Dear Parrots magazine,
Parent-rearing
I refer to “Hand-rearing is not the answer” in the May 2010 issue of this magazine. When hand-rearing came into fashion some years ago I, like many others, thought this maybe the answer to stop the awful trade in parrots that have been ripped from the rainforest and travelled half away across the world in, often, appalling conditions. Well, of course, it has made a difference as buyers now choose the cuddly tame babies that have been captive bred, hand-reared and sold in pet stores. But having read many articles on parent-rearing, I am now of a different opinion.
Read more: Letters: Parent-rearing
Dear Parrots magazine,
In Response
I am writing in response to the letters published in “Parrots Letters Page” (May 2010)from Winston White and Rosemary Low commenting on the article I wrote “Amazons of the Caribbean Islands”. Firstly I would like to say the article was intended to highlight Amazons that are rarely mentioned and to give readers, who are not as fortunate as myself, a hint and feel of the Islands I mentioned.
Read more: Letters: In Response
Dear Parrots magazine,
Avian probiotics
I enjoyed reading Leslie Moran’s ‘Holistic Parrot’ article in last month’s Parrots (July 150) as we have used avian probiotics for more than 15 years in our aviaries. However, one statement near the end disturbed me, and I quote, “Avi-Culture is the only non GMO avian specific probiotic on the market.”
Read more: Letters: Avian probiotics
Dear Parrots magazine,
Toy warning
Hi, I just wanted to let other parrot owners know of a toy called “Bell Carousel”, retailing for £3.49, and to bring to the attention of all parrot owners the possible dangers of small bells on parrot toys, be cautious, we didn’t think anything bad would happen but it did.
Read more: Letters: Toy warning
Dear Parrots magazine,
Are supplements necessary?
I have read much about diet, in Parrots magazine and, in particular, about supplements. So having a Grey as a companion bird, which spends most of his time in our house, I thought, perhaps, he needs something ‘extra’? I have read a great deal about supplements and have always been a little wary, but thought they may be beneficial?
Read more: Letters: Are supplements necessary?
Dear Parrots magazine,
Turquoisine life span
As a NSW Australia licensed breeder of Turquoisine Grass Parakeets (Neophema Pulchella), I read your April 2010 (Issue 147) with interest. In the article by Pauline James, I found the disturbing statement (bottom of page 19) that “... it is unusual for Turquoisines to survive for much longer than 6-7 years.” With a lifespan about twice that of budgies, if you are not getting 15 years or more out of most of your Turquoisine Parakeets, you are doing something wrong!
Read more: Letters: Turquosine life span
