Cart Is Empty
In issue 309 -
When an Older Parrot Has Never Learned Skilful Flight – Complete Psittacine by Eb Cravens
In issue 309 -
Scarlet Macaws – were they really bred by indigenous people in the 12th century? Rosemary Low asks the question
In issue 309 -
Understanding the link between nutrition, hormonal behaviours and the avian endocrine system, Part 1 – The Holistic Parrot by Leslie Moran
In issue 309 -
The Yellow-eared Parrot – continues to expand its range in Colombia. By David Waugh, Correspondent, Loro Parque Fundación
Subscribe To Parrots Magazine - Don't miss a thing
Home eMag subs image

New e-Magazine Subscriptions

How would you like to get your Parrots magazine subscription delivered straight into your inbox. We are providing a new service to do just that. Visit our e-Mags Subscriptions page to register now.

subscribe

 The October 2023 edition of Parrots magazine (issue 309) will be available to download from 13th September via a link which will be emailed to subscribers. Single copies will be available from our online shop. You can save money by subscribing – find out more here.

Complete Psittacine, by EB Cravens

Parrots magazine April 2012

Considerations in Psittacine Mate and Chick Killing

The captive cage bird phenomena of mate killing and chick killing are two of the most critical concerns when practicing aviculture with certain species of psittacines. Aggressive white cockatoos, unpredictable king parrots, volatile lories and lorikeets, even hyped up conures or lovebirds are just a few of the hookbills that can be problematic in this realm.

Sometimes the cause and effect point of view is obvious such as two large parrots prematurely introduced by the keeper into the same cage including a full, dark nest-box for ‘hopeful bonding’ during the height of the hormonal breeding season. Other times mate or chick abuse is difficult to pin down and nearly impossible to foresee.

In all my years of dealing with aggressive and quick-tempered psittacines, I have had to solve a variety of confrontational issues with breeding pairs. The overriding factor in most of these relationships is stress of one kind or another. Small cage size makes things worse, as does competition for the best food items. Aggression towards nearby cage birds can instigate violence, as can jealousy towards a human keeper in a former hand-fed pet. The key for the aviculturist is to pay attention and know your birds.

Read more in the magazine…

Promotions

Newsletter

Newsletter

Invalid Name
Invalid email address
Please identify how you found us
Invalid Input

Subscribe Now!

Subscribe to parrots magazine

subscribe today. The best most widely read magazine for parrot lovers.

 
 

Our Address

Parrots magazine is published by
Imax Visual Ltd, West Building,
Elm Grove Lane, Steyning BN44 3SA

Telephone +44 (0)1273 464777
© Parrots magazine 2023