MAILBAG

Kudos
Thank you for putting together a publication that brings together everything parrot owners need to take proper care of their birds--free and online to boot! It's fun to read and nicely laid out.

I found the article on parrot rescuers especially terrific--very informative. Makes you think twice about where to get a bird and the job you're doing taking care of the ones you already have. "Shorty" and I look forward to seeing your next issue!

Jeff Morris, Austin, Texas

I have just visited ParrotChronicles.com and to you I send kudos. It is well done, easily readable, and just plain GREAT. I applaud your project efforts, all the work you have put into it, and your outreach.

Best wishes for success with ParrotChronicles.com. I look forward to exploring more and upcoming quarterly issues. I will spread the good word to my fellow bird worshipers. (I loved the story about your birds.)

Cheryl Russo, Laurel, Maryland

A dear friend forwarded your address to me and I clicked on the link with less than eagerness, thinking it was going to be just another shoddy Web page. What I see is one of the best e-zines I have ever read. This publication has something for everyone, from the beginner bird keeper to the advanced rescuer and all points in between. Wonderful! Outstanding, and WELL DONE!

Ginger Ambrosio, Apopka, Fla.

ParrotChronicles.com in print
Your online magazine is terrific! Are there, by any chance, print versions available? I'm currently living in Louisiana, which has big bird expos and virtually no consciousness-raising efforts about the casual breeding and selling of birds. I'd like to have a pile of educational literature to give out, but am not qualified to write it myself. I love the articles you've done! Any suggestions? Many thanks for doing the hard stuff!

Donna Burrell, Shreveport

Alas, there is no dead-tree version of ParrotChronicles.com. However, we’re okay with people printing and distributing the occasional individual story (please don’t print out the whole site) for educational purposes. Just ask for our written permission first, stating the intended use, and attribute the story to us, including copyright and any bylines. One exception: We cannot allow the Ask Dr. Harris column to be redistributed in any alternative form. --Editor

The rescuers
You did a thorough and well-rounded job of educating readers about the parrot explosion and its ramifications. I have two cockatoos, a conure and a budgie myself, all of which I consider a lifetime commitment, and a joyous one at that.

Birds are definitely not for everyone. Several of my friends have seen my relationship with my parrot, and decided they wanted one as well. They were “animal people,” so I thought it would probably work out. However, both brought their birds back to the store to be resold.

Keep educating people. I commend you for your efforts!

Jill Bell, Somers, Conn.

More and better wing-clipping advice
I understand that opinions about birds and care may differ. Nevertheless, I have to say I am dismayed by your wing-clipping advice. I acknowledge that you suggest the feather not be clipped too far up, but I would really appreciate it if you could add a few sentences about the importance of looking for blood feathers. You also give the option of leaving the first two primaries in place for looks. I have seen many birds clipped this way, and they learn to fly with great ease. The wing-clipping charts from the AAV also strongly recommend against leaving the first two primaries.

Overall, I am pleased with what I have seen so far, and it is nice to have a professional parrot site like yours.

Chase Kimball, Salt Lake City, Utah

Good points. We’ve expanded our discussion of wing clipping to include blood feathers, as you suggest. In our experience, leaving untrimmed the first two primaries (the longest outer feathers on the wing) has been sufficient to keep our birds from making it over the fence. However, every bird is different. Other folks may want to include these feathers in trims to be on the safe side, and even then keep an eye on overachieving flyers who quickly learn to compensate. --Editor

ParrotChronicles.com

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