Bother The Birds

The birds will find out what you want to know!

PDD

What is  Proventricular Dilatation Disease?
For answers to frequently asked questions about PDD click here.




The Indian Meal Moth (Plodia interpunctella)


 by Gudrun Maybaum, Avian Nutrition and Herb Consultant
www.totallyorganics.com  E-mail: gudrun@totallyorganics.com

 Who among us bird owners did not have them every once in a while? The Indian meal moth or grain moth are the most common insect pests of grain products stored in the home pantry. The larvae is seen on ceilings and counters are often the first indication of their presence.

 There are four stages in the life cycle of an Indian meal moth: The egg, which is so small that it is almost not visible. After that it develops into the worm like larva. In the larva stage it develops a kind of capsule/cocoon around itself in which it hatches into the adult moth.

 The life cycle from egg to adult can take from 25 to 305 days. An adult moth can lay 40-400 eggs over a 18 day period. They preferably lay their eggs in or even on the outside of the package of grains, seeds, nuts, grain products, dried fruits, chocolate, biscuits, bread meal, breakfast foods, cereals, corn meal, corn starch, cookies, crackers, dry dog and cat food, flour, garden seeds, and red peppers. The eggs hatch in 4-8 days and then the larva begins searching for food. They can penetrate almost anything except cans and vacuum sealed bags. While this larva is eating our food and that of our pets, they spin a continuous strand of webbing wherever they are. This webbing can spoil more food than the larvae can ever consume.

 Depending on the food, temperature and length of the days in another 21 to 70 days this larva mature and we have the moth flying around our house and starting the cycle over again.

 All of this may sound scary, but there is no reason to panic. They are not dangerous, just annoying. Most of our food today contains enough chemicals that the meal moths does not like it anyway. But they are still a problem with our bird foods, especially those that are natural with no preservatives, which these bothersome insects just love.

 If you have food that is contaminated enough that you can see considerable webbing that the larva have created, throw it away. Any other food, store for two days in the freezer, because that will kill the larva. You can also add some bay leaves to the food. Bay leaves stop the larva from hatching. There are also moth traps on the market that do not use pesticides. They put out a scent that attracts and captures the male moth which prevents further mating and egg laying.

 I would suggest freezing all your bird seed, and other grain type foods and pellets for a couple of days as soon as you get it. Store the food in a cool, dry place. It is much easier to  prevent the problem than to get rid of the moths once they have gotten established in your home. You could also set up a  couple of moth traps just for a little extra insurance.

 If you already have an infestation, the moth traps work very well. However, it can take up to 3 years to get rid of all of them.

 References:
 http://www.caes.state.ct.us/FactSheetFiles/Entomology/fsen003s.htm
 http://www.pantrypest.com/indian_meal_moth.htm
 http://www.pestproducts.net/mothtrap.htm
 

Your Parrot Place has moth traps!   Click here to view moth and fruit fly traps.
 
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Nobody Told Me By Lori Zywiciel AKA: Lori H. 

I had hints, I had advice, I had cautions but nobody told me how owning 
birds would completely take over my life.

Nobody told me I'd become a bird store junky, standing at the checkout 
counter in bliss until half way home and then wondering just how long 
it would be before the Visa bill came in or husband asked for the check 
book to balance the account. Nobody told me my husband would say "I 
think you outta stay away from the bird store, you seem to have lost all 
control". Hmmmm. me? How did this happen?

Nobody told me when I saw a particular cage for 595.00 I might think 
wow that is a good deal. Or when someone mentioned a 4,000.00 cage I 
could see the reason certain people might need a cage like that.

Nobody told me that I would be up at 7:00am Sunday morning peeling yams 
and apples to cook so they would be added into a corn and wheat cereal 
mash. Nobody told me I wouldn't mind when feeding that mash to my bird 
he would vigorously shake his head sending that mixture flying in every 
direction, on to my carpet, on to my clothes, on to my face.

Nobody told me how much money I would spend on food, how much of it I 
would buy and just how little my birds would like any of it. Nobody 
mentioned that once you own birds you need an extra freezer in the garage.

Nobody told me that I would spend an hour standing with my hand on a 
tree branch watching for hawks so my bird could hang out in the sun and 
chew new buds.

Nobody told me I would be on the computer at all hours talking and 
reading about birds. Nobody told me I would make friends I will never see 
and that I would worry about them, and theirs, as if family.

Nobody told me I would check my son's bed for old damaged stuffed 
animals to give to the bird. That stuffed cat heck, he never really liked it 
and it is missing a leg anyway.

Nobody told me I would do two extra loads of laundry a week with bird 
towels and sheets. Nobody told me every morning I would put a sheet over 
my covers, litter my bed with weird wooden things, stuffed animals, 
leather pieces, apple slices and peanuts.

Nobody told me just how much he would squawk. Nobody told me I would 
not only learn when to respond but that I might actually smile at those 
ear spitting mind numbing squawks because my bird was just telling the 
world how happy he was.

Nobody told me I could play with him like I do. That he would chase me 
and I would chase him that he would be just as exuberant as a puppy.

Nobody could have convinced me that my husband would agree to shower 
with the bird in the bathroom (for the steam) and then without urging 
could be heard playing peek-a-boo while drying off.

Nobody told me how much I would sing out loud. Nobody could have 
guessed those songs would be golden oldies like "You Are My Sunshine" or 
songs from musicals.

Nobody told me how excited I would get after being gone all day to come 
home and see seed thrown all over the place. Yea! He ate while I was 
gone. Nobody told me that I would not resent vacuuming twice a day to 
clean up the mess he made while finally eating alone.

Nobody told me how my heart would tighten when I got home today after 
being gone and took my squawking baby out. Nobody told me how I would 
feel when sooo tired I put out a sheet on the floor, put toys all over, 
grabbed a pillow for me, lay down and my birdy only wanted to snuggle 
with me. Nobody told me how it would feel to have a little bird body 
across your chest and neck, little feathered head on your cheek. I was not 
told how soft his kisses would be or how warm his face was as he fell 
asleep on my cheek cooing softly. Nobody told me how long I would lay 
there awake so he could sleep.

Everybody told me I would love him. Nobody could tell me how much.

Author Lori Zywiciel
AKA: Lori H.

Thank you for letting me know the author!

NEW TO THE AVIAN WORLD?

Are you considering buying or adopting a bird? If so, please take a few moments to read the following suggestions and ideas compiled from an array of the finest veterinarians, breeders and long time bird owners. These suggestions are based on their experience, however you must, of course, use your own judgement since the final responsibility for the care and atmosphere you provide will be yours. For those of us who love birds (fids=feathered kids), we know owning a bird and being owned by a bird can be one of the happiest, most joyful experiences of our lives~ This pleasure does have a price and that price is "responsible" ownership! Please do not allow these ideas and suggestions to discourage you or make you feel overwhelmed by all the "don'ts"! The "do's" are many!

START OFF RIGHT

WHAT TYPE OF BIRD WILL "FIT" WITH YOUR FAMILY? There are many species of birds readily available and each species has its own set of behaviors and predictable behavioral patterns ranging from the amount of time needed "out" (outside the cage) as part of your flock, to the level of noise, chatter and talking. Keep in mind that although certain species may be known for "this or that", in the end, each bird, like us, is an individual. Visit with the species you are considering to get a feeling for their personality and response to you. Also, part of your consideration should be the life span of each species. Many avian species will live well over fifty years and unless you are extremely young, the purchaser of a bird of this type needs to ask, "What will happen to my bird if it outlives me?" Research which species will be best for your particular lifestyle. When choosing a species, it is best to search for articles and books written by those who have researched common behaviors...If you live in an apartment, you may want to find a species which is more quiet and reserved. If you are away from your home for many hours each day, then you will want to search for a bird which can entertain itself readily and will be happy with the few hours you can give. Contact avian breeders and ask for their opinions. Do your homework and you will not be sorry! Also, please remember...NOT ALL individual birds speak even if many of their species do...If speaking is important to you, be sure to purchase a bird which is already speaking at a young age..otherwise, be thrilled if your bird chooses to speak to you once he's home and settled in a loving environment!

BUY FROM AN AVIAN BREEDER! These are the people devoted to birds and bird care. A responsible breeder WILL NOT sell you an unweaned bird unless you can prove that you have the experience and knowledge necessary to wean a baby safely. It has been proven untrue that the one who feeds is the one the bird will bond with. We all leave mom eventually and it is the same for a bird. Your bond will grow with time and trust, so be assured, you may spare yourself much heartache by allowing those who are experienced to wean your new companion fully. If you have other birds at home, PLEASE, quarantine your new bird completely away from your other flock members! It is important to make sure air supply, food dishes and other items not be shared during this quarantine period. If you can not offer a period of at least thirty days for quarantine due to space limitations or other situations, please, think long and hard before bringing a new bird home to your other(s).

ASK YOUR BREEDER TO CLIP THOSE WINGS! This is crucial to your bird's survival in your home! Many breeders allow their babies to fledge (fly for a short period of time in their aviaries or in rooms set up just for this purpose) to allow them to build their confidence and muscle tone. Ask to be sure your breeder practices this! When you bring your new bird home, leave perches low in the cage for a week or so; in this way, your bird will understand his new limitations and will not fall from a high perch, discovering on the way down he can no longer fly. Unless your birds will live in an aviary, you may not want to allow them to be fully flighted...this practice may invite disaster! Flying indoors can be deadly...clipping flight feathers avoids: collisions with windows, walls, floor, ceiling, window and floor fans; halogen lights and/or fixtures which may be flown into, open toilets, bathtubs, and kitchen areas while cooking; also heating and cooling units may present a danger. Think of a toddler in your home with wings and just imagine the dangers, which are present. Also do not allow your bird to walk on your floors without constant supervision..Here they will have exposure to electrical sockets, electrical cords, toxic houseplants and perhaps even being stepped on inadvertently...but most frightening of all, they may have exposure to other household pets. Do not fall asleep with your bird. Not only are they quick to take advantage of roaming unsupervised but you could injure your bird by rolling onto it. Wing clipping also assists you when training your bird; it's very difficult to gain complete attention if the bird can fly away from you! Incorporate wing clipping into your Avian Veterinarian visits and ask for a non-severe clip so that your bird will have enough wing power to keep it from falling in or out of its cage and injuring itself.

 

LIFESTYLE: Along with eating better living with a parrot, you will find there are certain things you may love which will not be possible around your new companion. Among them: Burning candles, spraying cleaners, smoking, bringing in new furniture, drapes (anything new which might contain fumes - some which we don't even realize...Bird may need to be moved to a different location until fumes subside) certain ovens, stoves and cooking pans containing "Teflon". Fully understand what could be hazard to your parrot before you bring he/she home.

(Check out http://www.birdsafe.com and other sites to learn all hazards which we never thought about until life with parrots!!)

TIME....yours! Do you have the time to devote to a bird? They should not be in their cages 24/7...can you devote time EACH day just for this purpose? Not only do our birds need time away from their cages, but also in order to train your bird and enjoy a bond with them, you need to build TRUST and TRUST TAKES TIME! It must be earned. Please keep in mind when you plan for time to be spent with your new avian companion, you should not spend anymore time with them when you first bring them home than you will over the course of your lives together! Many behavioral problems can be associated with the new baby who was the object of everyone's total attention for the first month or so and then suddenly sits in its cage alone, day after day, when the newness wears off. Remember that your purchase of these intelligent creatures must be considered a major responsibility by all in your household in order for it to be a wonderful one! Set aside time each day to interact with your bird and fill their home with toys and objects which will keep them challenged in the hours you are away or busy! An even balance can be reached to the benefit of all!

YOUR HEALTH: Be sure you are not allergic to down or feathers and if you have sensitivities, please be prepared to purchase a good air cleaner so that you and your parrot will not be affected by problems with air qualityIf you are in doubt, check with your physician and/or visit an aviary where you can be around birds to be sure this will not present a problem!If there's a chance you might be alergic to a bird, find out before you move he/she in with you to avoid heartache for you both! Are you sensitive to noise? Please be sure you hear first hand, the noises various species of birds are capable of.

 

INTIAL INVESTMENT: A large, very large cage according to species you wish to purchase. Buy a good quality cage. A good cage is an investment in your birds' life and happiness. Look into powder coated or stainless steel as opposed to chrome, brass or unknown metal which may cause toxicity problems for your bird. A first aid kit; air cleaner; humidifier;various perches, dishes, toys (accessories) ; a well health check and yearly check ups with an avian vet; safe bird carrier; scale to weigh your bird at least weekly, good foods and the willingness to prepare fresh foods daily; a variety of human grade dried and prepared seeds, nuts, fruits and veggies to offer diversity in diet; a water purification system for daily clean, safe water and/or purchase of a reputable bottled water;

AVIAN VETERINARIANS: Would you go to a podiatrist for angina? An avian veterinarian gives you the "best chance" to ward off health problems and deal with emergencies. Remember that birds are prey species. They will present to you as healthy in the morning and could be gone in the evening...They instinctively will not show illness if they can help it...In the wild, this would mean certain death to them at the hands of a predator. Locate an avian veterinarian before purchasing your bird...be sure he/she is taking on new clients and know that your bird will have the best possible chance for many years of good health. It is advisable to have your birds' well check within two days of bringing he/she home. Also, schedule visits twice yearly to maintain excellent health.

There are hundreds of articles on the internet regarding, hazards, good and bad foods, accessories which will make your companion's home a wonderful place to be....With much forethought, your life with a parrot can be one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever know!

If you have specific questions or would like lists of urls on the www concerning birds and living with them, write me and I'll be happy to supply them to you !

An easy, wonderful source of information can be found at http://www.birdsnways.com Scroll down until you see Winged Wisdom Articles (Library) and after arriving at this page, you will find a search box. Here you can type in any concern/research you would like to read about and find many articles from experienced breeders, pet owners and veterinarians...

You may also visit http://www.aviannetwork.com/newbirdowners/

where we discuss many aspects mentioned above in depth for First Time Bird Owners!!
GOOD LUCK in your search!!


Dee, MA
http://www.aviannetwork.com
http://www.simplyparrots.com

 

Article Links

Avian Health Care Tips courtesy of Bird’s The Word.