Thursday, July 26, 2012

Adopting a Parrotlet

Good morning! We are vacationing 20 minutes north of your ranch and we have been looking for a parrotlet to adopt for a number of months now. Imagine our surprise to find your ranch is just down the road! :) Do you have any parrotlets available for immediate adoption? Thank you in advance, Dan and Cheralyn Dear Dan and Charalyn: Thank you for your email. I know people like to use the term 'adoption' when they are purchasing a bird because it is becoming a member of the family. However, as both a professional breeder that breeds and sells parrotlets as well as the founder of a non-profit organization that also runs a parrotlet adoption program, I must clarify that the difference. Legally, my business, The Parrotlet Ranch, does not offer adoptions but I do sell birds. I am very proud of my skills and professionalism as a parrotlet breeder of almost 30 years. The International Parrotlet Society, the non-profit organization, does run an adoption program and while we will attempt to adopt a parrotlet from anyone only members may adopt. All that being said, I have no parrotlets available at this time. I always have a waiting list for birds and currently it is 6 months or longer in length. Also, the International Parrotlet Society does not have any birds currently available for placement. I am so sorry. Best of luck to you. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase

Chronic Egg-Laying in Female Pacific Parrotlet

Hi Sandee, I sent you an email before Christmas respecting my female parrotlet, Skye. She has now laid her fourth clutch since September 2011. She has laid a total of 19 infertile eggs! I have an appointment with the vet on Thursday, and she is going to administer Luperon in order to try to shut down the egg laying process. But, I do have a concern. Skye has started laying another clutch and laid her first egg yesterday morning. She usually lays 5 eggs. I’m afraid that if she gets an injection there may be an egg forming in her body and, Skye may become egg bound. Should I delay the hormone shot until she has finished laying all her eggs? I did everything you suggested in your previous email. But I think I may be the problem. Skye thinks I am her mate and absolutely loves me. I love to kiss her little head. Should I stop handling her? Thanks for your help. It is sincerely appreciated. By the way, will there be a parrot show in Victoria this year? Kind regards, Sylvia Dear Sylvia: Thank you for your email. I can’t answer your question because I have never had a bird get Lupron shots. I would make sure you do all the research you can but in all actuality, no one knows what the answer is. Unfortunately, most avian medicine (and certainly Lupron administration is right up there) is more of an art than a science and most of the time, they really don’t know what the outcome is going to be. If you read my article on Lupron, even vets that are pro-Lupron admit it is at best a ‘bandaide’ and not something that can be reasonably relied upon to manage the issues for which it is usually prescribed. However, 19 eggs is a lot and I would certainly, under these circumstances, give the shot if everything I had tried (reducing daylight hours to less than 10, removing all nest-like structures and providing extra calcium in her diet) didn’t work. I would ask your question of your vet – I would think it might be a problem but again I’m not a vet nor do I have any experience using Lupron in my birds. As for bonding, bonding isn’t what makes birds lay eggs. All birds think their owners are their ‘mates’. Kissing the bird on the head I wouldn’t think would stimulate egg laying at all. Generally, in large birds such as Amazons, petting them on their backs can trigger a hormonal response but I have no idea in parrotlets. After all, they may be parrots but they are all different species. I will say that in 30 years, this is only the 3rd or 4th parrotlet I’ve ever heard of that couldn’t be managed with environmental changes to stop egg laying. It simply is not a common problem in parrotlets. I know that doesn’t make it easier for you but I am a honest breeder and don’t make up things or rely on what I’ve read online and repeat it. If I don’t have experience with something, I say so and this is a very unusual problem in parrotlets. As for a bird ‘show’ not sure what you mean. I don’t believe the Parrot Symposium is going on this year, haven’t heard anything about it. As for bird shows, i.e., sanction competitions, I haven’t heard anything and as for bird marts, those things go on all the time. I’m sure if you look online, you can find one. Best of luck and let me know how it turns out. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase I will keep you posted. Have a wonderful weekend. Sylvia Thanks. Yes, please let me know. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase Dear Sandee, Thank you for taking the time out of your busy day to answer my questions. The vet also said that the underlying problem has to be resolved, as Lupron may not resolve the problem. I decided to forego the Lupron until Skye has finished her clutch. She has now laid two eggs. Thank you for advising me that this is an unusual problem because I have never owned a female parrotlet before. I have all boys (3). I got Skye from a rescue organization in Vancouver and the rescuer told me that the girl gave up Skye because she didn’t have time for her. I did email the rescuer and tell her about Skye’s egg laying problem, but she didn’t respond. I’m starting to think she knew Skye had a problem laying eggs. I feel so sorry for this little bird because I know that it is very stressful for her when she is laying an egg. I ensure she has lots of calcium on her food and water. Thank you for being honest with me. I’m not sure what I’m going to do, if she doesn’t stop laying the eggs. I will try restricting the light situation for more hours. I will make the bottom of her cage uncomfortable for her, as I have paper towels on the bottom right now. Last time, I had a little hut in her cage and she laid eggs in it. That has now gone. I’m glad that kissing her head is ok because I love this little bird. She is so sweet. Yes, I was referring to the Parrot Symposium. I hope the Parrot Symposium comes back again. I will let you know what transpires with Skye. Many thanks again for your kindness. I have the highest respect for you as a breeder. Kind regards, Sylvia Thank you Sylvia for your very kind words. Best of luck. Please keep me posted. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase Hello Sandee, I hope you, your family and little parrolets are all keeping well. I would like to give you an update on Skye, my female rescue parrotlet, who was laying unfertile eggs non-stop. Skye finished laying another clutch of 6 eggs in March. I took her to a vet for a check-up, and he recommended the Luperon shot, if I wanted it. He also told me that the parrotlets are up and coming prolific egg layers! He gave me various suggestions (same as you suggested), in order to help her stop laying eggs. I decided to forgo the Luperon shot. I remember you telling me that these little birds are hardwired, and it is best to leave the eggs; so that is what I did. Skye has been sitting on the eggs since March. She even pecked two eggs, in order to make small holes (interesting). I took all the eggs away, except two, three weeks ago. She is finally fed up with sitting on the eggs and is now interacting with me, grooming herself and sleeping on her highest perch (thank goodness). I am still leaving the two eggs in the bottom of the cage just in case. She is such an intelligent little bird and very loving. Thanks again for your advice; I thought you would like to know the outcome of the chronic egg laying. Best, Sylvia Thanks so much Sylvia for letting me know. Glad to have been of help! Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

Why Does My Parrotlet Bite When I'm Changing Her Food and Water

why does my parrotlet bite whenI change her water and food? Because parrotlets are aggressive and territorial especially when it comes to their cage. You should get water tubes/drinkers as well as food dishes that can be accessed from outside the cage without you needing to stick your hand in the cage. If you do have to put your hand in the cage, you have remove the parrotlet. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase ________________________________________

Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Importing Lovebirds

Hello, in October I will be flying from Athens greece to boston logan airport. I have 2 lovebirds. can I bring these with me on the plane ? i do not know yet what airlines i will be flying on . what would i need for these birds if i can bring them with me? iam worried about quarentine policies. iam affraid even with proper documents i will have trouble at the airport and have to leave them behind. also this trip is a one way trip. I will be moving to the state of massachusets and not returning to greece Dear Olga: Thank you for your email. It is against international law to fly with pets in the cabin other than service animals. They will have to be shipped in the cargo hold - which is pressurized and climatized. I've been shipping parrotlets for two decades and it is completely safe if you following the directions I have published in my books and online (they are too lengthy to put into an email). You will need export permits from Greece as well as CITES (international documents regarding rarity status), veterinary certification, import permits and licenses and other documents as required by the US. You will have to prove that you have owned this bird for more than a year and the process usually takes months. You need to check with US Fish & Wildlife on all the licensing and permits; US Dept. of Agriculture for quarantine and testing. The birds will have to be placed in quarantine and tested at your expense. The process is neither easy nor inexpensive and this is because the United States does not allow the import of birds except under extremely limited circumstances. However, since these birds are a pet and while you did not say what kind of lovebird, if they are Peach Faced, then it will be much easier to get them into the country than one of the rarer species. You are correct however, if there are any problems or discrepancies in the documentation you will not be able to bring the birds with you so you will need to make absolutely 100% sure you follow every rule and requirement to the letter. Best of luck to you. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. Secretary, International Parrotlet Society

Monday, July 16, 2012

Questions on Pair Feeding Chicks

Sandee, I have a pair of green pacific parrotlets. They have 3 newly hatched young, about 4 days old. In checking on the young over the past few days, their crops have been full. Yesterday I noticed that the male was in the nest box. I didn’t see him out of the nest box yesterday and he is still in there today, huddled over the hen. The babies’ crops look empty. It has been extremely hot in our house and I have kept fans going but the house has been over 80 degrees during the day but it did cool off yesterday. Should I intervene? Maybe give the hen some electrolytes? Take the male out of the box? Handfeed the babies? I have handfed before but not such tiny ones. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Kathy B. Dear Kathleen: Its best to leave them alone. The more you disturb them and that means looking at them, the more likely they are to abandon the nest or even kill the chicks. This is especially true in a first clutch. They are nervous and inexperienced but your interference will bring up their predator/prey reaction and they will most likely just abandon the chicks. I know we humans like to think that we things go better when we are involved, but that isn’t true when it comes to raising parrotlets. Handling the chicks or the parents will almost certainly result in them abandoning or killing the offspring. That is how they survive in Nature. Better to abandon the nest if it is disturbed than get eaten by a predator. Eating offspring will give the parents the energy needed to lay another clutch. I know this seems barbaric to humans but that’s why they are animals. Nature guides them by instincts that have evolved over millions of years and keeping them in our homes, doesn’t change that. They are still very much wild animals that react on instinct – they are not domesticated like cockatiels or budgies to accept human interference. Also, with a first clutch you do not want to stress them out and have them possibly never be good parents. As for the heat, these birds originate near the equator – unless its over 100 degrees I sincerely doubt they will be affected by it. Remember, sometimes the hardest thing to do, is nothing. Best of luck. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

Spraddle Leg Parrotlet

Good morning, I have 3 babies that I have been hand feeding for about 2 1/2 weeks. This is my first time. They are all doing well except for one that I'm concerned about, maybe overly concerned. One of them his legs splay out to the sides as if it can't get it's legs under him to walk. The other 2 seem all right. Is this something to be concerned about or will it eventually learn to get them under him? I'm the only one that handles them and I have never dropped or squeezed so i don't understand. He eats very good like the others and doesn't seem to be in any pain. He can move it good and there doesn't appear to be anything wrong with either of the legs. thank you for your time. Patti Dear Patti: Thank you for your email. What you are describing is called ‘spraddle leg’ and it is something that is extremely serious as it severely handicaps the bird and it will be deformed for the rest of its life. It is almost always caused by not having enough porous nesting material in the nest box or in containers provided by the hand-feeder. It is for this reason that I have written in my 3 books as well as hundreds of articles on breeding parrotlets that it is vital to keep copious amounts of nesting material (and untreated wood shavings are the best – after all, it was what birds have been evolved to use for millions of years) in the nest box and replace it if the parents knock it out. Also, you must keep the chicks on these wood shavings in order to properly develop their hips, legs, feet and joints. I’m not sure if at this point this can be corrected but you will need to bring that bird into a vet immediately. Sometimes, if it is caught early enough, it can be treated by hobbling the legs together or placing them in certain kinds of restraints but it is simply better to avoid the problem all together by providing the correct amount and type of nesting material. But I would get that bird to a vet who specializes in birds immediately. If it cannot be corrected, the bird will be crippled and unable to walk for the rest of its life. Please let me know how this works out and best of luck. Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. Secretary, International Parrotlet Society

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Determing Age by Iris Color

Hello, I rescued a female Parrotlet , this past March, she was flown to a lady that was suppose to get a male, the breeder did send the male , the next day and told her to keep the female. The lady didn't want to keep the female, so I offered to take her. She was suppose to be a baby and her iris show and around that is gray, so her eye's are not all black like my male, when I got him as a baby. Is there any way you can tell a Parrotlet's age? She isn't real friendly, and also was suppose to be hand fed. I do know she is not a baby. Thank you, Evelyn Dear Evelyn: Thank you for your email. Once a parrotlet has reached the age of 6 months, you cannot determine age by visual inspection. Also, parrotlets have different colored iris’ – some are light, some are dark and they are often different colors. This is especially true in color mutations including splits. You say you got this bird in March? It had to be at least 6 to 7 weeks old at that time as that is when they wean. Therefore, the bird absolutely could have been a baby when you got it in March. It would now be around 6 months old so the iris would have changed color. And while it is not a ‘baby’ it certainly could be a young bird. Also, just because a bird ‘isn’t friendly’ doesn’t mean it wasn’t handfed. In fact, unless the bird is screaming, flinging itself around the cage and biting so hard it draws blood and doesn’t let go, you can be assured it was hand-fed. Hand-fed doesn’t mean the bird is a good pet; it only means it was hand-fed and therefore isn’t afraid of people. Doesn’t’ mean it likes people or wants to be around people or that it would be a good pet. It only means that it was fed by a human. That is why I always tell people to evaluate the breeder and make sure it is one who not only hand-feeds but imprints their birds and is honest enough to sell a human-friendly bird as a pet. Not one that was just hand-fed. Its never fair to the bird to sell it as a pet when it prefers the company of other birds and not people. Hope this helps! Sincerely yours, Sandee L. Molenda, C.A.S. The Parrotlet Ranch, Owner, www.parrotletranch.com Join the International Parrotlet Society, – the World’s Largest and Oldest Parrotlet Organization www.internationalparrotletsociety.org A Chattering Bird Builds No Nest. Camaroonian Phrase