Avian Health Network Newsletter December 2004
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In this issue:
--- Happenings at AHN
--- Book Review - For the Love of Greys (Bobbi Brinker)
--- Website of the Month - Gouldian Finch Society of UK
--- Recipe of the Month - Pine Cone Treats
--- Vornado Recall
--- Winter Travel Tips for You and Your Bird
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Happenings at AHN
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Trim our Tree to Stop PDD:
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The 2004 StopPDD Virtual Tree has gotten off to a great start, with over
90
decorations as of this writing. Created by a talented AHN volunteer,
remarkable graphics and an interactive search capability make this year's
Virtual Tree more fun than ever. Stop by and take a peek at
http://www.stoppdd.org/tree.html
An ornament can be purchased for your
special pet until December 21st and the tree will be on display until,
well,
until it's time to take down holiday trees!
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Donation Dollars at Work:
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Thanks to the generosity of sup****ters and program participants worldwide,
the umbrella organization for the StopPDD Campaign, Avian Health Network,
Inc. has provided $10,000 since the end of September 2004 to sup****t
research efforts of the Emerging Diseases Research Group at the University
of Georgia. AHN hopes to present another $5,000 after the first of the
New
Year as a result of holiday fundraising events.
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Birds of a Feather Quilt:
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On December 5, 2004, visitors to the Mid-Atlantic Bird Mart at Tyson's
Corner (near Wa****ngton, D.C.) had the op****tunity to see the Birds of a
Feather Quilt. This remarkable quilt that was featured in the
September/October issue of Parrot Chronicles
http://www.parrotchronicles.com
continues to draw rave reviews from everyone who sees it.
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If you won't have a chance to see the quilt in person, stop by
http://www.StopPDD.org/
to view photos and read more about it. While
you're
there, consider purchasing a ticket for the chance to own it. Dr. Branson
Ritchie will be drawing the lucky winner's name following his presentation
on avian health in the Columbia, Maryland area, on April 24, 2005.
Proceeds
will subsidize PDD research conducted by the Emerging Diseases Research
Group at the University of Georgia.
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Bird clubs interested in helping with this fundraiser can now obtain
blocks
of tickets for resale to members. Contact events@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
for more
information.
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AHN Online Conference:
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In order to accommodate busy holiday schedules, AHN's online conference
manager has extended the deadline for questions to presenters until the
end
of December. AHN would like to thank the presenters for donating their
time
and expertise for this annual fundraiser.
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Conference proceedings will be available for purchase in February 2005.
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StopPDD on the Web:
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Have you noticed that something is different? StopPDD.org has been
getting
a makeover over the last few months, thanks to the generosity of talented
professionals among our volunteers. As in many organizations, our
websites
are the product of rapid growth and have grown ***bersome - difficult for
you to navigate and difficult for us to maintain. Avian Health Network
finally has the op****tunity to make things better. Our websites are
being
given a fresh new look. They are being optimized to allow faster page
loading in your browsers, and brought into compliance with contem****ary
standards and technologies. Our new design will give AHN visitors a more
consistent experience.
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For the Love of Greys by Bobbi Brinker
Book Review by Debra Standiford
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Written by the well-known breeder Bobbi Brinker, For the Love of Greys is
truly a goldmine of information about the beloved parrots known as Congo
African or Red-tailed and Timneh African Greys. Ms. Brinker has covered
everything from behavioral issues to forced weaning, from common myths
about
Greys to proper socialization, from trimming flight feathers to proper
diet
including some great recipes, and from how to get your Grey to eat pellets
to how to grow sprouts.
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You'll find the answers to many of your questions concerning all parrots:
How do I know what to ask the breeder? Are peanuts ok? Should I give
vitamins? Do I cover my bird's cage? What are the airline regulations on
parrots?
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A book that you will refer to again and again, For the Love of Greys is
THE
book to have on this sensitive, intelligent species. Ms. Brinker will
soon
release her 2nd Edition to this book. The same great content remains
unchanged but the book is now available in paperback and has a new cover.
The latest edition goes on sale around December 15, 2004 at
http://www.parrottalk.com/bbbook.html
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"Website of the Month" Review: Gouldian Finch Society of UK
By Nancy Bowen
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Ever seen one of those brilliantly colored Gouldian Finches and wished you
knew more about them? The Gouldian Finch Society of UK Website
www.gouldianfinch.co.uk/index.html has pertinent information on how to get
started the right way with your Gouldian Finch.
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Utilizing years of experience Dawn & Barry March give tips and hints
covering several topics related to the adventure of owning these tiny
birds.
Articles here detail the basic requirements of finches including diet,
husbandry, and health issues. New articles are coming soon on digestion
and
respiration.
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This site also encourages parents to consider the educational benefits for
their children. Children learn responsibility for something that depends
completely on them - facing disappointments, joy, and discovery. It opens
doors to learn genetics, nutrition, chemistry, and biology.
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Log on to www.gouldianfinch.co.uk/index.html and see how big things truly
come in small packages! As an added bonus, you'll see some gorgeous
photographs of these wonderful birds-it's "eye candy!!"
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Recipe of the Month - Pine Cone Treats
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For those of you who went out and gathered pine cones for the holidays,
Judie Wellman has a page that tells you how to make them safe for your
bird
and then how to turn them into treats for your favorite fid. The recipe
is
accompanied by photos of Judie's helping hands, with a few beaks and feet
thrown in to assist in preparing this delectable treat. Judie even has
her
own 'professional' taste tester, Mr. Tuxedo. The recipe is located at
http://lmkandtux.homestead.com/Rbook4UPinecone.html
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Vornado Recall
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Vornado has initiated a voluntary recall on certain models of ****table
electric whole room heaters. A faulty crimp connection has been found to
possibly cause overheating. A fire has resulted in 24 confirmed cases by
Vornado. Be sure to check this link and see if your model is on the list.
http://www.vornado.com/hr04facts.html
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Winter Travel Tips for You and Your Bird
By Bobbie Robinson
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As Christmas approaches and excitement grows, we tend to forget that the
season also means winter is on its way. Winter means snow, sleet, and ice
for many of us. Driving can be a nightmare when winter sets in. Those who
are able will stay in their nice warm cozy homes and play with their
birds.
But what happens if a bird becomes ill, injured, or a family emergency
means
you have to take your bird out to be boarded during a snowstorm or its
aftermath? Are you prepared for emergencies in winter travel? The
possibilities of emergencies are almost endless, but the most common one
is
ending up in a ditch, road closures, accidents, or car breakdown. Be
prepared if any of the above should happen to you. Also be prepared in
case
it is a matter of just being very cold outside.
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Traveling and Facing an Emergency:
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Most breeders have a brooder for trans****ting babies or sick birds in any
weather. Brooders are not inexpensive however and would not be a must-have
item for the average pet owner. In all likelihood, it would never be used.
Having a few less expensive emergency items on hand would be wiser.
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The following simple tips and items are a good way to be sure, if
something
goes wrong, both you and your bird will be safe and warm. They are items
that should be kept in your vehicle throughout the winter whether your
bird
is with you or not.
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Inverters are a great investment. They plug in to a cigarette lighter and
can run a small heater, boil a kettle of water, or run an electric blanket
or heating pad. They are not too hard on a car battery so they can be used
for extended periods if necessary. If using with a small heater, which is
the best item to have handy, be sure the inverter is equal to the wattage
of
the heater. If the wattage is high, and you know it might be a while
before
help arrives, run the heater intermittently as needed to save battery
power.
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Traveling With a Sick Bird:
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A sick or injured bird must be kept warm at all times and not exposed
chills. On the other hand, a sick bird should not be kept too warm or
dehydration will be problematic. Place the bird in a carrier lined with a
towel and bring an extra towel or two to replace soiled ones if needed.
Moisture invites a cold and damp environment. Always replace the towel
before leaving the veterinarian's office and heading back home.
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Wrap the carrier in a warm blanket and place in the back seat of a
preheated
vehicle. Strap the carrier in. Do not travel with the bird on the front
seat
if you have an air bag there in case of an accident. The force of the bag
opening can crush the carrier and kill the bird. Either place a heating
pad
under the carrier or place an electric blanket over the carrier. Stop
after
a few minutes of travel to make certain the bird is warm enough, but not
too
warm. Adjust the controls as necessary or uncover the front of the carrier
if too warm. When removing the original blanket to cover the carrier with
the electric blanket, keep the blanket under a part of the electric
blanket
so it is warm to wrap the carrier when you reach your destination. Do not
wrap the carrier tightly with an electric blanket but leave it loosely
covered. Be very sure the bird cannot chew on any part of the electric
blanket from inside the carrier. A very ill bird is less likely to do
this,
but a less ill bird is more likely to try. You can just leave a blanket
partially covering the carrier and run a heater during the trip, but be
certain the heater is completely stable so it does not move and end up
against the carrier or tip and start a fire. Chain links or sturdy wire
wrapped around the heater and stabilized by a block of wood between the
back
of the heater and the source to which it is attached work very well.
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If you are caught short, and have no inverter, boil water and place in a
tightly sealed jar or jars. Wrap the jars well with towels and place in
the
end of the carrier. This will be okay if your trip is a short one. Do not
use the gel filled hot/cold packs as they can contain toxins if chewed or
if
leakage occurs. Ask for a fresh supply of boiling water at the vet's to
ensure proper warmth on the way home. If it is necessary to obtain more
water during the drive, most restaurants or coffee shops will be happy to
replace the water in the jars.
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If it is a case of having no time to prepare to trans****t the bird, use a
towel to wrap the bird and place it against your body underneath your
coat.
Your body temperature will keep the bird warm. Be sure the bird has
breathing space, especially if you are wearing perfume or aftershave.
Strong
odors are not helpful to an ill or injured bird.
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Beware! All of the above items for warmth can be very dangerous if close
scrutiny and care are not followed. Please use common sense and use only
if
absolutely necessary.
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Traveling With a Healthy Bird:
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The only predictable problem that might be encountered when driving with a
healthy bird is running into car trouble or inclement weather. As long as
your vehicle can remain running, all will be fine. If the vehicle is not
running, it is the ideal situation for having a heater and inverter to
provide warmth for everyone in the car. Little else will provide enough
heat
to keep everyone comfortable. Keep a flashlight and batteries on hand, or
a
bird safe candle and matches or a lighter. You will be safe and warm until
help arrives.
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While traveling, be sure there are no open windows providing a steady
stream
of cold air directly on the bird. Unless your vehicle is equipped with
rear
heat controls, the back is always cooler than the front.
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Hopefully you will never have to worry about weather, breakdowns, or
accidents. Just in case the unexpected arises, be prepared. Something to
provide warmth can be a lifesaver for humans or animals alike. Make sure
you
have enough gas in the car and that your battery is in good condition.
Worn
tires should be replaced before winter sets in. A few simple precautions
and
a car in good repair will provide security in the worst of conditions.
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Have a safe and comfortable winter, both you and your feathered
companions.
Happy holidays!
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"This newsletter is dedicated to Xena; lost to PDD December 8, 1997. To
read her story go here: http://www.avianweb.com/xena.htm
"
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Go to http://www.avianhealthnetwork.info/
and take our quick survey.
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Looking for a way to help? Volunteering just one or two hours a month to
help the StopPDD campaign can be very rewarding. We need people who can
help with website design, ideas for articles, help write the newsletter,
and/or help post the newsletter. All of this is done right from your
computer. If you are interested in volunteering a little time to help,
please contact newsletter@[EMAIL PROTECTED]
.
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Fine Print - The information contained herein is for educational purposes
only, and is not meant to substitute for quality avian veterinary care.
AHN
cannot guarantee the accuracy or timeliness of the information contained
herein, nor the information distributed by other groups or resources
referenced in this do***ent. Those with a bird(s) exhibiting any symptom
of
illness should seek the advice of a qualified avian medical professional
immediately.
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The opinions and/or content of the published do***ents are the sole
opinions
of their author and are not the opinions of Avian Health Network, Inc.,
their board, volunteers, or other participants. Avian Health Network,
Inc.
further does not warrant the accuracy or completeness of the information,
text, or other items contained within these materials.
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Newsletter articles may be reprinted on the WWW in their entirety,
including
title and byline, as long as a link to http://www.AvianHealthNetwork.info/
is provided with the statement: "First published in Avian Health Network,
Inc., Newsletter Volume x Issue y."
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Avian Health Network, Inc. #54-2068091 is a 501(C) 3 headquartered and
incor****ated in the Commonwealth of Virginia. We are an organization of
volunteers with no paid personnel. We are committed to raising public
awareness and funds for avian diseases such as PDD. Financial Statement
is
available upon written request from the State Office of Consumer Affairs,
Commonwealth of Virginia. Proceeds generated by the StopPDD campaign will
go to help subsidize the research of the Emerging Diseases Research Group
(EDRG) at the University of Georgia's College of Veterinary Medicine.
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