Abstract
Symposium CrucialTo Aviculture
The University of California at Davis held a fact-filled symposium
on Parrot Biology on October 17, 1992. The event was
culminated by speaker Gary Lilienthal who is the AFA legal
counsel. Lilienthal has been involved in the current Federal
legislation that will curtail and limit the importation of birds.
The symposium was coordinated by Ann Brice, Ph.D. of the
Department of Avian Sciences at the University of Davis, and
featured guest speakers Catherine Toft (Hybridization - Pros
and Cons), Nursery Management by Jeanne Smith, Factors
Affecting Psittacine Fertility and Hatchability by Ursula
Abbott, Avian Nutrition by Tom Roudybush, Preventing Disease
by Patricia Wakenell, and the Postmortem Exam by Linda
Lowenstine.
A strong case was made against hybridization or the taking
of different species and mating them to produce a different
looking bird. It is generally agreed that many exotic bird species,
mostly tropical, are becoming endangered and threatened
through a combination of the trade in wild-caught birds, smuggling,
slaughter and habit destruction. While most species are
not endangered because of hybridization per se, nonetheless,
interspecific hybridization in captivity threatens our ability to
maintain exotic species in captivity in their "natural" state.
Of particular interest to those breeding birds was the topic
and discussion on Nursery Management. Diseases are introduced
into the avian nursery by food, water, utensils and other
equipment, caretakers and the birds themselves.
While food does not have to be absolutely sterile, it should
not be contaminated with gram negative bacteria. It is strongly
recommended to purchase formulas from reputable and established
manufacturers. Avoid reheated leftover formulas as it
becomes a growth media for bacteria, yeast and fungus. Even
refrigeration does not stop organism growth.
Beware of water softening treatments. Salt in softened water
has been known to kill young chicks. Be careful when using
water-warmed brooders as they can become contaminated by
environmental contaminants unless attention is paid to frequent
cleaning and disinfecting.
Foot traffic through the nursery should be kept to a minimum.
Often we see a heavily trafficed place such as the kitchen
used as a nursery. Avoid the temptation to utilize part of the
nursery as a sick room as this presents an extreme risk to
healthy baby birds.
By using good sanitation procedures and being consistent,
good management can keep your chicks in good health.
Incubation of eggs is increasing with aviculturists. A suitable
incubator and hatcher should be able to maintain a temperature
of up to 38°C with less than 1/4°C fluctuation and a relative
humidity of at least 60%. It should be equipped for automatic
turning of eggs through at least 90°. If turning is not automatic,
it should be accomplished without opening the incubator. The
machine should have an internal fan so that temperature and
humidity are the same in all parts of the machine. An adequate
supply of fresh air should be available. Many breeders prefer to
lower the temperature of their incubators by a degree or two
and increase the humidity to facilitate hatching. Hatching different
species separately in hatchers thoroughly disinfected
between each use can be important in the prevention of disease
problems.
There are areas of avian nutrition which are on the cutting
edge, particularly with new data. Very popular today with
human diets, a decrease in fat in the diet, particularly with
obese birds, is practiced. Fat, of course, in excess is not
healthy. In any weight loss program, the bird must be closely
monitored to assess the rate of weight loss and whether any
newly substituted diet is being consumed. If possible, a bird
should be weighed at regular intervals if on a weight reduction
program. Weight loss should not be more than three percent of
the bird's body weight per week. Examination of the bird's
droppings is an easy way to detennine whether the bird is eating.
The dropping color may change, but the volume should be
larger than the volume of urine and bile combined for a fasting
bird.
The event culminated with a detailed discussion on the Federal
legislation that will curb importation of many birds, and
slow down the exportation of birds around the world. Guest
speaker Gary Lilienthal said the legislation was workable as
long as all parties to the legislation work together in harmony.
Lilienthal has donated his time as an attorney for four years to
further the American Federation of Aviculture 's position on the
legislation. He is a second generation aviculturist, and has
worked long and hard for the interest of the AFA. In his concluding
remarks, he related that he was disappointed that individual
states could still impose their own regulations and certain
aspects seemed restrictive but, by in large, the legislation
would have been totally restrictive had the American Federation
of Aviculture and aviculturists around the world not let
their voices be heard.