Steve Martin Event

The Parrot Rescue Centre would like to say a big Thankyou to the Parrot Society of Australia for organising the special event on the 27th November staring Steve Martin. All that attended have gained a lot of knowledge and inspiration from his presentation.

About Steve Martin:
" One of the best-known trainers in the world, Steve Martin has pioneered the art of training a variety of birds and animals through positive reinforcement. A master falconer for over 30 years and a parrot trainer for more than 35, Steve has produced and consulted on bird and animal behaviour at over 35 zoos and parks on four continents. Steve's training experience includes well over 100 species of birds and over 25 species of mammals. He is a member of the California Condor Recovery Team and behaviour consultant several zoos and the Hawaiian Hawk and Hawaiian Crow projects. He is also the founder, past President, and President Elect of IAATE (International Association of Avian Trainers and Educators). His free-flight bird shows have been enjoyed by millions of people. Steve is well-known for his educational program philosophy which is to engage, inspire and empower his audience.” (http://www.naturalencounters.com )

Some important points that Steve Martin covered at his presentation which we would like to share with those that could not attend are:

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Click here for more information on Birdbrains One day workshops

FAQ by Parrot Behaviour & Enrichment Consultations

1. What might be causing feather loss in my companion parrot? (Part 2)

In last month’s edition of Q&A we focused on the initial evaluation of feather loss and the importance of seeking avian veterinarian advice as the first point of reference if concerns arise about the feather condition of your parrot. Once an evaluation has been made by your avian veterinarian that the feather loss is behavioural, it’s time to focus on the potential causes and underlying issues that may have led to the condition.

Firstly, at a surface level we can usually categorise feather loss and damage into:
*Feather Picking: Damage to the feathers via improper preening that does not result in their complete removal.
*Feather Plucking: Complete removal of feathers from the body.

In some circumstances it may even be a combination of the two, where the feathers are first excessively preened, resulting in damage to the feather barbs, and then removed completely. Other terms occasionally used are feather mutilation and feather destruction. These are essentially synonymous with the above.

I’ve personally managed and consulted with feather picking and feather plucking in companion parrots for more than 10 years now, including parrots in my own flock. Over that time I have been able to establish some general correlations between the observable feather damage characteristics and the most likely causes. In every situation however, a thorough examination of the environment and all of its dynamic components must be made.

Feather picking and feather plucking is considered a `stereotypical’ behaviour, and by definition is not a normal and functional behaviour. All behaviour however, functional or otherwise, is linked to the environmental context. We need to acknowledge and appreciate that this is a captive phenomenon that is not observed in wild parrots. For a wild parrot to remove or damage its own feathers is equivalent to suicide. The accountability for self-induced feather damage in captive parrots ends with `us’ as ultimately, this behavioural problem is an indicator of our failure to provide the captive conditions and experience conducive to proper behavioural health. Sometimes achieving an optimum captive environment can be extremely difficult; indeed despite my own best efforts, we still struggle to find solutions for some of the birds we have taken on with this condition.

Evaluating the situation below the surface level we can draw some potential insights into precipitating causes…

*Behavioural feather picking: In such cases there may be mild damage to body contour and wing contour feathers resulting in damaged barbs and barbules and a general appearance of poor feathering. In my experience this is often related to boredom, lack of access to regular bathing opportunities and lack of access to a partner in the case of those species that indulge in mutual preening with flock mates (such as Conures, Cockatoos, Amazons, Macaws, Lories, African Greys). Unfortunately, many companion parrots lack the presence of a conspecific partner, are not provided with species appropriate bathing opportunities and are not provided with an enriched environment. Managing feather picking at this level requires an approach that focuses on re-evaluating the environmental enrichment on offer, being more creative with feeding schedules to extend time spent engaging in feeding activity and ensuring that bathing opportunities are increased to promote proper preening behaviours. In cases where the enrichment, bathing and feeding schedule is appropriate and the bird is provided with access to a conspecific partner, consideration of incompatibility stress in the environment may be required. Stress from being housed with, next to or near incompatible parrots or other animals can potentially result in self-induced feather damage due to anxiety-based stress. This is where a sound knowledge of parrot body language will provide insights as to the observable degree of comfort level that the parrot may be at in its environment. In addition to the above, handraised juvenile parrots are often exposed to stressors early in life that may result in juvenile feather problems. In appropriate weaning schedules, lack of opportunity to fledge, improper clipping of wings and early removal of parental figures can all potentially result in stress-induced behavioural feather picking in juvenile birds. In the case of certain species such as Gang-Gang cockatoos and African Greys, removal of juvenile birds from environments that allow access to parental support can be considered highly contributory to feather picking and plucking observed before 12 months of age.

*Behavioural Feather Plucking: Feather damage that extends to complete removal of feathers is usually either an extension of long-term lack of enrichment (considering all forms) and/or the result of stress induced by inappropriate housing, inappropriate exposure to aversive stimuli (including incompatible animals within the environment), inappropriate interactions with humans (excessive use of negative reinforcement and punishment), inappropriate feeding schedules and potentially, psychogenic issues related to hormone dynamics and sexual maturity. Hormone relationship to feather plucking has not been adequately studied and profiled to my knowledge therefore, in my opinion, the common blame for feather plucking being directed towards `hormones’ in sexually mature parrots is an inadequate response to this situation and may fail to empower the owner with need to focus on environmental change for effective behaviour change.

In some cases the situation extends to tissue damage and self-mutilation. At this stage significant clinical care may be required and involve a combination of strategies, including medication, which will involve consulting with an avian veterinarian as well as a qualified behaviour consultant.

After reading this I’m sure you can appreciate the potential complexities of self-induced, behaviour feather damage in companion parrots. Successful remedial management of the situation in many circumstances is often dependent on a `holistic’ approach that seeks to cater for numerous potential causes. In next month’s Q&A we’ll take a look at such approaches.

If you are experiencing behavioural feather problems with your companion parrot then consider taking the opportunity to contact me and discuss your situation. Attendance at one of our Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary workshops, a phone consultation or even an in-home consultation might provide some of the solutions that you’re searching for.

For more information about my workshop experience or to receive a pamphlet with information about my consultation services simply contact me via jim@parrot-behaviour.info or via my website at http://www.parrot-behaviour.info

Kind Regards, Jim McKendry
Parrot Behaviour & Enrichment Consultations
http://www.pbec.com.au
jim@pbec.com.au
mobile: 0421 175 841

Do you have a parrot behaviour or care FAQ that you would like me to answer via the PRC Newsletter? If so then e-mail your question to Zarita via zarita@parrotrescuecentre.com

To access information on the Parrot-behviour.info website and the CPSN initiatives please visit:
www.parrot-behaviour.info.com

Featured Product of the Month from the PRC Shop

PRC would like to provide you with some resourceful information each month of selected items from the PRC shop. The PRC personally uses all items provided in the Shop to ensure there safety, durability and excitement factor. Remember most PRC birds live in aviary environments and practice there natural chewing ability 24/7 therefore toys put in our aviaries do not have the same length of durability as a pet parrot kept indoors. When toys are tested with the PRC indoor parrots, the toys have a longer durability rate.

Purchase any 3 items from the PRC Shop and receive a free 500g bag of Mixed Gum nuts.

Purchase any 3 items from the PRC Shop and receive a free Tropical Parrot Swing.

Purchase any 3 items from the PRC Shop and receive a free Large Parrot Fruit Kabob.

Donate $50 or more and receive a Extra large Fruit Kabob

Donate $50 or more and receive free 860g bag of Tropimix for Small parrots (includes grains, legumes, fruits, nuts and vegetables)
It’s a great teat for small parrots.

This product is only available with this offer and limited stock available!

When placing your on-line order "Write your prefered Option number (1-5) in the Comments section of your Paypal payment"
It is that Easy!

Paypal now takes bank card payments, so if you do not own a credit card or don’t like using online Credit facilities, you will be happy to know you can now make payment with you bank account details.

“You know there is an answer to the suffering we see, and though it isn’t easy,
its still as simple as you and me”
(Quoted by John Denvor- Foster Parrots Mission Statement)

“The Demand for placement has far out paced our ability to accommodate it………”
(Foster Parrrots, Ltd)

The World Parrot Trust
The World Parrot Trust work to achieve the survival of parrot species in the wild, and the welfare of captive birds everywhere.

THE CHARITY FUNDING PROJECTS AND PROMOTING
EXCELLENCE IN PARROT CONSERVATION AND WELFARE

An Organisation dedicated to the conservation, study and enjoyment of Australia's native birds and their habitats.

Recently, I have had a “run” of budgerigars presented at the surgery, suffering from trichomoniasis. This is a disease caused by microscopic protozoan parasites (trichomonas) that affect the mouth, the crop, the pharynx and the trachea of the infected birds.

This disease can affect many different types of birds. I have diagnosed and treated trichomoniasis or trich in pigeons, doves, poultry, hawks, eagles, falcons, budgerigars, cockatiels and many other psittacines (parrots). In private avian practice, it is very prevalent in budgerigars.

The trichomonads (protozoa) cause white plaques and inflammation of the lining of the mouth, throat, esophagus and crop. These plaques or lesions have a white/cheesy appearance. The severity and appearance of the lesions vary in accordance with the virulence of the infection. As the disease progresses, the lesions become larger and thicker and can result in the patient experiencing difficulty in eating and breathing.

In the past, the typical symptom of a bird suffering from trichomoniasis was a “sticky head” caused by vomiting. When small parrots vomit, they shake their heads to clear their mouths. This results in sticky saliva covering the feathers on their head. However, lately I’m diagnosing chronic trichomoniasis in severely affected birds which do not exhibit typical signs of vomiting. These birds are presented exhibiting “sick bird” symptoms i.e. fluffed, thin and weak. However, other birds can be asymptomatic carriers and show no obvious signs of the disease.

The disease is transmitted by direct mouth to mouth contact between two birds. This can occur when parents are feeding chicks or during the courting process between bonded pairs. It can also be transmitted through healthy birds feeding from food and water contaminated by infected birds.

Trichomoniasis is diagnosed by a crop wash and microscopic examination of the crop fluids. The flagellated protozoa move around like “speed boats” and are very characteristic and easily diagnosed.

What has been evident in most of the recently presented cases is the formation of Trich abscesses in the mouth, throat and crop of the infected birds. In some cases the trich plaque or abscess obstruct the airways and infected birds can die of suffocation. In other cases, the inflammation of the throat and crop causes pain when swallowing, e.g. the affected birds can husk seed but are unable to swallow it. (owners see their pet at the seed bowl but are unaware that he is incapable of swallowing). In these cases, the infected bird will starve to death unless treated.

I have also seen the result of a trich abscess causing erosion of a blood vessel in the crop. The affected bird died of a fatal haemorrhage. Last week two young budgies were presented and diagnosed with chronic trichomoniasis. Each bird had a large trich abscess

in the crop which had progressed full thickness, from inside the crop through the crop wall to the skin surface. As treatment progressed in each bird, the abscess healed and was extruded from the body without surgical intervention.

Antiprotozoal drugs are effective in treating Trichomoniasis (Ronidazole and Flagyl). Severely affected birds require intensive care and supportive therapy as well as the antiprotozoal medication, whereas, asymptomatic carriers can be treated with a 7 day course in their drinking water. Most birds that are diagnosed early have a good chance of recovery. However, birds that are severely debilitated and/or have extensive damage to the respiratory or digestive tract may not recover.

Most of the cases of Trichomoniasis that I have treated lately have resulted from clients purchasing birds without getting them health checked. All of these cases have highlighted once again the importance of health checks and quarantine for all newly acquired birds. In several instances, the pet budgies had been coping with the infection for eighteen months before they exhibited signs of illness serious enough for their owners to take them to the vet. Health checks, quarantine and observation are the keys to maintaining the health of your pet.

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