Story update: A feather-picker reforms
What a difference a year can make.

Otis before.

Last summer I thought I might be fussing too much with my feather-picking Goffin's cockatoo, Otis (see The worst of habits, Fall 2001), and said I was going to back off a bit. That's exactly what I did - and he is full feathered and doing wonderfully for several months now.

Otis today.

I believe that Otis's picking was a combination of two things: too much handling and my researching all the "best" things to do for him and doing all of them at once. First, I cut down on our cuddle time. I then eliminated the majority of pellets from his diet and fed him a variety of fresh vegetables, fruits, grains and a good blend of seeds, both dry and germinated.

He also gets a daily shower, sunshine and lots of shredding toys. The difference in his plumage and his personality is like night and day. He is one happy, healthy and smart bird! And I am one happy bird parent.

--G. Freedman, New York

The straight poop
Thanks for your superb coverage on bird droppings (Reading the newspaper, September-October 2002)! So glad to have such a thorough knowledge on this critical topic! I will read our Sweetpea's newspaper everyday with much greater accuracy now! (She is an Indian Ringneck miniature parrot.)

--M.E. Welte, Honolulu

Thank you! Examining your birds droppings may be an indelicate subject, but it's one that I'm glad you've discussed! As a first-time bird owner, I tend to be somewhat paranoid about my bird's health. I've read many articles, books, and have spoken with my vet about early warning signs, but until now, I haven't heard the whole 'poop' on poop.

--Sherri Smith

Germinating seeds
This is a terrific article (Sprouts are out, September-October 2002). I used to sprout sprouts for my husband and myself, back in the 70's, but avoided doing it for our birds because of health hazards. Millie's article is informative, instructive, and easy to follow. I plan to start this week - the birds and I thank you for this great article!

--Morgan Henderson, owned by Oliver, 11-year-old Congo African grey and Pickle, 2-year-old yellow- collared macaw

I really enjoyed Millie Kemrer's article about how to sprout seeds for our bird friends - thanks so much for the information. It was excellent and made me want to try this myself.

--Jo Pringle, josefinasharon@peoplepc.com

I must be doing something wrong. The article implies that the seeds and nuts go back in the refrigerator under water after each wash. Is this correct? Wouldn't the cold temperature slow, rather than accelerate, positive nutritional changes in the seeds? I just tried to follow the directions and after three to four days got little apparent germination, even the short tails recommended. Finally I removed them and left them to sprout at room temperature, as I always do. Did I misunderstand?

--Stewart Metz, parrotdoc@att.net

Millie Kemrer replies: Most seeds become "live" after the first soak, even if some, especially smaller seeds, don't have tails yet. Keeping them refrigerated under a water barrier after the first soak will slow the sprouting process, which is what you want, and prevent contamination and mold. They won't lose nutritional value.

This was quite an eye opener - to know you don't have to wait for them to sprout before feeding them to the birds. I was also impressed that Millie talked about what water was best and that there were links to the sites to see the filtration systems. Also thank you for the links to the Web sites for the sprouts! Keep up the good work, Millie! I hope to see more articles from you!

--Rose Keith, rkeith@rockford.com

Read your article and have to say I have tried both ways... my birds don't get too excited about them either way. If I stand and feed them directly they will eat ....not usually on their own. Very good article and very informative to all.

--MaryAnn Gless, m.gless-ok@worldnet.att.net

Watson's Waterloo
My spouse and I really enjoyed reading about what a little Napolean "Watson" the pionus was (Does your bird need a shrink?, Summer 2002). The comment about him coming out of his cage like a fireman down a ladder brought great guffaws from us both. We are owned by an African grey and can relate to some of the behaviors related in the story. Keep up the good work and writing!

--Lisa and Pete, psart99@earthlink.net

Chipping a 'tiel
Thank you for a wonderful website. I was reading Marc Johnson's article about losing a bird (Polly, come home!" Spring 2002). I'm just wondering why it's suggested to consider microchipping if the bird is larger than a cockatiel. Is there a specific reason for this? My 'tiels mean the world to me.

--Paula Fitzsimmons, Madison, Wis.

ParrotChronicles.com

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