ParrotChronicles.com

September-October 2002, Issue 6

Bearers of a lost language. A legendary parrot kept the dialect of the extinct Maypure Indians alive. Could two Amazons be taught to speak it again for a haunting exhibit?

Sprouts are out. Germinated seeds are even better. Here's why.

Reading the newspaper. Droppings say volumes about a bird's well-being.

Haven for abandoned birds
From The Boston Globe

Nothing to squawk at
From SFGate.com

Parrots return after nine decades
From BBC News

Bird Quarantine at Peninsula Pet Store
From 5PixPage

First Person.
Enter our bimonthly essay contest and you could win a $50 gift certificate to DrsFosterSmith! Click here to enter!

One-minute survey.
How are you protecting your bird from the West Nile Virus? Let us know!

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Bird clubs. Meet fellow owners.

Bird rescue groups. Adopt a bird in need of a good home.

Avian veterinarians. Don't wait until a medical emergency to find a good vet.

Parrot index. Read about the different species.

FAQ. How to care for your parrot.

Hazards. How to make your home safe for your bird.

Glossary. From blood feather to psittacosis, learn the lingo.

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Article index.
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Thanks for behavior consultant story
I really enjoyed this article. (Does your bird need a shrink?, Summer 2002). The education and backgrounds of the people offering help was interesting. I found the example of Watson and the specific advice for this out-of-control situation most useful. Thank you.

--Donna, dbabao@hotmail.com

I was reading the article on behavior problems and consultants, and noticed that Susan Farlow was mentioned. Indeed, she was the first behavior consultant I ever met about ten years ago, and she is excellent. It was partly due to her that I became so involved in avian counseling. You folks really do your research thoroughly, and it shows in everything that is printed on your website. The topics for the summer issue are great! I can't wait to finish reading them. I have numerous health problems, like many folks who have pets, and am often involved in conversations about this topic. It is a legitimate worry for a lot of people.. I'm going to mention your site to numerous birders that I know (I belong to about 10 avian lists). Many people like to read my stories and articles, so when I refer them to your site to read my latest one, I am confident that they will find the entire site to be incredibly interesting and will subscribe.

--Cher Angelo, byrdwise@aol.com

Thank you for everything! I think we do need a shrink, and your article did much to let me know there are alternatives to the $200-an- hour one recommended by our vet. Our goffin's is picking. The article has already helped. Mainly, I'm writing about your diary. So touching. The visit to the vet reminded me of my daughter at the dentist when she was four. They wouldn't let me go back with her, and I heard her sobbing and then choking. I went back to find that she was choking on her own mucus and they were holding her down! After that (I took her out quickly!), I always go back with child or bird-child. I got tears in my eyes thinking how upset Louie was and how terrible it was for you.

--Linda, keikoasmom@aol.com

I wish to thank you for a splendid article about behavioral counsel for pet bird owners and favorable inclusion of my work and name. I remember Watson, the pionus described in your article, very well - never have I seen such a steely glare of intent to bite to the bone than in that little guy's eyes! It was an admirable moment when he took a bead on my sneakers and raced across the room determined to make mincemeat of me - such presence and sheer will in so small a frame. I have worked with macaws who could learn a thing or two about attitude from Watson.

It is a valuable service to pet owners to learn what resources of support are available to enhance the quality of life for our companion birds. You also make the valuable point that not all behavioral counselors offer the same expertise, nor is a consultation necessarily the silver bullet to cure an ailing relationship in every case.

--Sue Farlow, sfarlobird@hotmail.com

The dangers of wall outlets
I thought as a 10-year-plus bird owner I was careful, but I guess I wasn't careful enough. Last week I let out on top of their cages my blue-front Amazon and the Senegal. I put my mini-macaw S'allie on a perch on the other side of the room. I walked out of the room to put supper in the oven and we heard an awful screech. It meant that somebody was on the floor (my birds aren't allowed on the floor) and when we came in only S'allie was missing. We looked and behind his cage we found him, wounded, hurt and out of it. We think that he tried to go back to his cage and fell behind and somehow or other put a claw into a plug (we think) and received a shot of electricity.

We rushed S'allie to the avan vet, my holding him to my body and his body occasionally shaking. My poor S'allie died and I grieve and cry still. I now have a piece of board over the wire and cords. Please take warning and don't let this happen to you. It only took a minute..

--Sandra Rubin, parrotmom@attbi.com

The best online or in print
Hey there! Thank you so much for the first two issues of ParrotChronicles.com! My wife and I have a Meyer's and a Senegal and we really enjoy your online magazine! So far, your periodical is one of the best produced and most useful I have found on the net, or in print! Best of luck going forward!

--John Nolan, New York City

Thanks! Actually, this is the sixth issue of ParrotChronicles.com since we launched in June 2001. Click here for links to all the back issues. --Editor

Brian Wilson works magic
I am so glad you did a story about this remarkable man! (Parrot People, Summer 2002). Brian Wilson works magic with abused, neglected, and unwanted parrots. He has taught birds who have lost their love for human beings how to trust and love people again. I have seen the results of Brian's gentle touch with even the largest of parrots. Brian Wilson is a gift from God and we who love birds should be very grateful that the Wilson Parrot Foundation is in existence.

--Jane A. Kerns, Of a Feather Bird Club, Easton, Md.

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