MAILBAG

Whither the Spix macaw?
I really enjoyed reading the update on the Spix macaw (Conservation Watch, Spring 2001). I had no idea that private breeders were reneging on their agreement with the government and selling the birds. This is really shameful. I do hope that if you learn more you will print it; it truly breaks my heart that this beauty may be lost to his native environment!

--Jeri Joyce Fontenot, jfonteno@sta.samsung.com

To our knowledge, the last known wild Spix, first reported missing last November, was never found. Spix conservationists have declined further comment on the current state of the reintroduction program. --Editor

Rescue breeding?
Incredible to find a magazine that will update an article based on additional information received by a reader (re: wing clipping).

I would hope that your inaugural feature article on bird rescue operations has gone a long way toward garnering future donations and last will and testament bequests. Having links to the various bird-rescue operations will afford a potential donor the opportunity to decide where he feels his donation would be best given.

I do have a question that perhaps you can answer. When an unwanted bird is retired to a sanctuary, what safeguards are taken to prevent the bird from finding a mate and breeding? Or is this an issue at all?

Congratulations on a fine publication.

--Adrienne Seay, Georgia

Large rescue efforts do keep many birds, sometimes in the same enclosures; however, without nest boxes and privacy, most birds don't try to settle down and raise a family. If birds do pair and produce eggs, most groups are diligent about removing them. --Editor

More praise
Just before writing to you to tell you how impressed I am by your site, I looked into the Mailbag and found that I am not alone in singing your praises.

Having just acquired my first parrot (a Timneh African grey) this past spring, I have been relentlessly pouring through magazines, books and Web sites and yours is the very best Internet site I have come across. I found it by following a link on the Ottawa Parrot Club's Web site and was very impressed not only by your articles, profiles and general information, but by the professionalism and the extensive list of links you provide.

Information that I'd be interested in seeing in one of your future issues would be on the heating techniques people use during the winter. What temperature ranges can the birds tolerate, what to do when power failures occur, heating with woodstoves, etc.

I'll definitely keep coming back. Thank you very much.

--Chris Rennie, Metcalfe, Ontario

Breeders condemned
"Plight of the unwanted bird" (Spring 2001) was a well-conceived and timely article. Permit me to address the root of this terrible situation.

In my opinion, there is absolutely nothing that justifies breeding, whether for profit or for "love". I have heard justifications for breeding ad nauseam, covering all the reasons imaginable, from "preservation of the species" to "that is what the birds are supposed to do." None will wash!

As we all know, and despite breeders' protestations, the breeder has very little if any influence over what happens to a bird once it is sold.

I have rescued and rehabilitated birds for 50 years and have seen things that continue to make me sick and ashamed of being a member of the allegedly civilized human race. Inconceivable acts of inhumanity, thoughtless cruelty, overwhelming ignorance.

I teach in schools, 4H clubs, junior achievement, service clubs, even in pet shops. I run a parrot helpline and provide basic counseling. In the final analysis, results are minimal. People don't want to listen and more importantly, they don't want to take the time to learn. It happens all the time: once the cute "feathered kid" administers the first bite to grandma or the kids, the romance is over and it's relegated to the cage.

Folks who breed these birds--which in most cases will be around and suffering long after the breeders are gone--either have absolutely no compassion or are able to rationalize their way out of the guilt they all should feel.

There are more than 8,000 psittacines in sanctuaries today. Most of them were bred in this country and in all cases the human caregivers were not up to the task.

Supporting breeders by buying their birds makes us all accessories to the "poultrification of parrots"; there is absolutely no argument in the world that can justify what this specialized "industry" is up to. Adoption is the only way for us to alleviate this terrible problem.

--Wilhelm J. Kiesselbach, Niles, Mich.

--Sabra Brea, Miami, Fla.

--Jane M. Eggerstedt, MD, Shreveport, LA

Breeders defended
I would have to say that Johnson (Rescue Spotlight) doesn't really know what he is talking about when he says it is time to stop breeding birds. I don't care how "honestly" he claims to have come to this conclusion. Why should he be one of the few to enjoy and benefit from having an interactive relationship with a bird?

Granted, birds are not for everyone, but neither are dogs, cats, hamsters, or even children! Adopting a "problem" or second-hand bird should not be undertaken lightly, or the bird will surely pass from one owner to another.

Few parrot breeders make much of a profit. They do it for the love of parrots. I would be more concerned with all the puppy and kitten mills that produce pets with little or no socialization skills. How many dogs and cats are put down every day in this country? Does that mean we should quit breeding dogs and cats? Of course not. We need to educate those purchasing the companion animal, regardless of species.

I generally do not believe that companion animals should be sold in pet stores but through caring breeders. There are many honest, responsible, ethical breeders in this country. To put them in the same category as those who mass produce pets is a crime in itself.

Incidentally, the African grey parrot pictured in your article could probably be helped a great deal by a skilled avian vet.

--Fran Menley, Berryville, AR, franley@hbeark.com

We mistakenly reported that Ingmar, the African grey pictured in this month's Rescue Spotlight, was living happily at Foster Parrots despite his deformed beak. In fact, Ingmar was adopted by a dentist (appropriately enough) the day he arrived and his beak has received much-needed attention. We've corrected the caption and apologize for the error. --Editor

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