Hello Parrot Friends,

Thank you everyone for your continued support.

It is that time of year again when the PRC becomes inundated with birds being surrendered. Spring is always the time when birds lose their homes due to breeding season hormones! Please if you are interested in Adoption visit our adoption program online and download and send through your application form. For more information click here.

Everyone’s continued support with the PRC shop has enabled us to continue our services and programs, so we are very grateful. If you have any suggestions or feedback about the PRC shop or website, please email us, we would like to know what you think!

There are lots of new products on the shop, so please have a good look around.  You may have noticed that there have been some changes to the PRC Shop, such as the pagnation and numbering of all the pages. There will be more changes in the weeks to come with a new category section and new page layout to make it easier for you to shop.

The PRC website will be changing its look also, so please do not be alarmed when you notice that the background for the page heading of the website has changed.

Thanks again

Zarita Garozzo

Top 5 Reasons I Do What I Do

Ya know – you can do some crazy stuff with Photoshop, like, even make it appear as though there’s actually a Sun Conure and Green-cheeked Conure living in these cages. Imagine that huh? I mean, wouldn’t it be nuts to put a bird in... Hmmm - hang on a second here, that’s not Photoshopped is it? There actually is a `real’ Sun and Green-cheeked Conure chilling in those Victorian era `Domes of Doom’. Oh dear...

I was sent this photo recently and, well, knock me down with a feather (pardon the pun) but I could have sworn this was 2009 and I was living in a well-developed nation that offers plenty of education on bird care and the environmental enrichment needs of parrots as pets. It prompted me to come up with an idea for a series of Blog posts - `Top 5 Reasons Why I Do What I Do’. Each fortnight over the next 10 weeks I’ll post the next in line for the Top 5. So, in no real order of significance, here we have `Number 5’ to kick things off.

Having seen what Conures get up to in the wilds of Central America first hand, I shudder to think about the level of boredom, frustration and stress that such active little extroverts face during the 8 or 9 hours a day these guys are caged as they are. And we still scratch our heads when they pull their own feathers out. I mean, really... wouldn’t you?

If you guys ever wonder why someone like me spends most of their spare time educating parrot owners, working with people to improve the standard of understanding out there on what a parrot needs to be a functional, engaging and behaviourally well adapted critter in captivity – the image above is as good a reason as any. It sure ain’t for the money, so for those of you out there who think parrot behaviour consultancy is a `good little earner’ – I hate to burst your ambitious bubble. At best, even for those of us getting significant client numbers and running workshops, it might cover part of your feed and enrichment bill over the course of the year. It’s pretty much a pathway that constantly challenges you and, at times, whilst you do unfortunately get to see the worst, you also meet some of the most dedicated and incredibly caring parrot owners who have birds that are thriving! This Top 5 won’t be just about the negative side – hopefully it will be balanced by some real positives. Maybe it should have been a `Top 6’ then? Anyway, as long as parrot owners are sticking their birds in ornamental domes and think that’s just fine and dandy, I’ve obviously still got some work to do ;-)

Kind Regards, Jim McKendry
Parrot Behaviour & Enrichment Consultations
www.pbec.com.au | jim@pbec.com.au
Clinic Consultations available 3rd Saturday of every month at Brisbane Bird & Exotics Veterinary Service – see website or e-mail Jim for details!!!

Need advice and support to achieve your Companion Parrot behaviour, training and enrichment goals?

Jim proudly supports the PRC by purchasing Parrot Toys and Accessories from the PRC Parrot 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

As the end of the year, and Christmas quickly near, we start to think about gifts we can get for family and friends. Fortunately for our feathered friends, the range and of toys that are now available has increased greatly over the last couple of years and there is a huge variety to choose from.
    When we think of toys, we think of frivolous objects of fun and pure enjoyment, and while many toys are, and should be fun, there is a serious and purposeful reason for providing toys for our parrots.

    Toys can provide stimulus, both physical and mental and can also be used to occupy our parrot’s time.

    In previous articles I have discussed the importance of environmental enrichment and foraging as a means of supplying our parrots with the chance to perform natural behaviours that they would perform, if in the wild. Thankfully there are now many companies supplying excellent foraging toys, DVD’s and magazines and books are including important and useful information.

  For toys and environmental enrichment to be effective, there are a few simple rules to follow:

1. SAFETY. Any objects being used must be looked at carefully to make sure that they are completely safe. This means making sure any metals, paints or colouring used are non-toxic. Also objects must be checked to make sure if they are broken, splintered, or ingested they cannot become a problem. If ropes, fibres or materials are used, make sure a parrot cannot become entangled and possibly strangle itself, if the materials are shredded.

2. SIZE. The size of the objects used can be important, in case the parrot swallows them or parts of the toys.

3. INTEREST. Whatever is used must be of interest to your parrot. This sounds very obvious, but if you are giving your parrot a toy, or object to interact with, and he isn’t touching it at all, then is it serving any purpose? The old saying of, “A Destroyed Toy Is An Enjoyed Toy”, is very true, especially when it comes to a lot of parrots.  Just as, if any new or novel object is causing fear or anxiety in your parrot, then this isn’t environmental enrichment, it is environmental terrorism!

4. NOVEL. For toys to maintain their interest, they must be kept novel. Toys should be changed and rotated regularly so that they keep their interest and seem new when represented. Ideally toys should be changed daily, so that they maintain their difference and surprise. Start collecting a range of objects and toys so you can supply a wide selection to present to your parrot.

5. VARIETY. Variety is the spice of life, so try and think of different ways to provide stimulus in different ways to your parrot. Look at the variety of parrot you own and look at what this type of bird does in the wild. Wild behaviours of parrots can give us a lot of information as to what our breed of parrot may show interest to. Look at what they eat, where they feed, bathing and preening behaviours. Try to look at different ways of stimulating your parrot’s different senses.

6. ENJOYABLE. Again, this sounds something that should be quite obvious, but make sure whatever you are supplying to your parrot, is enjoyable and not frustrating. If it is a puzzle toy, you may have to show your parrot how it works, or what to do just so he can understand what it expected.

When looking at toys, there are many different types to consider and they can fall into different categories which can also overlap

DESTRUCTABLE TOYS. These are toys that can be ripped, chewed, torn, pulled, or shredded. They can give your bird beak and jaw exercise as well as being manipulated using their toes and feet. Things made of wood, paper, cardboard and natural branches. A lot of foraging toys fall into this category, with food being hidden inside objects that the parrot must find and pull apart to get to the food. Natural products such as safe wood, leaves seed pods and flowers can give your parrot much exercise and enjoyment while being totally annihilated.

INDESTRUCTABLE TOYS.  Even though a lot of the toys that fall into this category can be a little more expensive, they have the added advantage of being very durable and having long lifespan. These toys are usually made of stainless steel or heavy duty acrylics and many of the new foraging and puzzle toys fall into group.

PUZZLE TOYS. These are toys that make your parrot work, learn and remember how to maneuver parts to open them, and retrieve treats. Some require the parrot to turn, push, pull and manipulate pieces to achieve their goal. These thinking toys are great, as they give the parrot mental, as well as physical exercise. One work of caution about these toys, make sure they are not too frustrating for your parrot. It should occupy the parrots time and by fun, not be a torture, so if you parrot is having difficulties, you may have to play with the toy and show him how to use it, or replace it with an easier one and build up to more complex toys.

Toys can also fall into other groups that can be used in different ways by your parrot. It is a good idea to try and supply a variety of different types, for different uses by your parrot. Some of these different groups of toys include Foot Toys, which the parrot uses mainly his feet to hold and manipulate them. Beak toys which the parrot uses mainly its beak to investigate, chew and exercise. Cuddle, Comfort Toys, Preening Toys and objects. Many of the objects used may fall into two of three different categories at the same time, depending on how your parrot uses them.

Supplying of toys and Environmental Enrichment is only limited by your imagination. Try to think of as many different ways and objects for your parrot to play and use safely. I personally do not know who gets more enjoyment from the toys….my parrots, or me thinking up novel ways to entertain them and then watching them enjoying themselves.

Always remember that all of our companion parrots are individuals and will have different interests, likes and dislikes and will not all be interested in the same sort of objects. Just because one parrot likes something, does not necessarily mean another will.

If you have toys of objects you use for environmental enrichment that are really good, contact me so I can include them in an article and let everyone know.  Also, if you have had problems with any toys, or see potential for any danger to our parrots, please let us know so we can help alert everyone, so as to prevent possible problems or disasters.

The PRC Parrot Shop currently has selected toys on special.

Don't Miss out, there is limited stock available.

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, Jamie, Bella and volunteers. To help fund the PRC we have created the PRC Parrot Shop, Bird Boarding services and the Sanctuary Program and also rely 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- Adoption Success!

Ane and Nick adopted Krystal (female Galah) from the PRC at the beginning of September. They were looking for a companion for their pet male Galah Hurrah. Krystal was surrendered to the PRC due to continual barbering of feathers. She has now finally found a home that can keep her busy and happy.

Hi – quick update. All is well in the aviary. Yesterday, Krystal was super-clingy (with Nick of course), and showed no interest in Hurrah. This morning however, has been non stop co-preening (usually ending in Hurrah trying to put his leg over). He is showing off (everything is dangerous today apparently – crown and wings up!) protecting his new gem from all the “hazards”. Krystal is fascinated by a hollow log and keeps sticking her head in (I don’t think her body would even fit through the hole). I cringe a bit by all the grooming, but to my surprise nothing has come off either off them. Hurrah is very much a galah, and Krystal is copying his branch gnawing, and acrobatic climbing. It’s fun to watch them, and neither is fussed about spending time with us today at all – which is probably a good sign. We are becoming very excited on their part as it is already looking very promising – and they are both very occupied.

Ane

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!

• poor feathering quality – feathers are thin and greasy – down feathers disappear

• Xanthomas/lumps develop

• Skin irritations

• Clotting problems and bleeding – a broken blood feather may result in prolonged, life-threatening bleeding

• The enlarged liver may cause breathing difficulties as the organ puts pressure on lungs and airsacs

• The bird’s abdomen may appear distended (in some cases, the liver is actually visible below the keel bone)

• The bird develops greenish diahorrea

• End stage liver disease can cause toxins to build up in the bloodstream resulting in central nervous signs such as disorientation or seizures 

Infections can also cause liver disease.  The most common infectious causes of liver disease are bacteria as well as Chlamydophilosis (Chlamydiosis).  Other infectious causes include viruses such as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease , Polyomavirus and herpesviruses.  Some parasites can also cause liver damage.

Toxins are another cause of liver disease. Pesticides, certain plants, some metals, aflotoxins on mouldy foods or peanuts can result in serious liver damage in pet birds.

X-Rays can clearly show a bird’s enlarged and fatty liver with restricted air sac spaces, while blood tests can give an indication as to the extent of liver damage which has occurred.  Other specific disease tests can check for Chlamydia, bacterial infections, viruses, mycotoxins and parasites.  Sometimes, a liver biopsy may be necessary.

A qualified avian veterinarian will diagnose the cause of liver damage, whether caused by unhealthy diet, infections or toxins, and initiate an appropriate course of treatment.  Multivitamins are essential for helping to regenerate and unhealthy liver.  Methionine (an amino acid that transports fats from cells) is also an important part of treatment for the diseased liver.

Maintaining a healthy, balanced diet is an important part that owners can contribute in an effort to prevent liver problems in their pet bird. It is also important for owners to become familiar with a healthy weight for their pet bird. Regular weighing is an essential part of responsible bird ownership.  Weights must be correlated with the “feel” of the bird (eg. Become familiar with feeling the keel, breast muscles and abdomen of your pet) Get your avian veterinarian to show you how to examine these areas of your bird’s anatomy.

Written by Peter Wilson
BVSc MACVSc
Avian and Reptile Practitioner

To contact Peter Wilson Click Here

Leave your precious birds with understanding and knowledgeable parrot carers.

We provide quality care for your pet birds including clean housing, healthy diet, enrichment and interaction.

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 continue our services and programs.

For more information please contact:

Bella Garozzo

Ph: 07 5569 2840

Email: bella@parrotrescuecentre.com

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The PRC is very grateful for your support. THANKYOU

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