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,

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,

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 always try to do the best for my Ducorps Cockatoo, Benny, and give him plenty of toys, but recently, we had a problem. I think I made the mistake of buying from the Internet as prices were very good, although from a supplier I had never heard of before. One of the toys consisted of a number of plastic rings of different sizes, which I thought would keep him occupied for some time.

Read more: Letters: Dodgy parts

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

Dear Parrots magazine,

A miracle recovery

Following my letter in the May issue about Topsy’s tumour, I feel it is important to inform readers of his recovery and fantastic improvement. After being told that he has a malignant tumour, a bloody sore on his bottom, no tail feathers or hardly any feathers at all, he has made a miracle recovery.

Read more: Letters: A miracle recovery