Dear Parrots magazine,

Self-awareness in parrots

Scientists sometimes suggest that the ability of an animal to recognise itself in a mirror is a sign of self-awareness. In his book Animal Cognition, Clive Wynne states that several of the great apes, including chimpanzees, can recognise themselves in a mirror. He states, “Most of the other species tested, including fish, dogs, cat, elephants and parrots, all react to their reflection (if they react at all) as if it were another animal.”

Read more: Letters: Self-awareness in parrots

Dear Parrots magazine,

Loss of native habitat to fires

I was sad to read (Issue 274, November) about the horrible fire damage to the São Francisco do Perigara cattle ranch and bird sanctuary. It’s even more depressing that the loss of native habitat to uncontrolled fires has been so widespread in that region.

Read more: Letters: Loss of native habitat to fires

Dear Parrots magazine,

GSE

For years I gave my birds 1 drop of GSE in their water bowls. I have a Ringneck who puts lots of food in his water. If I had been around all day it would have changed every few hours. Now after reading Leslie’s articles about GSE after washing the bowls I put in 1 drop with a little water, swish it around, pour it out and fill the bowls with water.

Read more: Letters: GSE

Dear Parrots magazine,

Disinfecting

I have always been regarded as ‘over the top’ when cleaning and disinfecting my cages and nest boxes. For years I have been using an iodine based product and although has an impeccable reputation for killing all bacteria and viruses (still used in hospitals as far as I know), it is a problem in some cases because of the yellow stain it leaves behind. I am not over bothered about the stain on nest boxes, but has left stains on some other items in my cages.

Read more: Letters: Disinfecting

Dear Parrots magazine,

Claiming a found bird

I wanted to make your readers aware of what mistakes are so easily made following finding a lost bird. It was when I went to hang out some washing in my back garden that I spotted an Amazon parrot sitting on my fence. I have a conure so am familiar with parrots, but this startled me somewhat.

Read more: Letters: Claiming a found bird

Dear Parrots magazine,

I have read a lot in this magazine about natural perches and have to admit, have not changed the dowel ones I have always had. But reading the article about feet (Parrots May 20) has somehow made me realise I should do more for my Orange-wing Amazon. I live on my own but have two excellent neighbours who always lend a hand. With their help, we managed to get some branches from another neighbour’s pear tree and got them fixed in with my Toby.

Read more: Letters: Better perches