OUR JULY BBQ

A club tradition going back a number

of years has always been to hold a

BBQ during the month of July. It’s a

great time to move away from the

business and education end of the

club’s general meetings and sit back,

relax and chat with old friends and

new.

With tradition comes change and at

the helm of change was our new VP’s

husband, Butch, who manned the pit

putting forth succulent brisket,

sausage and chicken. Club members

brought forth a variety of sides and

desserts which made the evening a

great success and my waistline just a

tad larger.

Thank you Avian Fashions for your donation to our Spring Mart!

We had several members not in

attendance this time; some on

vacation, others heading to the

hospital, and others still with

conflicting schedules which

precluded them from coming to the

meeting. To those who couldn't make

it, your presence was sorely missed

and we hope to see you soon!

In the Spotlight! Bignest Aviary

We had some out of town family in

visiting; Butch & Marcia’s daughter

and grandchildren came down from

San Antonio for a visit. The kids

were captivated by the birds and

appeared to have a great time.

Tammy, a breeder of finches stopped

in for a visit as well, and had the

opportunity to see the fun we can

have first hand.

November is just around the corner. I

know we look forward to our annual

“Thanksgiving” dinner. Its menu will

include ham, turkey and all the fixins.

Mark your calendar now so you can

be sure to attend.

THE BOARD

August is upon us and we are nearing

the time when we will start forming

our nominations committee for new

board members.

It hard to believe the year is half

over. We have one more mart on

September 20th and after that it’s just

a few short months.

For those who just can’t wait, you

don’t have to! We do have two

positions open. The Newsletter Editor

position is open and it’s a wonderful

opportunity to contribute in a very

big way. Also, Debbie will be

stepping down as the Membership

Chair. If you’re a “people” person

who likes meeting new people and

and staying in contact with club

members, this is the position for you.

Anyone interested in either of these

positions, please let us know. For the

remainder of the positions, give it

some thought and throw your name

in the hat!

SPECIES ABBREVIATION’ S Ever try to figure out just what people are talking about in the classifieds? Well here is a listing of some of the more popular abbreviations used by breeders and bird lovers: B&G - Blue and Gold Macaw BC - Blue Crown Conure BE2 - Bare Eyed Cockatoo BFA - Blue Front Amazon BP2 - Black Palm Cockatoo BSL - Blue Streak Lory C2 - Citron Cockatoo CAG - Congo African Grey CM - Catalina Macaw D2 - Ducorps Cockatoo DYH - Double Yellow Head Amazon E2 - Eleanora Cockatoo FIDS - Feathered Kids G2 - Goffins Cockatoo GC - Green Cheeked Conure GCC - Gold Capped Conure GCP - Grey Cheeked Parakeet GE - Grand Eclectus GSC - Greater Sulphur Crested Cockatoo

Thank you DD Commodities Ltd for your

donation to our Spring Mart!

Laurie, Chad & Bebe

More abbreviations… GW - Green Wing Macaw HM - Hahns Macaw HMC - Half Moon Conure HYM - Hyacinth Macaw Keet - Parakeet LCA - Lilac Crowned Amazon LSC - Lessor Sulphur Crested Cockatoo MBC - Maroon Belled Conure MGM - Miligold Macaw MM - Military Macaw MM2 - Major Mitchell (Leadbeater) Cockatoo MRHA - Mexican Red Head Amazon MSC - Medium Sulphur Crested OWA - Orange Winged Amazon

PC - Painted Conure RB2 - Rose Breasted Cockatoo RLA - Red Lored Amazon RM - Ruby Macaw RSE - Red Sided Eclectus RV2 - Red Vented Cockatoo SIE - Solomon Island Eclectus SM - Scarlet Macaw T2 - Triton Cockatoo

TAG - Timneh African Grey Tiel - Cockatiel Too - Cockatoo U2 - Umbrella Cockatoo Umbie - Umbrella Cockatoo VE - Vosmaeri's Eclectus WFA - White Fronted Amazon WF - White Faced Cockatiel YCM - Yellow Collared Macaw YNA - Yellow Naped Amazon

Parrots have zygodactyls toes (2 point forward and 2 point back). Thepositioning of the toes is especially useful for climbing and prehension.Psittacines are reportedly the only birds that hold their food in one foot to eat it.Parrots also are the only birds predisposed to do such a thing.

Thank you DD Commodities Ltd for your donation to our Spring Mart!

10 Things You Can Do to Make Your Bird Happy

1. Provide a healthy and varied diet

— not just seeds, but grains, beans,

vegetables (cooked and raw)

formulated pellets, and some fruit.

(Harmful foods include chocolate,

avocado, highly processed or overly

salted foods, human junk food, and

caffeine.)

2. Give your bird the largest

enclosure possible — no space is too

big for a creature adapted to flying

through jungles and across savannas.

3. Provide daily exercise and ample

out-of-cage time, preferably to

include free flying in a safe,

supervised environment. (Bird-

proofing a room for out-of-cage time

includes keeping birds away from

items containing lead and zinc, and

from paint chips, ceiling fans,

electrical cords, cats and dogs, and

open windows.)

4. Offer a variety of toys and

enrichment activities.

5. Provide plenty of socialization with

other birds and/or human caretakers.

6. Give access to unfiltered sunlight

and/or full-spectrum lighting. Birds

need exposure to UVA and UVB rays

from direct sunlight (windows block

necessary UV rays) or full-spectrum

lighting to synthesize vitamin D

necessary for bone health.

7. Offer daily or weekly misting with

a clean spray bottle of water to

promote feather and skin health and

for fun! Some birds prefer to bathe in

a small container (like their water

dish); others enjoy being misted with

water. It is important to allow the

birds to air-dry in a warm room or in

the sunshine.

8. Develop games and teach your

bird skills ("jobs") like foraging or

treasure hunts (this can be done in

the house or with creative toys in the

cage), cleaning up toys by putting

them in a basket.

9. Provide a secure enclosure,

carrier, or harness so your bird can

enjoy the outdoors with you.

10. Place multiple perches/stands

throughout the house so that your

bird can benefit from ambient "flock

time" while being included in family

activities like watching TV or movies,

preparing meals, playing cards or

games.

---------------------------------

Hurricanes:

As I sit here this evening exhausted

from moving all the junk from outside

into the garage, including my Indian

ring necks I am reminded of the

promise I made to myself last year to

set up go-cages and supplies in case

I actually had to leave with my

menagerie in hand.

A year later and the project still isn’t

done, although it’s really not my fault.

I was waiting for the vendor to show

up at the Bird Mart with an

assortment of those acrylic cages so I

can travel in style with my birds.

Right now my eye is on the little cage

I travel with when I plan to buy small

birds. Between that cage and an old

plunger, I think I can get all eight

birds inside.

The moral of this story is simply the

hurricanes are coming; actually they

are here. Do you have a plan?

Rockport Roost is a valued and long standing member of the Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club.

We are sorry to see Deryl & Elke leave the breeding portion of their business and know it’s a

difficult decision to make. We wish them the best and hope those reading this newsletter will assist

them in the placement of their top quality breeding stock. Despite the decision to leave the

breeding business, we are thankful they will continue to run Rockport Roost as a toy and bird

supplies business.

ROCKPORT ROOST GIANT SALE

Pet birds currently available

1 yellow sided green cheek conure 3 months old $245 .

Breeder birds currently available

The below pairs have been proven by us

Cage 4: ( Male RR 526 hatch 07 ) (Female XDA 642 hatch 07) Male is triple split, female is visual pineapple/split to turquoise.

Female has part of her upper beak missing due to a nesting accident, (she has no problem feeding babies) however this is one of

our best breeding pairs as far as production ( 6 babies each clutch) ( Also produced 1 visual cinnamon turquoise baby this year)

This pair has been proven with us, has produced 12 babies Most of their visual pineapple offspring has the most fantastic colors

we ever had in pineapples before. This pair is not marked down, even though she has the beak injury, as their production is

fantastic. $795 a pair

Cage 1: (Male RR 519..., Hatch 07) ( Female RR 307/// hatch 05) Male is a triple split , female is a turquoise. This pair has been

proven by us, $850 a pair

Cage 7: ( Male OBA 517... 05 hatch) ( Female OBA 510... hatch 06) Male and Female are normal/split to turquoise This pair has

been proven by us, They usually have 4 to 5 babies, (1 turquoise baby per clutch, on time they had 2 in a clutch,) A very

reasonable priced way to get started in the turquoise mutation. $545 a pair

Cage 13: ( Male RR 232/// ) ( Female RR 381/// purple) Both birds are normal Green Cheeks very prolific. Both birds have been

proven by us. $325 a pair

Cage 25: ( Male RR 211..... hatch 01) ( Female HCA 5678 hatch 02/// Male is yellowsided, Female is cinnamon Proven by us. $395

a pair

Cage 17: ( Male FWA 140)///hatch 04 ( Female RR 109 hatch 02)//// Male and female are visual yellow sideds very prolific, always

triple clutch , average 12 babies a year Pair is proven by us, $445 a pair $445 a pair

Cage 15: Male RR 339.... Hatch 04) ( Female RR 333.... hatch 04) Male and female are Pineapple Green cheeks Pair is proven by us,

( very prolific) $695 a pair

Cage 11 ( male RR 609 hatch 07.... ) ( Female XDA 657 hatch 07...) Male is triple split, female is pineapple/split turquoise Proven

by us $695 a pair

On the list below each bird has been proven by us, but we re - paired them for 2009 breeding season, in order to get

guaranteed split to turquoises or visual turquoises.

Cage 2: ( Male TLR 003, hatch 05...) (Female RR 520, ... hatch 07) Male is visual turquoise, Female is Pineapple/split to turquoise

Male is proven with us , Female is a 2007 hatch, that we had kept back for a future breeder. $895 a pair

Cage 3: ( Male XDA 639 hatch 07... ) ( Female RR 778 ...,hatch 08 ) Male is visual turquoise, Female is visual turquoise Male is

proven by us, we re - paired with visual turquoise this year for more turquoise off spring $995 a pair

The below birds have been set up in 2008 for future breeders for us as, we had planned to raise

birds until 2010. Each pair is set up in breeding cages and they are bonded.

Cage 6: ( Male RR733... hatch 08) ( Female RR765... hatch 08) Male is visual cinnamon- turquoise, female is cinnamon/split to

turqouise Both have been set up in March 08 as future breeders for us. $895 a pair

Cage 5: ( male RR715.... hatch 08)( female RR 710.... hatch 08) Male and Female are visual turquoise

Both have been set up in March 08 as future breeders for us. $995 a pair

Cage 12 ( Male XDA 651.... hatch 08) ( Female XDA 661...... hatch 08) Bonded pair,male and Female are visual yellowsideds/ split

to turquoise Both have been set up in May 08 as future breeders for us $650 a pair

Cage 14 ( Male RR 749.... 2008 hatch) ( Female RR 753 2008 hatch) Both birds are visual pineapples Both have been set up in April

08 as future breeders for us. $495 a pair

Cage 16: ( Male RR 605 blue... hatch 08 ) Female RR 737.... hatch 08) Both birds are visual pineapples Both have been set up in May

08 as future breeders for us $550 a pair

Cage 8 ( Male RR711//// hatch 08) ( Female RR 741..... hatch 08) Both birds are cinnamon,

Both have been set up in April 08 as future breeders for us. $395 a pair

Cage 22 ( male RR 722.... hatch 08) ( Female RR 728..... Hatch 08) Both birds are visual yellow sideds Both have been set up in May

08 as future breeders for us $445 a pair

Cage 23: ( Male RR 726..... hatch 08) ( Female RR 718..... hatch 08) Both birds are visual yellow sideds Both have been set up in

May 08 as future breeders for us $445 a pair

Cage 24: ( Male RR 759.... hatch 08 ) ( Female RR 725... hatch 08 Both birds are visual yellow sideds Both have been set up in May

08 as future breeders for us $445 a pair

The below birds are 2008 hatches, they have not been set up for breeding. Were held back to sell as young breeder pairs,

will be mature early 2009

We have 7 young pairs of pineapples, each pair is guaranteed unrelated. These are 08 clutches and were kept to sell as young

breeder pair this year. Each pair is $545 if you buy multiple pair they will be $495 a pair. $545 ea. pair 2 or more for $495 a pair

We have 2 young pairs of cinnamon green cheek conures , each pair is guaranteed unrelated. These are 08 clutches and were

kept to sell as young breeder pair this year. Each pair is $375.00 if you buy multiple pair they will be $350 a pair.$375 ea. pair 2 or

more for $350 a pair

We have 2 young pairs of yellowsided green cheek conures , guaranteed unrelated. These are 08 clutches and were kept to sell as

young breeder pair this year. The pair is $445 if you buy multiple pairs they will be $395 a pair $445 ea. pair 2 or more for $395 a

pair.

Single Birds from 2008

3 single female cinnamon's 08 hatches $195 each or all 3 for $450 $195 ea. or 3 for $450

female yellowsided conure 08 hatch $225

Mature Male Singles

Male Normal : RR 589... hatch date:06/2007 proven

Male Normal : RR 402... hatch date:04/2005 proven

Male Normal: OBA 602... hatch date:01/2006 proven

$125 each or 3 for $300

Male Yellow sided RR 219.... hatch date:04/2001 proven

Male: Yellow sided RGA 122 ... Hatch date:07/2005 proven

$225 each or 2 for $400

Male: triple split RR 645..... Hatch Date 2007 proven $350 each

Male Normal/Turquoise OBA 619 hatch date 2005 proven $350 each

Male visual cinnamon-turqouise CC 213.... hatch date 06/2007 has not been set up for breeding yet $595 each

elke47@sbcglobal.net or deryl 44@sbcglobal.net

361 729 6745

Rockport Roost, Deryl and Elke Davis

elke47@sbcglobal.net deryl44@sbcglobal.net

We ship with Continental Airlines. Shipping is $145

Will meet within reasonable driving distance from Corpus Christi Texas. Crate charge is $15

Trouble in Paradise

No matter how innocently it starts,

coming home with your first bird is

the beginning of a life long

addiction. Sooner or later comes the

idea of having a pair, then breeding,

then a full time business with several

pairs of birds, nest boxes, and an

endless collection of cages as you

find just what’s right to suit your

particular needs. Breeding areas

range from a spare bedroom with a

few finches to huge industrial

complexes with hundreds of birds to

that little piece of paradise only a few

are ever lucky enough to own.

Imagine what paradise might be like;

How about a custom home situated

down a secluded drive on a few acres

along a quiet river bank. Porch, pool

and hot tub all esthetically placed

along your private river and nestled

under a forest of well established

scrub oaks offering both shade and

scenery against the hot south Texas

sun and a stark contrast to the

typically flat brown terrain.

The aviary set well back from the

main house as to enjoy the distant

calls of your birds, but not

necessarily experience the vocal

vibration of several breeding pairs of

Macaws, African Grays, Quakers,

Suns and Conures during their

evening social hour. Your breeding

cages spaciously set inside a giant

Quonset Hut shaped structure

covered in net and affectionately

referred to as the ”Compound”.

Morning and evening walks to feed

your flock would take you winding

back deep along the river bank

reaching a line of large dark green

trees which bare large bright yellow

globes of grapefruit. Entering the

compound through the custom food

preparation building you experience

entering a cavernous netted cave;

inside large breeding cages blazing

with brilliant colored birds, a stark

contrast to the heavy lush foliage that

can be seen in every direction and

overhead surrounding the

Compound.

Making your way from cage to cage

to conduct the morning feeding

seems to take longer than it should,

constant interruption of chores as

your breeding pairs rush up to you,

not to attempt to send you running

away or protect their young, but to

actually greet you and seek your

favor wanting to say hello and have

their heads and bodies scratched

through the bars.

Sound like the plan you had when

you started breeding? Reality

usually differs then the dreams one

might have unless of course you are

Eva Asselin and the owner of Campo

Alegre Aviaries in Los Fresno, TX.

Then, that dream would be a reality

and truly paradise.

The Trouble in Paradise comes by

the way of a Category 2 Hurricane

named Dolly who made landfall on

the South Texas coast just north of

Brownsville on July 23rd. For 13 hours

the slowed storm made its way across

the valley area and managed to take

a piece of paradise with it.

What can one do with breeding pairs

as a Hurricane approaches?

Especially one the just a few hours

before was classified as a large storm

and had yet to reach hurricane

strength until hours before striking.

Pulling birds from their cage and

moving them into temporary quarters

can be problematic at best. In

addition to the physical injury one

might incur, the birds themselves can

be hurt or their normal cycle of

reproduction disrupted as they feel

their safety in jeopardy. Leaving

them in place risks being washed

away by the storms fury.

Until someone experiences the true

power of a hurricane, I am not sure

that the force of it can be adequately

described. Having been through

several both on land and sea, one

develops a great respect for their

unforgiving power.

Four baby Macaws and a Conure

were pulled from the nest and place

into the brooder along with the

remaining eggs. The birds

themselves stayed in their cages in

the Compound, most likely huddled

in the safety of their nest boxes.

After the storm, large tree limbs had

crashed, the compounds netting torn,

lots of years of lush vegetation

growth destroyed. Eva, Her

Husband, the birds, the babies, and

even the B & G macaw who broke out

of its egg to see what all the fuss was

about the following morning manage

to survive. Still without power, life

goes on, the brooder containing the

macaws and baby Quaker is plugged

into the receptacle on the truck, for

power, a crew is coming to clear

away the fallen trees and the morning

feeding takes just that extra time as

the birds are right back out pressed

up against the bars offering their

support, making sure mama is ok too.

NEXT MART:

Sept 20th 2008

10 steps to a better relationship with your parrot

By Liz Wilson,CVT 1. Ensure your companion bird is healthy by doing annual check-ups and routine diagnostics with your experienced avian veterinarian. Since birds hide the obvious signs of illness, allowing basic annual testing is critical to the early detection of medical problems. 2. Ensure your companion bird is consuming a good diet. This is critical to the proper functioning of its immune system and increases its potential for a healthy life, as well as eliminating nutrition-based problem behaviors, such as some cases of feather destruction. 3. Ensure your companion bird lives in a sufficiently large cage, allowing it lots of room for exuberant wing-flapping exercise and energetic play; allow it daily out-of-cage time on play stations other than just the cage to minimize territorial behaviors. Encouraging healthy exercise can decrease problem behaviors like excessive screaming, since a tired parrot is a quiet parrot. 4. Establish controls with your parrot by lovingly teaching it to respond to the simple commands of Up and Down, and setting clear and consistent limits on its behavior. By

teaching manners and setting boundaries, parrots can become better companions. 5. Give your parrot quality interaction daily, no matter how busy your life gets even if for just 10-15 minutes of one-on-one time. Psittacines are biologically wild animals, and won’t retain their “tameness” without daily contact with people. 6. Make your companion bird a member of the family, since it is a flock animal and extremely social. Single birds should not be housed in rooms by themselves. 7. Socialize your parrot to family and trusted friends, thereby teaching it to adapt to the society in which it lives. It should be comfortable interacting with and being handled by other people. Do not allow it to become over-bonded to one person. 8. Assure your companion bird gets adequate rest, with 10-12 hours of dark, uninterrupted sleep time nightly. Sleep deprivation often leads to problem behaviors like biting, excessive screaming and feather destruction. 9. Establish trust with your companion bird by teaching it that it is safe with you. Consistency is critical to establishing trust, as your

parrot learns what to expect from you and what you expect from it. 10. Accept your parrot for what it is, not what you want it to be. No matter how well trained it is, a healthy parrot may still be noisy, messy and destructive… because it’s a parrot! This article was funded by an educational grant from ZuPreem®, the makers of exceptional diets for extraordinary animals. ZuPreem is committed to the advancement of knowledge regarding avian husbandry and nutrition. Working together, ZuPreem and bird clubs with similar interests can support high-quality avian health in our

worldwide community.

UNDERSTANDING PROBIOTICS By Wanda Barras

Caged and hand-fed birds can suffer from a myriad of disease problems, which are brought about by stress

and other environmental factors. Birds can be plagued by chlamydial, fungal, viral and parasitic diseases. Nutritional deficiencies, a less than ideal environment, and other stressors can and will lower a birds defense system allowing infectious agents to take hold. The most important aspect of disease control is prevention. As we all know many diseases can be prevented by proper

planning, quarantine, cleanliness, pest control and husbandry practices. Routine probiotic therapy can help in the prevention of disease in the aviary and nursery.

Probiotics is defined as:

Live microbial feed supplements, which beneficially affect the host animal by improving its intestinal microbial balance. Antibiotics and other related compounds are not included in this definition. In humans, lactobacilli are commonly used as probiotics, either as single species or in mixed culture with other bacteria. Other genera that have been used are bifidobacteria and streptococci. (j. Nutr. 1995;125:1401-12)

As in all animals, there is a normal microfloral population that coexists with our birds. It is believed that almost any form of stress can change this balance of microflora and precipitate a disease situation. However in a healthy bird the normal flora has the ability to combat any possible imbalance or infection. The Merck Veterinary Manuel states that, "The GI Flora of healthy psittacines is predominantly gram-positive (streptococci) and Staphlococcus epidermidis with a variable number of Cacillus and Lactobacillus spp), but gram-negative bacteria predominate as pathogens." (Merck). Probiotic is a term used to denote this naturally

occurring group of organisms that is the beneficial "friendly" flora. The two dominant strains of probiotic microflora are Lactobacillus acidophilus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These are the two most widely researched and documented. Bifidobacterium bifidum inhibits the growth of E. coli in the small intestine and Lactobacillus acidophilus is an significant probiotic that inhabits the GI tract of humans and animals, including birds.

A Balance of Microflora

Cultures of direct-fed microorganisms or probiotics are able to multiply in the intestinal tract to create a balance of microflora. Some lactobacillus species used in probiotic applications include L. acidophilus, L. casei, L. reuteri, L. rhamnosus and Bifidobacterium bifidum. These and other organisms form a symbiotic or mutual relationship with their host. Each species has developed a resistance to the disease-causing potential of such organisms and in fact have formed mutual beneficial relationships with these organisms (Doane). In the gut of a healthy bird, the beneficial bacterial population---gut flora---thrives in great numbers. The established flora prevents other, sometimes dangerous, organisms from invading and flourishing within the digestive system (Vriends). That is, these beneficial microorganisms fill all the available ecological niches in the body. This prevents harmful bacteria,such as E. coli from gaining a foothold and flourishing. The familiar L. acidophilus produces lactic acid, reduces gut pH and acts as a colonizer (Schoen). Thus, establishing healthy gut flora and preventing disease.

The normal avian microflora/gram positive bacteria found in the avian gut are: Corynebacterium, enterococus, Bacillus, Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Micrococcus and or course Lactobacillus. Lactobacillus acidophilus, the best known of a type of acidophilus bacteria (bacteria

attracted to acid), is a genus of bacteria belonging to the family Lactobacillaceae. It has been suggested that L. acidophilus is a beneficial or so-called "friendly" bacterium, which provides an

important function in the body of animals and birds. Lactobacillus organisms are gram-positive, nonmotile, rod shaped organisms that do not produce spores, are acid resistant and thrive in acidic conditions (pH 4-5; neutral pH is 7.0; blood is at a pH of 7.2).

Beneficial Bacteria

This "beneficial bacteria" create an acidic environment that inhibits the intestinal growth of pathogenic bacteria, yeast, and fungi. "Test tube studies have shown that L. acidophilus can and will inhibit the growth [that is discourage the growth, not treat] of candida albicans. It has also been suggested, based on test tube studies, that L. acidophilus may have potential antibiotic effects of its own" (Scott-Hartland). Probiotics do produce a natural antibiotic-like substance called bactericine, which helps to eliminate unwanted coliforms. Thus, a bird’s normal bacterial flora develops an effective defense mechanism against infection and illness. The end result is a healthy, viable intestinal lining that can maintain optimal nutrient absorption capabilities and ultimately fight disease. However, if the bacterial balance is destroyed or if natural flora has not been established dangerous disease causing organisms will thrive, eventually requiring medical intervention.

Microbials and Stress

It is during times of illness, antibiotic therapy, injury and excessive stress that the normal microflora, pH and digestive process can be effected. Examples of stress that can alter a birds normal microflora populations

in the gut are: feed or formula changes, poor nutrition, hatching, weaning, inadequate or close housing, shipping, excessive temperatures, exposure to pathogenic microorganisms or viruses, weakened immune system, and over exertion. Stress can lead to a decrease in food intake, and without adequate energy sources, beneficial microflora populations’ decline. Subsequently, the pH of the GI tract rises and pathogenic bacterial populations increase. Direct-fed microbials can reestablish the natural gut flora that in turn lower the intestinal pH, making the GI environment less favorable for disease causing organisms. Probiotic therapy will introduce "good" bacteria into the gut, encourage colonization and a healthy growth of microflora. The probiotics will prevent undesirable organisms (pathogens) from gaining a foothold and colonizing in the intestine ultimately causing illness.

During Antibiotic Therapy

Alteration of gut flora or "gut sterilization" is a frequent side effect of antibiotic therapy. Never should hand-feeding babies or adults for that matter be put on antibiotic or anti-fungal therapy as a prophylactic. Indiscriminate or prolonged use of antibiotics can destroy normal body flora, and depress the immune system and create resistant pathogens. It is at these times that direct-fed, species-specific microbials, also referred to as probiotics or lactobacillus, can prove beneficial. Probiotics can safely be used as a prophylactic and as supportive therapy when administering antibiotics. These new species-specific probiotics can supply nutrients to the host, aid in digestion and produce better food conversion. They will help keep

disease causing microorganisms in check by producing antibacterial agents and enzymes that act on and kill many pathogenic bacteria and viruses. Probiotics help neutralize toxins produced by pathogenic bacteria and produce a wide range of B-vitamins and beneficial enzymes

(Schoen).

Hand-fed Chicks

Psittacine chicks usually hatch with no bacteria present. These chicks are for all practical purposes sterile. From hatch on, chicks are continually absorbing organisms from their surroundings---beneficial as well as harmful pathogens. If gram negative bacteria are allowed to flourish without benefit of healthy digestive flora, problems will occur. Parent raised chicks naturally ingest normal gut flora from their parents and from the environment. Hand-fed chicks on the other hand, particularly those fed from day one and raised in an artificial sometimes sterile environment, often lack the natural gut flora found in parent raised chicks. Most name brand commercial hand-feeding formulas do contain some form of lactobacillus. Unfortunately, these living organisms are often killed during formula preparation due to high temperatures or storage conditions and are ineffective in establishing healthy gut flora in neonates. Hand-fed chicks are ideal candidates for direct-fed microbials and will benefit

from species-specific probiotic therapy.

Avian Strain SuggestedNot all probiotics are created equal. Bacterial preparations, direct-fed microbials, also referred to as probiotics or lactobacillus are widely available commercially. It is important to recognize and choose the right product. Some probiotics are not effective on birds. Many bacterial preparations are harvested from the gut flora of mammals such as swine or cattle and show little benefit when used on parrots. These microbial products may have the same name as those that are found in birds but---can prove ineffective if non species-specific. "Just because the label states lactobacillus… does not mean that the product was derived from birds." (Jordan). Because available products are not always species specific, derived totally from the intestinal flora of psittacines, or viable, they will not have the ability to multiply, adhere to the intestinal tract and establish healthy gut flora. Susan Club, a noted aviculturist and veterinarian, states, " Many natural products, such as some brands of yogurt, do not contain viable Lactobacillus cultures. Some researchers feel that species-specific lactobacilli may be required for gut colonization."(Harrison). For

example: Yogurt a widely available form of lactobacillus is widely used as a probiotic in hand-feeding programs. But, yogurt, which is made from milk, is species specific for mammals----not birds! The lactobacillus in yogurt (which is probably harvested from the stomach of a cow and is species specific to mammals) will not thrive and multiply in the avian gut. In order to establish a colony of healthy flora in the gut, a viable avian specific probiotic should be utilized when hand-feeding.

Fortunately beneficial bacterial preparations, that is species-specific probiotics, have become more

widely available to the growing avicultural community. These commercially available, direct-fed microbials are found to be extremely beneficial in helping to maintain and restore health in our hand-fed babies, breeders and pet birds.

Probiotics such as Pet-Ag’s Bird Bene-Bac gel offer natural and effective therapy not only for diseases relating to the digestive system and crop dysfunction, but also offers an opportunity to establish a stable, healthy gut environment that

will aid in disease prevention. Only by establishing a strong "disease prevention program", which includes probiotic therapy and good husbandry and management practices, can we hope to raise birds free of or resistant to disease.

In the Aviary Spotlight:

BIG NEST AVIARY

A Dream of African

Greys and More!

From part time hobby to full time breeder

By: Shirley A Lawhorn

www.bignest.com

My fascination with birds began

when I was a child. My mother had a

beautiful canary that filled the house

with beautiful song especially on

Sunday when Mom would turn on the

Hartz Mountain radio program and

little George would sing along with

the other canaries.

When I became a teen, in the late

50’s, in Arlington Heights, IL, I

bought a parakeet with my

allowance. Being a true bird

enthusiast, one just wasn’t enough so

I bought a breeding pair. Before

long my bedroom was full of

parakeets and I was raising babies

and hand fed for the first time when

one was kicked out of the nest.

During those years I met an African

Grey and dreamed that someday I

would own one and perhaps raise

them. At age 14 I began breeding

cockatiels.

The years passed and I raised a

family and began farming. There

wasn’t much time or money to spend

on a hobby in those days. If I was

going to raise birds it would have to

be poultry. I raised 1000’s of

chickens, duck, geese, guineas,

quail, etc., to help supplement our

income. I became quite proficient at

incubation and assist hatching

through the years and always had the

dream of breeding African Greys as

a hobby. I did manage to always

have a pet bird, cockatiel, canary or

parakeet while the children were

growing up.

I eventually moved to Texas where I

met my husband and we purchased a

small ranch and began raising

registered Beefmaster cattle. My

children were grown and I finally

could purchase my dream bird, an

African Grey. And of course one isn’t

enough and before you know it I had

a few pairs in quiet areas of the

house. My husband, who works

away from home 3 weeks out of each

month, came home to find a pair in

his office and suggested we build an

addition on the house for the

breeders, so we did. The pairs were

quite happy and produced one nest

of babies a year for me. My husband

was happy he had his office back!

One pair of Greys turned into several

pairs. Then I decided I would like to

have a Blue and Gold macaw and two

are always better than one. Besides,

someday when they matured I could

put them in a nesting situation. And

so I added them to the bird room with

the Greys. After all, there was plenty

of room and no sense in letting the

space go to waste. After adding the

Macaws to the Grey room, I noticed a

drastic decrease in Grey production.

In fact one pair totally shut down and

a hen from another pair began to

pluck.

Eventually I decided I needed to

separate my louder birds from my

quiet loving Grey pairs. I had tried

sight barriers but that just didn’t help

and strongly felt they needed to have

a place of their own if they were

going to produce. So once again we

were expanding and the planning of

the new building began.

I spent my spare time drawing

plans, searching the internet for

ideas, talking to other breeders and

trying to incorporate things I had

learned from my Greys into my

building ideas. I wanted the building

to be low maintenance, easily

cleaned, sturdy, safe from predators,

good air circulation, electric for

lights, fans and heat, water supply, a

sink, and food preparation area. I

also wanted to place the building

within eyesight of my house and yet

far enough so that the birds wouldn’t

be disturbed by grandchildren and

guests. Cost was also a

consideration. After several months

of planning I finally decided what I

wanted to build and the project

began.

Since my Greys had totally shut down

by this time I spent everyday

working on my new building. I

installed windows, insulated,

installed fiberglass paneling over the

insulation, put in a cabinet,

countertop, sink and ceramic tile

flooring. All I needed was a

carpenter to come and install the

plywood on the ceiling and then I

could put in my electric and lights so

I could move my Greys into their new

building. The outside flights could

be done after the Greys were moved

in the building.

Macaw Aviary

The Greys were moved to the new

Aviary and within a short period of

time, much to my delight and

surprise, they began laying eggs.

First eggs appeared in one nest box

and then the rest followed. I had 12

nest boxes with eggs. I was so

excited that all those eggs could

possibly hatch. I ordered more

brooders and began to prepare.

Then we had a hailstorm and when I

checked nest boxes the next morning

I found many eggs with toe nail

holes. I began pulling almost all of

the eggs, patching the holes and

cracks and incubating them. My

experience with hatching all those

poultry eggs sure was helpful, not

quite the same, but with so many, I

learned real fast. I had babies

everywhere. I lined them up for their

feeding and by the time I finished it

was almost time to do it over again.

The Grey breeders seemed quite

content and it wasn’t long and they

were laying eggs again.

My husband had left to work out in

West Texas. When he left the new

birdhouse was nearing completion

and he had expected to see my

Greys moved out of the bird room

into the new birdhouse and they

were, BUT when he returned my

kitchen/den was filled with brooders

stuffed with baby Greys, my

incubators going full blast and my

new building packed full of more

Grey breeders. When he found

babies in his office, he decided I

needed a baby room. The Macaws

had taken over the addition to the

house which would make a perfect

baby room. We decided I needed

another building!

Once again we began building

plans. But this time we decided to

build a bigger building. We wanted

the building to be large enough to

house all of the Greys. I worked on

the plans, hired a contractor and the

construction was under way. The

new bigger, better, all Grey building

was erected within a month. It was

finished in July and breeding season

and the cooler weather begins in

September so the rush was on to

build cages, install electric wiring,

lights, water, and a kitchen, get

appliances and move the birds into

the building.

African Grey Aviary

All the Greys were moved into the

new building on schedule and the

macaws were moved into the first

building in plenty of time for the

birds to be acclimated. Once again

the breeding cycle began plus the

macaws began breeding. The

breeding and hatching has yet to

end.

I went from a few parakeets to a

flock of Greys and Macaws over my

lifetime. I now raise Congo Greys,

Timneh Greys, B&G Macaws,

Greenwing Macaws, Scarlet Macaws,

and this past year added the

magnificent Buffon’s Macaw also

known as the Great Green Macaw.

This has been an incredible

learning experience for me. I have

learned so much from observing and

working with so many pairs of Greys.

They are incredible creatures that

teach me something new almost

daily. I am so fortunate to be able to

go out in the morning and listen to

their wonderful calls and interact

with them. Having so many unrelated

pairs I have been able to raise and

put together more pairs from the

most productive of the pairs. I now

have second-generation Timneh’s

raising babies and have second-

generation Congo’s that are

producing beautiful babies. I am so

glad I added the large macaws. The

Macaws are magical, brilliantly

colored creatures and very

entertaining.

My dream of raising African Greys

has become reality.

Thank you Shirley for taking the time to tell us about your wonderful Aviary!!

--CBCBC Board

CBCBC & RM is delighted to

welcome all of our new members.

We’d love to see you at our monthly

meetings, so please mark your

calendar! Our current membership is

up to:

32 singles

24 families

3 commercial

2 honorary

8 lifetime

This brings us to a grand total of 69

memberships! We’d also like to

remind you that the price of

membership gives you a free

business card sized ad in the

newsletter. Please be sure to check

out the ads in our newsletter and

patronize our members when

possible. If you need an ad and it’s

not there, please contact Jim H. and

let him know.

Own a bird business and

would like to tell our readers about it? Just send us an email, let us know you’re interested in providing an

article with photos and start typing away We

UP FOR ADOPTION:

Meet STINKY! A White-Capped

Poinus that comes to us from the wilds of south Texas. STINKY was found some time ago, having fallen from a tree to the feet of some concerned citizens who called in and surrendered STINKY to the club for care. He has been under the care of Jim H for the past few months. Attempts to find STINKY’s original owner were unsuccessful and he/she is now up for adoption. The search, which included uncovering the original breeder, sending out emails to over 700 local residences, and contacting vets’ offices and pet stores failed to uncover the owners. Lost pet hotline was also notified and has

received no reports to date.

As a reminder; Only club members can adopt a bird. The reason behind this is simply to ensure that adopted birds are not going to the uneducated. We also want to ensure that the bird is not being adopted just to be sold! Membership means that the new

family has access to a support group, and that the adoption will be successful both for the bird as well as the new parents.

With that said: STINKY is a stable bird. It’s pretty quiet as birds go, steps up, will let you roll him(or her) over on his back, check his wings, cuddle, etc and enjoys attention. He will sit with you and watch TV, let you roll him upside down on your chest and scratch his belly. The only down side to STINKY… (That’s right you guessed it) is his smell. The breeder asked “Have you noticed his sweet smell?” The scent itself has been described by others as less than sweet, but if you have potty trained a dog, I am sure you could handle STINKY.

STINKY likes his seed and does eat a bit of fresh veggies, fruit and some pellets, but the sun flower seed is certainly his favorite thing in the bowl.

Right now, STINKY has been awaiting his momma far too long. He is in love with my Sun Conure, Monica, and needs to find a home. Otherwise, they are going to end up living in sin.

It’s unfortunate that the former parents haven’t come forth, but as of late it seems to be the trend with birds. The club is aware of a second bird found of a different species that

no owner ever bothered to search for. I can’t help but wonder if some bird owners are releasing birds to the wild after the recent psittacosis outbreak or if they just are not aware of the companion parrot community standing by to assist them. In either case, the first lesson one should learn is, if you want to keep your bird. CLIP HIS WINGS!

If you are interested in adopting STINKY, please visit the FILES PAGE on our WEBSITE, download the ADOPTION APPLICATION and bring it to the meeting, email it or mail it in.

MISSING BIRDS

In our search for STINKY’s owner, we

also learned of a missing Scarlet Macaw in the ODEM

area and we learned of a missing Congo African Grey in

the ROCKPORT area.

Both owners are desperately searching for their beloved companions. If you have any information on these birds.

Please contact us. (361)241-6243.

PARROT FESTIVAL 2009

10th Annual Educational Conference January 23, 24, & 25 2009 Presented by The National Parrot Rescue & Preservation Foundation

www.parrotfestival.org

FEATURED SPEAKERS: Dr. Natalie Antinoff, Valentina Barcarolo, Dr. Lorenzo Crosta, Dr. Robin Bjork, Mark Hagen, Bob Johnson, Rick Jordan, Steve Martin, Dr. Pat MacWhirter, Sid Price, and Dr. Brian Speer. *(Speakers subject to change) LOCATION: Doubletree Hotel Houston Intercontinental Airport (IAH). 15747 John F. Kennedy Blvd, Houston, Texas, 77032: Call: 800-222-TREE or 281-848-4000 FREE PARKING!! FREE AIRPORT SHUTTLE from IAH CONFERENCE/PRE-REGISTRATION:

Early Bird: $115.00 ($105.00 with new or renewing NPRPF Membership) Registration must be postmarked before September 30, 2008.

Pre-registration: $150.00 ($140.00 with new or renewing NPRPF Membership) Registration must be postmarked before January 5, 2009.

Registration: $175.00 ($165.00 with new or renewing NPRPF Membership) Postmarked after January 5, 2009 or at the door.

Groups of 5-9 Club or Organization Members: $135.00 each ($115.00 with new or renewing NPRPF Membership) Must use special group form and be postmarked before January 5, 2009

Groups of 10 or more Club or Organization Members: $120.00 each ($110.00 with new or renewing NPRPF Membership) Must use special group form and be postmarked before January 5, 2009

These fees include admission all three days to all lectures presented by our Featured Speakers, admission to the Speaker Forum, Friday evening VIP Meet & Greet, a Treasure Map & access to all Vendors and Exhibitors.

PARTY IN “PARROT-DISE" VIP MEET & GREET: Friday - 7:00PM - 10:00PM - Registered attendees, vendors & supporters are invited to join our Featured Speakers & Staff in the Ballroom for the President's VIP Meet & Greet generously sponsored by BIRD TALK MAGAZINE! Wear your best "Parrot Wear" or Tropical Island Attire! Prizes will be awarded to the best dressed in each category! Complimentary Food, Cash Bar, Contests, Prizes & More!! BANQUET: Saturday - Cocktail Hour begins at 6:30PM - Be sure to attend this fun "Blue Jeans to Black Tie" charity event! Enjoy a three-course meal and have the opportunity to bid on fabulous items offered in the Silent & Live Auctions. All proceeds go towards NPRPF Mission. VENDORS/EXHIBITORS: $5.00 per adult (no charge to registered attendees) - Saturday & Sunday Visit each of the shops featuring quality vendors from all over the United States & Canada. Enjoy fabulous deals on parrot-related merchandise & bird supplies including T-shirts & apparel, antiques & collectibles, jewelry, artwork, ceramics, home décor, cages, toys, toy kits, pellets, treats, supplements, gourmet bird food, publications, videos & more!

TREASURE CHEST DRAWING: - Sunday - Reserved for Registered Attendees - Get your Treasure Map and visit each of the booths & shops featuring quality vendors from all over the United States. After visiting all of the vendors, turn in your stamped Treasure Map at the registration table for a chance to win the Treasure Chest contents contributed by each of the Vendors. SPONSOR A SPEAKER: In order to keep registration & other fees low, NPRPF depends on individual sponsors to defer the cost of bringing in the Featured Speakers. Expenses for each Featured Speaker are between $1000 to $1500. Speaker Sponsors at the $100.00 level & above receive acknowledgement in the Program Book, from the stage, and on the marquee of the Featured Speaker you choose to sponsor. You may also contribute to the general fund.

HOW TO REGISTER: Visit www.parrotfestival.org to download a form. Mail the completed form & payment to NPRPF/Registration, 6942 FM 1960 East #413; Humble, Texas 77346: or call 713-557-BIRD (2473) to request a form.

MORE INFORMATION OR VENDOR INFORMATION: cheryl@parrotfestival.com

Speakers & Topics Parrot Festival 2009

Dr. Natalie Antinoff- http://www.gcvs.com/avian/aviandoc.htm TBA-Avian Veterinarian Topic Valentina Barcarolo-http://www.parcodeipappagalli.com/eng/ Free-Flight, Parrot Communication-Body Language & Stress Control in Captive Parrots. Dr. Robin Bjork - http://www.salvanatura.org/index-2.html ; SalvaNatura, El Salvador http://www.zoominfo.com/people/Bjork_Robin_188156029.aspx Mealy Parrots and the Scarlet Macaw Reintroduction Project. Dr. Lorenzo Crosta – http://www.zoominfo.com/Search/PersonDetail.aspx?PersonID=631425783 Avian Neonatology and Pediatrics: common problems in a big parrot nursery. Mark Hagen- http://www.hagen.com/hari/docu/bio1.html Comparing Nutritional Value of Various Foods Bob Johnson- www.shynefoundation.org Designing, Building, and Maintaining a Free-Flight Habitat Rick Jordan- http://www.hillcountryaviaries.com/ The Link between Conservation and Aviculture Steve Martin- http://www.naturalencounters.com/trainingEducationWshopsOwners.html Natural Encounters: Free-Flight; Behavior Enrichment Dr. Pat MacWhirter- http://www.birdclinic.net/about-us.htm Progress report on endangered birds in Bali and Western Indonesia Sid Price - http://avianambassadors.org/WhoIs.shtml Avian Ambassadors; Questions about the ethics of some avian training practices. Dr. Brian Speer - http://www.medicalcenterforbirds.com/site/view/96637_Doctors.pml Behavior and Handling for the Veterinary Clinic. In addition to educational demonstrations and lectures by an international group of speakers, there will be a wide variety of bird supplies, cages, toys, gifts and other parrot paraphernalia as well as raffles, and auctions. So come party with us and help raise money for the rescue birds.

 

 

 

COME JOIN THE FUN!!!

Don’t miss out on our Fall 2008 Bird Mart!  Fantastic prices on a large selection of Birds, Cages, Feed, Seed, Toys, Books and more! 

Canaries to Macaws, Cockatoos to Quakers,  Big cages or small.  We have everything you need and everything you want.  One day only and it’s the best show in town!! 

CBCBC GENERAL MEETING

CBCBC & RM General Meeting minutes 7/17/2008

Meeting called to order at 7:10 p.m. President - Joan welcomed everyone and recognized visitors and new members. Secretary – Jim B. asked members to review the minutes from the June meeting and recommend any corrections. A motion was made to accept the minutes and passed. Treasurer – Aurora reported the club had a beginning balance of $6,987.68, income of $5,187.24, expenses of $140.76, leaving a total balance of $12,034.16. Vice President –Marcia Schultz was nominated for and enthusiastically approved to assume the position of vice president of the club. Marcia’s knowledge and insights are sure to be a true asset to our club. Hospitality –There were no public outings scheduled for the club since last months meeting. The PETCO “Meet and Greet” will be on August 16 from 12:00 to 5:00. Contact Joan if you would like to help man our table with your bird or stop by and lend some support. Bird Mart –The fall Mart will be held on Sept. 20 so we need to begin focusing on bringing that event together. Vendor response has been very strong and only a few tables are still available. Rescue –Peggy Sue (Green Indian Ringneck), was approved for adoption by membership vote to Aurora Silva. Connor (Quaker), was approved for adoption by membership vote to Lorie Schwar. Newsletter – We are looking for a newsletter editor. If you have a desire to exercise your creative side this is the perfect opportunity and we encourage you to consider volunteering for this position. Old Business- The club is always looking for members to provide foster homes for our rescue birds. These birds really deserve a stable caring environment so contact any board member if you’re interested. New Business – The club will be taping its promo for the Bird Mart to be aired on KORO at the August 21 general meeting, all club members are encouraged to bring their feathered friends and join in the fun.

REMEMBER TO ATTEND THE MEETINGS AND SUPPORT YOUR CLUB Meeting was adjourned at 7:30 and the raffle was held after everyone filled up on BBQ which was perfectly prepared by the Schultz’s. We all had a finger lickin good time and thank you to all the members who prepared and brought side dishes and deserts.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

CBCBC & RW Board Meeting Minutes August 7, 2008

7:15 p.m. - Meeting called to order by Joan Latham. Members present were Aurora, Joan, Jim B., Jim H. and Debbie C. Secretary – Minutes from Board meeting of 7/03/08 were reviewed, a few typos were pointed out, and accepted as written. Treasurer – Aurora reported the club had a beginning balance of $12,034.16, income of $257.00, expenses of $513.21, for an ending balance of $11,777.95. Vice President –No report from the vice president. Rescue –The club currently has no birds in rescue or available for adoption. Newsletter-Jim H. is currently producing the newsletter however the club is still looking for someone to take over as newsletter editor. Hospitality –The next “Meet and Greet” event will be Saturday June 16th at PETCO from noon to 5:00 p.m. Because the Bird Mart is approaching fast Joan would like to hold meet and greets every Saturday until the 20th of September. Bird Mart – Hard to believe it’s only a few weeks away. Almost all of the vendor tables are spoken for. Fliers are printed and ready to be distributed. A Quaker parrot was donated to the club and will be the Grand Prize for the raffle with a cage. Tickets are $2.00 ea. or 6 for $10.00 and are available for members to begin selling. At the August 21 general meeting we will be filming the TV ad promoting the Mart, members are encouraged to bring there birds and perches for the taping, the more the merrier. The club has also been booked for a spot on Domingo Live on Sept 14. Old Business –The club will continue to make donations to the ARK foundation in Port Aransas and the Texas State Aquarium on a bi monthly basis. We would like to investigate other potential venues for the Bird Mart. We may need to expand as our popularity grows. Any suggestions from the membership would be considered. New Business –Because of the promo shoot for the Bird Mart there will not be a feature presentation after the August 21 general meeting, however we strongly encourage our members to show up in force with there birds so they can show off their star quality, bring an extra perch if you have one and join in the fun. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 p.m.

Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club & Rescue Mission

Membership Application

Dues are due in January each Year and new applications are pm-rated monthly The Club meets the 3rd Thursday of every month at 7:00pm at:

Galilean Lutheran Church 3321 Cimarron Rd.

Corpus Christi, TX 78413

Membership Dues Per Year: Single Member (1 adult vote) $20.00 Family Member (2 adult votes, same household) $35.00 Commercial Member (1 adult vote, ¼ page ad for 13 months in newsletter)$50.00

New Member Renewal Amount Paid: $__________

Date______________ Sponsored By: _________________________ Type of Membership: Single: Family: Commercial:

Name: _______________________________________ Birthday : _____________________ Address______________________________________________________________ City______________________________ State _______Zip ____________________ Phone _____ _____ _________________ Email ________________________________________________________________ Birds you breed _______________________________________________________ Pet Birds _____________________________________________________________ Specialties __________________________________________________________________ What do you not want published on Club roster: Address Phone _E-mail What subject would you like to know more about?

Bird Behavior Bird Taming General Care Bird Safety Bird Training Human/Bird Bonding Medical/Health Bird Grooming How-To’s Aviary Design: Other: Bird Breeding Breeder Profiles Avian Nutrition

Please mail completed application and payment to: Coastal Bend Companion Bird Club & Rescue Mission

P. 0. Box 6023 Corpus Christi, TX 78466

Please tell us how you heard about our club: Bird mart Friend

Handbook American Classifieds: Newspaper Web site: Club table at PETCO: Other (Please list):__________________________

Thank You!!