Archive for March, 2009
Avian Health Concerns: Recognizing and Eliminating External Parasites, Ants and Moths; Part 2
Mar 30th
Please see Part I of this article for information concerning lice and mites.
Fleas
Although usually associated with mammals, fleas do afflict birds, and, in fact, they are quite common on poultry farms. Thankfully, however, fleas are rarely encountered in private bird collections.
A close inspection of an afflicted bird will reveal fleas as tiny, dark, shiny dots. Unfortunately, they are not choosy as their hosts, and so readily move onto people and other pets. Ivermectin (dispensed by a veterinarian) is the most effective treatment.
Wash well with warm water and anti-bacterial soap after handling a bird upon which you have discovered fleas, and launder your clothes in hot water… a professional exterminator and your doctor can provide advice concerning fleas which may have become established on your person or in your home.
Moths
Although they are not parasitic, a number of moth species are attracted to stored bird foods, or may arrive as caterpillars or eggs within the food. Once well established, they can be difficult to eradicate, and may also set up home in cereals, cookies, dry dog food, bread crumbs and similar foods.
The Springstar Flour Moth Trap is designed to eliminate the most commonly encountered species, collectively referred to as “flour moths” (Indian meal moths, Mediterranean flour moths, almond moths and raison moths), without the use of pesticides. Female moth pheromones (chemical secretions used to attract males) lure male moths into the trap, where they are held for easy disposal.
Ants
Ants are often drawn to bird cages by the presence of fruit and droppings. While most are merely pests, in the southern half of the USA the introduced fire ant may attack and kill caged pets, especially chicks and debilitated birds. Please see my article, Bird Safe Ant Control for further information.
Further Reading
A University of New Hampshire article on the life cycle and control of avian external parasites is posted at http://extension.unh.edu/Agric/Docs/exparasites.pdf
Please write in with your comments and questions. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
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Loading ...Spring’s Affect on Parrots, Budgerigars, Canaries, Finches and Other Cage Birds: Aggression, Nesting Behavior and Other Signs of Breeding Readiness
Mar 27th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
The longer days and warmer temperatures that are (finally!) upon us may cause some behavioral changes in our pet birds. Pet owners are often surprised by this, because even birds that are housed alone may show confusing personality changes and odd behaviors. Furthermore, the behaviors may not occur every year, even though seasonal temperature and light changes around the bird remain similar.
Aggression Towards People
Take extra care around your birds, especially the larger parrots, during the spring, as hormonal changes can spur aggression even in normally calm, affectionate individuals. This can happen quite suddenly to either males or females. It is best to keep parrots away from your face and to supervise them closely around children during the breeding season.
Nesting Behavior
Hens of most bird species will search the cage floor for nesting material, often quite frantically, when breeding readiness sets in. If a nesting site is not available, they may carry feathers and bits of material about continually, seemingly unsure of what to do with them but unwilling to let go. Cocks will become more vocal, and will show greater interest in the hens.
The Droppings
The droppings of female birds may change appearance during the breeding season, becoming larger and, in those species that produce greenish feces, a dark brown in color.
Physical and Behavioral Changes in Budgerigars
The cere (the area above the bill, which houses the nostrils) of a breeding female budgerigar will turn deep brown, and she may become quite destructive. Cuttlebones and toys that were given scant attention in the past may now be demolished in a matter of minutes.
Amorous male budgies will begin to call while constricting the pupil of the eye and banging the beak on perches and cage bars. If a hen is present, the male will usually display before her with comical, (to us, at least…hopefully not to the hen!) bobbing head movements.
Further Reading
An interesting article on the hormonal changes that occur in cage birds during the breeding season is posted at http://www.exoticpetvet.net/avian/season.html.
For information on other aspects of bird breeding, please see the following articles on this blog:
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Avian Health Concerns: Recognizing and Eliminating External Parasites, Ants and Moths; Part I
Mar 25th
Hello, Frank here.
The possibility of a flea or mite infestation in one’s home is a very troubling concern…pet-owners’ fears about this have been the source of many distressed calls for assistance that I have received over the years. The good news for bird keepers is that external parasites are not all that common among our feathered friends, and most are very specific in their host preferences. The few that do crop up from time to time are of concern, but all can be eliminated fairly easily, especially if detected early.
The Daily Health Check
A careful daily check of your bird is the key to early detection of a parasite problem. This is particularly important if you keep several birds, have recently added a new individual to your collection, or have brought your bird to a pet store for wing or nail clipping.
Bear in mind that not all feather and skin abnormalities are caused by parasites – feather chewing, poor nutrition and viral, bacterial or fungal disease are all possibilities (and, indeed, more likely than parasitic infestation).
First Steps
If you do discover mites or lice, a good first line treatment is Scalex Mite and Lice Spray . While this pyrethrin-based medication is often successful in eliminating the invaders, a visit to your veterinarian for a positive ID of the species involved is important (also, secondary problems, such as bacterial infections, are often associated with parasites). As most parasite eggs are unaffected by medications, you’ll need to space out the application of the spray as directed in the instructions in order to eliminate the pests as they hatch.
Red Mites
Small Arachnids (spider and tick relatives) known as red mites, Dermanyssus gallinae and related species, are the most troublesome pests in terms of transmission to other pets and people. These mites are not choosy as to their host and, unlike most avian parasites, leave the bird at night to deposit eggs in perches, nests, furniture and rugs. They can be observed crawling about the afflicted bird at night, or attached to a white sheet that has been draped over the cage.
You veterinarian will likely use Ivermectin as a treatment; red mites feed upon blood, so tests for anemia and bacterial infection are also recommended.
You should consult with your doctor and a professional exterminator concerning how best to eliminate lice that might possibly have taken refuge in your home or if you observe any upon your skin.
Scaly Face Mite
The mite most commonly found on pet birds is scaly face mite, Knemidokptes pilae. It is almost entirely limited to budgerigars, only rarely afflicting other parrots or, less commonly, finches, and does not establish itself on other pets or people.
Scaly face mites are usually found around the cere (the area just above the beak), vent and legs. They burrow into theses areas, leaving tiny holes in the skin and a powdery plaque in their wake. As you can imagine, the unfortunate bird becomes extremely uncomfortable and scratches at the affected areas. In severe infestations, the bill itself may be damaged. The mites themselves are not visible to the naked eye.
In finches, a related mite tends to focus on the feet – birds so afflicted are said to have “tasselfoot”.
Mineral oil spread about the skin to suffocate the mites is often effective, but treatment with Ivermectin is preferable.
Air Sac Mites
Air sac mites remain within the respiratory tract and are most frequently seen in canaries and other finches. Birds parasitized by these mites usually breathe heavily, with their beaks wide open. Related species, termed tracheal mites, cause “gape mouth”, a condition seen in turacos and other species commonly kept in zoo collections.
Ivermectin is the drug of choice, but it must be administered carefully – a die-off of large numbers of mites at once can cause the host bird to suffocate.
Lice
Lice are parasitic insects. Less commonly seen in pet birds than mites, various types feed upon blood, feathers or skin. Some types concentrate at the bases of the feathers, while others attach to the feathers’ lower surfaces or the skin itself.
Nearly all lice are very specific as concerns host selection, feeding upon only one particular bird species. Bird lice will not attack people or other pets, and are sensitive to Scalex (pyrethrin spray) and Ivermectin. Because lice damage the skin, a veterinarian should be consulted to rule out the possibility of a secondary bacterial infection.
Always wash well with warm water and anti-bacterial soap after handling a bird that is parasitized by mites or lice, and launder your clothes in hot water. Consult your doctor and a professional exterminator if you observe these invertebrates on your person or in your home.
Further Reading
A number of feather and skin conditions mimic the symptoms of a mite or lice infestation. You can learn how to recognize many of these at http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww48eiv.htm.
Click here to read the 2nd half of this article.
Thanks,
until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Birds Popular in both Zoological and Private Collections: Notes on Toucans, Pheasants, Wood Partridges, Weavers, Turacos and Others
Mar 23rd
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
I’ve always found that the best zoo bird keepers have had strong roots in private aviculture. This makes sense – after all, birds were being kept as pets for thousands of years; zoos are a relatively new on the scene by comparison.
On a recent visit to the Bronx Zoo, I was reminded of how many birds have found favor in both public and private collections. Following are a few of my favorites. Most of the birds covered here require large enclosures, and are most often kept by advanced hobbyists with outdoor aviaries. However, all are feasible to keep and breed, should this be your long term goal. In any event, enjoy…and don’t forget to watch for other such birds on your next zoo visit.
Toco Toucan, Ramphastos toco
Perhaps the world’s most recognizable bird, South America’s toco toucan makes a delightful pet. Toucans tame fairly easily, and I have found even parent-raised birds to be quite curious and very steady around people…the fellow in the accompanying photo, owned by a friend, will cuddle up to just about anyone!
Captive-bred toucans are readily available, and their quaint looks and confiding ways temp many unprepared buyers. Tocos are, however, extremely active and spend very little time on the ground…they need a long, high aviary and will languish in a typical cage.
Their bright colors belie a predatory streak…those I have cared for spent a good deal of time catching the geckos and treefrogs that lived within their aviary. Captives need a good bit of cooked meat and an occasional mouse, along with a wide variety of fruits and berries.
Crested Argus Pheasant, Rheinardia ocellata
We find among the family Phasianidae some of the most gorgeously colored of all birds, and it is small wonder that many are aviary favorites. From the diminutive button quail to the ever-popular golden pheasant, there is a species to fit nearly every bird fancier’s means.
Although the Indian peafowl is often considered to be the most spectacular of the group, in my opinion that title belongs to Southeast Asia’s crested argus pheasant. Unknown outside of their forest homes until collected by famous bird man Jean Delacour and brought to Europe in 1923, the crested argus sports the bird world’s longest feathers. Those in the center of a male’s tail can top 80 inches in length.
The related Great argus (pictured here) was established in private aviculture a bit earlier than the crested, and by the late 1800′s was being bred in Europe. Captives require huge, undisturbed, thickly-planted aviaries. Unlike most pheasants, they are quite sensitive to the cold. I was privileged to see the amazing courtship display of a male at the Bronx Zoo, but unfortunately the pair did not breed during my tenure there.
Roulroul or Crested Wood Partridge, Rollulus roulroul
This tiny relative of the argus is my favorite pheasant. The male, his head capped by hair-like bristles, is so differently-colored than the female that the two appear to be of different species. Both, however, are gorgeous.
Hailing from the humid forests of the Malay Peninsula, Borneo and Sumatra, roulrouls become quite tame in captivity. They require a warm, well-planted cage and a varied diet of insects, fruit and boiled rice. Oddly, for a pheasant, they refuse grain. The male is also very “un-pheasant-like” during the breeding season – helping to build the unusual domed nest and often leading the chicks back to the hen for brooding.
Violaceous Turaco, Musophaga violacea
The glossy purple plumage of this spectacular West African native is hard to describe in words. Turacos of all types are far more popular in private collections in the UK than in the USA, but that situation is changing slowly. Aviculturists are drawn to their vibrant colors and amusing antics (they hop and crash about in a most unusual manner), but their space requirements are somewhat daunting – a pair (they do far better in pairs) requires an aviary of approximately 15-20 ft. x 10 ft. x 10 ft.
Violaceous turacos subsist largely upon fruit, with figs being a much favored and necessary food. Hand raised birds often become unusually aggressive (please see article below).
Taveta Golden Weaver, Ploceus castaneiceps
Weavers construct the most elaborately-woven nests of any bird…the opportunity to watch the construction process alone makes them worthwhile captives. The brilliantly-colored Taveta golden weaver will use only long blades of green grass as a nesting material, and much prefers stripping these from living plants over picking them off the floor. Those I have kept exploded into action when I placed freshly-dug clumps of beach grass before them, but disdained grass clippings.
The Taveta golden weaver (pictured here) is found only along the border of southern Kenya and northeastern Tanzania, and is not often seen in private collections. Several equally interesting relatives, such as the masked and African golden weaver are, however, regularly bred in captivity.
Cuban Amazon, Amazona leucocephala
I enjoy seeing Amazons in aviaries and zoo exhibits, where they can indulge their abundant energies so fully. Those not ready for the aforementioned species but interested in aviary construction should seriously consider Amazons or, indeed, any parrot.
Restricted to the Bahamas, Cuba and the Cayman islands, Cuban Amazons are threatened throughout much of their range. Fortunately, they breed well in captivity and have responded favorably to the provision of artificial nest boxes in Cuba. Interestingly, the population on Abaco in the Bahamas nest below-ground, in naturally occurring limestone burrows. So situated, the nests are safe from the frequent fires that ravage their habitat.
Further Reading
Caring for beautiful, exotic birds in captivity does have its dangers. For a glimpse at the perils involved in working with a somewhat unfriendly turaco, please see Introducing the Turacos (Family Musophagidae), With Notes on an Unusual Individual.
Please write in with your questions and comments. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...The Unknown Side of the Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata castenosis) and the Timor Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata guttata): Natural History, Role as a Lab Animal and Entry into the Pet Trade, Part I
Mar 20th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here.
The zebra finch is so well known that it needs little introduction in terms of appearance and captive care. However, the details of its entry into the pet trade, importance as a laboratory subject and fascinating natural history are often overlooked. Please read on…you might be pleasantly surprised at the stories behind this pert little pet trade staple.
A Lesser Known Zebra Finch from Timor
There are actually two distinct races of zebra finches. The nominate race, (the first to be described scientifically) was brought to the attention of European taxonomists in 1817. Known as the Timor zebra finch, Taeniopygia guttata guttata, it is native to Timor and other of Indonesia’s Lesser Sunda Islands, which lie in the Timor Sea about 250 miles north of Australia. Only rarely seen in captivity, this bird is much smaller than the Australian subspecies, and its song is more complex
The Australian Zebra Finch Enters the Pet Trade
The Australian race, T. g. castenosis, was described in 1838 and was imported into Europe shortly thereafter. An immediate avicultural hit, the zebra finch was being bred regularly in Germany by 1872 and was featured in bird shows in England and elsewhere by the early 1900′s. The new arrival proved easy to breed, and importations from the Australia slowed down considerably by 1915.
In 1962, Australia imposed severe restrictions on the export of native wildlife…few if any wild zebra finches have entered the pet trade since that time. By 1969, it was estimated that approximately 80 generations had been produced in captivity without the addition of “wild” genes, leading many to consider the zebra finch as a largely “domesticated” species.
Natural Range and Habitat
Zebra finches are among the most common and widely distributed of Australia’s birds, being absent only from tropical Cape York Peninsula in the north and along portions of the southern and eastern coasts.
Although most at home on the dry, largely treeless grasslands of the interior, zebra finches have adapted to human presence and readily colonize overgrown fields, scrub, farms, ranches and gardens. Indeed, the presence of wells and other artificial water sources has resulted in significant range expansions. Their kidneys are extremely efficient at removing moisture from food, and they are even able to drink brackish water, a facility that enables this hardy finch to survive in salt marsh habitats.
Reproduction in the Wild
The zebra finches’ breeding biology is tied to rainfall and temperature, and varies greatly across its vast range. Populations in the center of the continent can breed whenever the unpredictable rains arrive, regardless of the season. Breeding is tied to temperature in the east and southeast, where rainfall is regular and predictable. In southern and southwestern Australia, the winter rains are heavy and would destroy the nests, and the summers are extremely hot. Breeding is therefore limited to the relatively brief intervals of warm weather and light rainfall.
Zebra finches are as adaptable in nesting behavior as they are in the timing of their breeding. Nests have been found in trees and tree hollows, shrubs, mounds of dead grass, on the ground, within the nests of termites and larger birds and even below ground in rabbit tunnels. These enterprising little birds will also adopt artificial nest sites, and often set up house-keeping in spaces under the eves and roofs of houses, and in abandoned or open barns and other structures.
Further Reading
A very interesting account of personal observations of zebra finches and other Australian birds in the wild is posted at http://www.zebrafink.de/en/zfinf-au.htm.
Next time I’ll explain why this bird has been christened the “avian lab mouse”. Please write in with your comments and questions. Thanks, until next time, Frank Indiviglio.
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