thatpetblog
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Posts by thatpetblog
Breaking News – Prehistoric Bird’s Wingspan is Largest Ever Recorded
Oct 7th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. In terms of public interest, prehistoric birds generally stand in the shadows of the more dramatic reptilian dinosaurs. However, a discovery announced this week concerning a bird christened “Huge Pseudoteeth” (Pelagornis chilensis) was so startling that I thought I’d take a break from modern species and mention it here.
Writing in the current (September, 2010) issue of the Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, researchers at Chile’s National Museum of Natural History reveal that “Huge Pseudoteeth’s” wingspan measured an incredible 17 feet – longer than that of any known bird, present or past. At an estimated 65 pounds, it also outweighed today’s heaviest flying bird, the 40 pound Kori Bustard. More >
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Loading ...Corn for Macaws – a Unique Conservation Plan for the Lear’s Macaw
Oct 5th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. With a mere 500 or so individuals remaining in the wild, and very few in captivity, the Lear’s Macaw (Anodorhynchus leari) is one of the world’s scarcest parrots. Yet in its tiny home range of northeastern Bahia State, Brazil, this brilliant indigo-blue macaw poses a serious threat to subsistence corn farmers. Parrots International, in concert with Pro Aves Brazil, the Lymington Foundation and other groups, has devised a most unique initiative that benefits farmers and birds alike.
Endangered but Troublesome
It’s easy for folks living in relative financial security to criticize others for killing macaws, but for indigent subsistence farmers in Bahia State, Brazil, the Lear’s Macaw represents a serious threat to survival. The birds pillage the fields of people who, working without the benefit of mechanized equipment and fertilizer, raise barely enough corn to feed their families and livestock. Children are often kept home from school in order to chase the bird, but the enterprising macaws have learned to largely ignore their efforts. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Crafty Brood Parasites – Some Zebra Finches Lay Eggs in Neighbors’ Nests
Sep 30th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Cowbirds, cuckoos and whydahs are well known brood parasites, meaning that females deposit eggs in the nests of other bird species and leave them to the care of their unsuspecting foster parents. Finch owners may be surprised to learn that some female Zebra Finches also use this reproductive strategy – but with a special twist.
Cheating…Zebra Finch Style
Researchers at Bavaria’s Max Planck Institute for Ornithology (the former stomping grounds of the legendary animal behaviorist Konrad Lorenz) have discovered that certain female Zebra Finches specialize in taking advantage of their neighbors’ nests. More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Feeding Your Canary – Beyond the Seed Only Diet
Apr 13th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. Canaries (Serinus canarius) have been captive bred for hundreds of years and in that time have come to thrive upon the rather simple seed-based diets that many owners provide to them. However, for optimum health, vibrant color, enhanced singing abilities and successful reproduction, your birds will require additional dietary variety. Today I’d like to highlight some often over-looked Canary foods. The diet described here is also suitable for the Canary’s close relative, the Green Singing Finch (C. mozambicus). More >
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Smoking, Nicotine and Pet Birds – Expected and Unexpected Health Concerns
Nov 26th
Hello, Frank Indiviglio here. The hazards of second-hand cigarette, cigar and pipe smoke to non-smokers have been well-accepted for years. As many have expected, these health concerns extend to the lungs and hearts of pets exposed to smoke as well. New evidence, however, indicates that nicotine may be harmful not only to bird respiratory systems, but also to their skin.
Respiratory Disease
Birds are especially sensitive to airborne toxins…so much so that canaries and other species long played a vital role in warning workers of the presence of poisonous gases in underground mines (the birds weakened and died long before the fumes affected the miners). It is, therefore, not surprising that veterinarians have documented a high frequency of respiratory disorders and eye irritations among birds kept by owners who smoke indoors.
However, it has also become apparent that problems of a different nature are also affecting birds owned by smokers, even when the birds are never exposed to second-hand smoke.
Nicotine on the Skin and Feathers
Nicotine is readily absorbed through the skin of some animals and clings to hair, fur and feathers. In the course of working with amphibians in zoos, I’ve been made aware of many frog and salamander deaths that occurred, often instantaneously, after the animals were handled by someone who had smoked and not washed well afterwards. It now seems clear that nicotine lingering on fingers also causes dermatitis and other skin afflictions in pet birds, and may lead to their deaths.
Birds with nicotine-stained skin often pick at their feathers, nibble on their feet and otherwise exhibit signs of discomfort. Dermatitis often follows, with small sores or areas of eroded skin developing. Birds so afflicted will pick at these areas and the scabs that form, opening an avenue of attack for opportunistic bacteria and fungi. These micro-organisms (which are always present in the environment) can cause severe and potentially fatal infections.
Further Reading
To read more about the dangers posed to birds by nicotine and other common toxins, please see this article.
Please write in with your questions and comments.
Thanks, until next time,
Frank Indiviglio
Photo by jdurham from Morguefile
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