parrots around the world.

Hi,
How important is it for parrots to be kept together or by themselves? I have owned several parrots over the years and found that some get along great, whereas others do not. I am convinced that a few of them consider themselves to be human and prefer our company to those other funny looking things with feathers. Would appreciate your advice.

Reply from Jim...

G’day,

My personal philosophy is that, where the social enrichment and companionship of humans is inconsistent and highly variable, it is extremely important for parrots to share their environment with other parrots. Apart from that classic exception to just about every psittacine rule, the Kakapo, the two most unnatural situations that many parrots seem to struggle to adapt to are lack of flight, and lack of opportunities for stimulation and socialisation with other parrots. Along with a lack of foraging opportunity, those deficiencies are often the key contributors to the development of many behavioural problems we deal with in companion parrots.

I have travelled throughout Australia, Asia and Central America observing parrots in the wild. It is an extreme rarity to ever observe a parrot without either a bonded partner, small family group, or a seasonal flock close by. In the rare circumstances when parrots are observed on their own in the wild there is a reason for this. It is always a temporary situation and one that, among other things, potentially leaves them vulnerable to predation. So much of the behavioural ecology of a wild parrot is intimately linked to having evolved and been naturally selected as a social, flocking creature that it really does confound me that humans consider it acceptable to keep them on their own.

We also need to have realistic expectations when it comes to species compatibility. The common misconception is that we look at `parrots’ as a single organism that comes in many different shapes, sizes and colours. The reality is that we’re looking at 350+ different species, each offering a suite of different behavioural characteristics that may not immediately cater for compatibility with different species. There are however, plenty of indications that much of the social behaviour we observe is learned, rather than innate. This sets up opportunities for mixed species groupings to work when individuals of different species groups are raised around each other in captivity. Parrots are also socially adaptable, so in the absence of their own species, it is not uncommon for an individual to develop relationships with other parrots of different species. This gravitation towards developing a pair bond, even outside of a conspecific, is indeed the basic characteristic that results in parrots bonding to humans and endearing themselves to us.

Of course, there are many parrots out there who are kept on their own and perhaps, all observations indicate they are doing fine. I am inclined to suggest that in those cases, the interaction schedule with their human owners is high and they live in a great and stimulating environment that caters for their needs well. I would also suggest that these are the exceptions, rather than the rule, when it comes to parrots on their own. Over the years, I have developed an extensive amount of first hand experience observing the behavioural results of parrots making a transition from an isolated life to one that offers exposure to other psittacines. Given an appropriate set of conditions, this transition almost always results in an enhanced degree of behavioural activity, on many levels. Of course, there are many considerations that need to be made to successfully achieve such a transition. Some parrots kept in isolation from other parrots for many years may lack the socialisation skills necessary to avoid conflict. I have one such bird, and although we are yet to find a parrot that he will tolerate in the same enclosure, you only need to observe the degree to which he interacts vocally with the other parrots in our environment, and how he responds to the subtleties of their behaviours, to know that there is a really intense interaction dynamic at play, and one that I am certain he is benefiting from. Species compatibility, housing and enclosure design, access to food and perching resources in mixed flock enclosures and monitoring incompatibility stress are all essentially considerations for the welfare of parrots kept with other parrots.

Just finally – before making the decision to add another parrot to your flock, make a sensible and honest assessment of your ability to properly house, feed, enrich and provide health care for any additional bird. Acquiring another parrot to solve a behavioural problem with an existing bird is not a sensible strategy to take. Whilst I may advocate the benefits of multiple parrot flocks in captivity, before considering adding to your flock you must be competent with the training of your existing birds, comfortable with their behaviour, be committed to all of your bird equally, and most importantly of all, be able to maintain the standard of care you are currently providing J

Hope to see you all at Parrots 2008!!!

Kind Regards, Jim McKendry
Parrot Behaviour & Enrichment Consultations

P.S If anyone has a question – no matter how small or insignificant it may seem, please e-mail Zarita and I’ll do what I can to help you out via this newsletter service.

Jim proudly supports the PRC by purchasing Parrot Toys and Accessories from the PRC Shop, Answering any of your FAQ and continually referring clients to the PRC Services and Programs. We greatly appreciate Jim's support. Please show your thanks by showing your support of Jim's initiatives.

For more information about Jim McKendry please visit:

www.pbec.com.au

The Parrot Rescue Centre spends a lot of time and resources in doing what is best for the parrots in its care by ensuring the birds are regularly vet checked, given fresh food, enrichment, clean aviaries and cages, providing natural habitats and by building larger enclosures.

The PRC is not a large organisation, it is privately owned and managed by Zarita, volunteers and Family. To help fund the PRC Zarita has created the PRC Parrot Shop, Bird Boarding services and the Sanctuary Program and also relies on the generosity of the public. The PRC does not receive any financial assistance from the government or other large organisations.

We need your help and support to continue to provide a high standard of care to the PRC parrots and also to continue to provide the Website, Newsletter and other services such as Sanctuary, Rescue, Rehabilitation, Adoption and Placement programs.

Thankyou for your kindness.

Yours truly,

Zarita Garozzo

Thankyou for your support.

Story of the month- Is that normal???? by Michelle Kaiser

“Is that normal????” seems to be the question mostly asked in our household since becoming owned by our 4 month old Rainbow Lorikeet, Cookie. I have to say they are definitely parrot with personality plus that I never expected.

It was love at first sight when we saw him (or her but think it is a boy) at a bird fest about a month ago. I was looking for canaries and, well, came home with Cookie. He was so friendly and curious that even my husband couldn’t resist him so it was off to buy a cage, put him in a box (which last all of 2 minutes in the car) and off home we went! While hubby set up the cage poor Cookie fell asleep, on his back, upside down on my chest. It was such a big day for him. That is when the “normal” questions started!!!

He now comes out for a cuddle (on his back), plays nibbles, hanging and with his foot toys on our chests (on his back) and loves to chew on beans as you may have guessed, on his back!!!!! Thanks to Smiley’s Birds Form we were quickly reassured that this IS “normal” for a Lorikeet to do and they love it!

I have to admit though that lorikeet cages are not for the faint hearted and the sooner we can get rid of the carpet the happier I will be. I guess to explain I could say that Cookie’s nick name is “Squirter” and yes it is all “normal” too. He also manages to get wet mix everywhere (even in your eye!) when they do their head shake thing. I was reading up about Lorikeets in a Lorikeet book and it actually said that they do not recommend owning a Lorikeet as a companion pet because of the mess they made. I thought that was pretty funny and passed the book on to a breeder.

I guess I will finish off by saying that if it is true that to be pooped on by a bird is good luck then we bird owners must be the luckiest people around but of course we know that already!! So much so in our case that we now have a 4 month old Galah named Dusk and the settling in period for her is quickly coming to end as she starts to destroy her toys and learn how to undo those pear clips that hold everything up!!! Now we are twice as lucky!

How to enter the monthly draw to win a PRC recommended parrot toy and have your birdies picture and story part of the PRC Newsletter.

· Fill out the Parrot Rescue Centre Membership Form
· Write a story about your feathered friends, whether emotional, funny or silly
· Send it to zarita@parrotrescuecentre.com
· Include a photo of your bird as an attachment on the email.

It’s that easy! We look forward to hearing your stories!

The respiratory system of birds is different from all other vertebrates. Birds have a lot of “empty space” inside them to keep them light for flying.  These “empty spaces” are filled with clear, “glad wrap” bags of air, the air sacs.  When a bird breathes in and out, it is not the lungs that are moving.  A bird’s lungs are static. It is the air sacs that move and pump oxygen through a complex bronchial network of a stationary lung.  Birds have nine main air sacs that play an important role in respiration. The avian respiratory system delivers oxygen from the air to the tissues and also removes carbon dioxide.  It also plays an important role in maintaining normal body temperature.  The respiratory system of birds is fast and efficient.  It’s all an adaptation to allow for maximal absorption and delivery of oxygen to enable a bird to fly effectively.

The unique respiratory system of birds is affected by many different physical and environmental conditions.

Aerosol Inhalants

The functions of the air sacs that allow birds to collect oxygen so efficiently can also put them at risk in household environments.  Birds are very sensitive to airborne toxins.  This is why underground coal miners of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries carried caged canaries.  These birds died quickly if toxic gases were circulating in the tunnels.

As a result of their highly sensitive respiratory systems, modern household environments can be similarly toxic to pet birds.  Many common aerosol products can kill birds very quickly.  Insecticides, cleaning products, fumes from Teflon cook-ware are some common causes of deaths in pet birds.  Plug-in air fresheners and insecticides are also highly dangerous to pet birds.  Recently in my own practice I have seen birds die from inhaling fumes of “spray-on” fake tan, fumes from glues during building renovations and one poor little canary kept in an air-tight bedroom, died from inhaling fumes from a well-known brand of aerosol deodorant.

Pressure on air sacs

Pet birds can also suffer respiratory distress from pressure placed on their air sacs. A common cause of breathing difficulties is obesity.  In fat birds, the liver becomes enlarged and unhealthy. Healthy liver cells are replaced by fat cells.  Extra abdominal fat deposits and the enlarged, fatty liver push against the air sacs and reduce the effective functioning of these “bellows”. 

Other common conditions that compromise the air sacs and reduce their effectiveness in the respiratory system are tumours.  Budgies are prone to ovarian, kidney and testicular tumours.  These lesions fill up the body cavity and put pressure on the air sacs.  Budgies with these conditions are usually presented with “breathing difficulties”. 

Birds that are egg bound or have retained eggs also present with breathing difficulties caused by a retained egg or an enlarged uterus putting pressure on the air sacs.

Infections

Viral and bacterial infections can also adversely affect the functioning of the air sacs. These infections cause airsaculitis which changes the clear, transparent appearance of the air sacs tissue to an unhealthy, cloudy opacity. One of the typical symptoms of Psittacosis is cloudy, infected air sacs.

Inhalation Pneumonia

A common problem in hand-reared baby birds is inhalation pneumonia.  This occurs when some of the food is inhaled into the trachea and passes into the lungs and through into the air sacs. The inhaled food acts like a foreign body and causes a reaction within the tissue of the air sacs and the lungs. It is full of micro-organisms that enable bacteria and fungus to proliferate in the warm dark spaces of the air sacs.

Aspergillosis

Countless kinds of fungus and molds exist in the environment.  Aspergillosis is a common fungal infection of the avian respiratory system. If this condition remains undiagnosed and untreated, fungal spores proliferate throughout the air sacs and lungs eventually causing death.  Once diagnosed, antifungal medications and supportive care can be effective against aspergillus infections but these treatments are long term and involve regular checks to assess recovery.

An understanding of the complex respiratory system of your pet bird can help you be more aware of common aerosol dangers and also aids in the early recognition of subtle signs of illness.

Written by Peter Wilson
BVSc MACVSc
Avian and Reptile Practitioner

To contact Peter Wilson Click Here

This article will be published in Paws and Claws Journal

Leave your precious birds with understanding and knowledgeable parrot carers.

We provide quality care for your pet birds including clean housing, healthy diet, enrichment, interaction and training (extra fee).

Your bird will not have time to be bored or sad, so stress and frustration will be less likely.

All funds made from bird boarding are directly used by the Parrot Rescue Centre to help with caring and maintaining the sanctuary birds environment.

• Tested negative to Psittacosis
• Tested negative to PBFD
• Faeces Tested negative for worms and bacteria
• Examination suggests that the bird is clinically free of illness or infection and is considered in sound physical health by the examining veterinarian

For more information please contact:

Zarita Garozzo

Ph: 07 5569 2840

Email: zarita@parrotrescuecentre.com

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