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January’s Meeting:
During January’s meeting, Lu Carbyn from the Wild Bird General Store came to show us his slides of wild birds and other wildlife from Namibia. The bird of the month was Tucker, a maroon-bellied conure who belongs to Sandy. We also had Elnora Hibbert, a representative from Oxyfresh, talk to us about bird safe cleaning.
February’s Meeting:
During February’s meeting, we had a question and answer session with Dr. Max Rosetti. The session was very educational and topics covered included egg binding, feather plucking, aggression, diet, cancer and diabetes. The bird of the month was Yanti, a blue fronted Amazon.
Many thanks to all of our guest speakers and to members who have brought in their birds!
Pet Expo:
On January 29th and 30th, the EPPAhad a booth at the Edmonton Pet Expo. Seven new members joined and we had a lot of visitors to the table, as over 15 000 people attended the expo. Thanks to everyone who brought their parrots! The show was quite successful.
Upcoming Meetings:
March’s meeting will be on the 30th, at the Muttart Conservatory. We will be making parrot toys and the bird of the month will be
Skylar, the medium sulphur-crested cockatoo, who belongs to Nancy.
Upcoming Bird Show:
At February’s meeting, we decided to do one bird show this spring. It will be held at the Muttart Conservatory. The date will be announced ASAP. It was held at the end of May last year, and likely will be this year.
New Executive Members:
The EPPA now has a new secretary and a newsletter editor, who are Jessie Z and Quentin F.
Above Photo: This is Yanti, the blue-fronted Amazon. He was parrot of the month for February.
New Members:
Welcome to all of our new members!
Paul B
Samantha B
Mark S
Marie C
Lyne G
Normand B
Judy K
Lael K and family
De-Anne R
Barb and Nevin T
Thomas C
Bill and Sybille N
Mary Ellen G
Quentin F
Dave and Dana Z
Diane M
Above Photo: This is Tucker, the maroon-bellied conure, who was parrot of the month for January.
Website:
If you would like to see your parrot(s) featured on the “Our Flock” section of the website, please E-mail your photo to Louise. You can include a brief description of your parrot too. If you have a parrot website, it can also be included on the links page of the website.
Fundraising Ideas:
If you have any ideas regarding fundraising at out Muttart show in May, please contact a member of the executive. We cannot sell food. Ideas of things to sell so far include magnets and/or bookmarks with parrot photos on them, and dream-catchers made from parrot feathers. We may also charge $5.00 or so for people to have their photo taken with a parrot. Face painting was another idea. If you have other ideas, or can help with the implementation of these, let a member of the executive know.
Volunteers Needed:
Currently, we are in need of a show chair and a research chair. This person sees that research is done into topics of interest to club members and that this information is presented at a general meeting. At this time we have no Research Committee either, so the Research Chair would need to recruit for this committee as well. The show chair organizes the parrot shows. If you are interested in either position, please contact Louise.
Description:
These are rather small birds that are usually only about six inches (15 cm) in length. The natural or wild colour is green with black markings on the body and wings. However, a wide variety of colour variants are becoming available. These include dark green, olive green, sky blue, cobalt, mauve (slate gray), lutino (yellow), and creamino (cream colour). Gold and silver colour mutations have been bred in Europe as well. Males and females are difficult to tell apart, although many males have more black colouring on their tail feathers.
Range and Habitat:
In the wild, these small parrots can be found in southern Mexico, Central America, northern Colombia and Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru, and northern Bolivia. They are typically found in dense forests, but occasionally occur in savanna regions with few trees. They are often found in high-altitude areas, but they will migrate to a lower-altitude area in the summer. They are rarely seen in the wild, since they prefer to stay in high trees.
Diet and Care:
In the wild, lineolated parakeets eat a variety of fruits and seeds, along with the occasional insect. They will often raid maize fields as well. As pets, they do well on a diet of parrot pellets, supplemented with vegetables, fruits, seeds, and grains. Fresh water must also be available at all times.
Like all parrots, linnies need 10 to 12 hours of sleep per day and plenty of play time outside of the cage.
Most appreciate a shower or bath every few days. They must be kept in cages with bar-spacing of half an inch, because they can get their heads stuck in bars that are spaced farther apart than this.
Above Photos: Mr. Green Jeans (top) and Daisy (bottom). They belong to Linda and Vic V. Mr. Green Jeans’ previous friend sadly passed away, but he cheered up upon Daisy’s arrival. Daisy was very shy and had a bald head, and Linda was asked to help her. She is now doing well.
Personality:
As a general rule, lineolated parakeets (“linnies”) are rather quiet, non-aggressive and non-destructive birds. In fact, when kept with other bird species it is important to make sure that the other birds do not "bully" the linnie. They are often a little more sedate than other similar sized birds, such as the parrotlet or lovebird. Even so, they often love climbing, so should be provided with a spacious cage containing a variety of perches and branches. Many enjoy swings as well. While they are often not big chewers, many (like my linnie, Garnet) will chew on natural branches. Elm, apple or aspen branches are good for parrots as long as they are pesticide free.
SInce they are quiet, linnies can make great pets for apartment dwellers. They will often chirp when happy or excited, but the volume will be lower than the calls of most other parrots. Some linnies are also capable of learning to say a few words. Many of them will sit and grind their beaks when they are feeling content, and will flare their tails when excited or agitated.
Above Photo: These are Duke (green) and Turk (blue). They are owned by Carli.
Above Photo:This lutino lineolated parakeet was bred by Deb B.
Resources:
There are a number of websites about the lineolated parakeet. The following contain photos and information:
I’ve yet to find a book about these guys, but The Parrotlet Handbook by Matthew M. Vriends mentions them and covers the breeding and care of the small South American parrot species.
About the Cover Bird:
The bird on the cover is a cobalt-coloured lineolated parakeet and is owned by Jessie Z. and Quentin F. Her name is Garnet and she is seven months old.
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All the words listed below appear in the word search horizontally, vertically, diagonally, forwards or backwards. Fill in the spaces at the bottom of the word search with the remaining letters. Have Fun!
S / H / A / R / P / T / L / U / O / M / F / E / A / T / H / E / R / S / T / RE / E / E / E / K / S / C / A / S / R / I / A / S / A / V / I / A / N / L / E
C / P / N / N / W / A / Y / T / O / Y / S / N / A / P / E / T / E / U / U / H
O / O / I / O / B / I / T / E / N / N / I / S / I / E / S / V / W / G / D / A
N / R / L / H / B / B / K / P / E / N / B / R / E / E / D / I / N / G / A / T
D / L / E / A / S / W / A / L / C / V / M / E / R / P / N / O / F / L / S / C
A / T / G / N / D / E / E / U / K / E / A / C / W / G / T / L / T / E / T / H
R / E / S / D / N / O / B / C / A / T / N / A / Z / R / E / O / E / O / F / L
Y / H / T / F / A / A / L / K / E / E / D / N / Y / D / E / Y / R / D / A / I
S / T / W / E / T / K / R / E / B / S / I / E / G / S / E / R / O / L / H / N
W / A / I / E / S / E / L / E / S / I / B / E / O / S / A / M / E / S / S / G
E / B / G / D / G / T / E / O / H / C / L / R / D / P / R / I / M / A / R / Y
A / G / N / A / I / L / S / I / Y / R / E / P / A / E / T / P / D / O / O / F
N / N / C / P / U / M / N / E / S / E / G / N / C / E / H / K / C / O / C / Z
E / I / I / B / O / E / U / T / N / X / S / R / T / L / G / T / T / R / I / M
M / A / R / P / E / R / R / H / S / E / O / E / Y / S / I / A / A / P / D / T
U / A / R / R / P / E / C / G / G / W / I / H / L / H / E / I / M / B / U / P
B / E / P / S / V / Y / K / I / N / D / C / E / R / E / W / L / E / U / O / O
L / S / N / O / O / Z / E / L / I / S / G / N / I / P / P / O / R / D / L / O
A / H / C / R / E / P / Y / F / W / S / T / R / E / T / C / H / Y / A / L / P
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AdolescentEarsNailsTail
AdultEggNapeToes
AirsacsExerciseNareTongue
AlbumenEyesNeckToys
AvianNestTrim
FeatherNippyTwig
BarbuleFood
Bathe (twice)FledgeParrotVent
Beak (twice)FlightPeep Vet
BitePerch
BonesHandfeedPlayWean
BreedingHatchlingPluckWeight
Hen (twice)PlumageWing (twice)
CageHumidityPoop
CerePreen (twice)Yawn
ClawsIncubatePrimaryYolk
Cock
CovertsLegs (twice)SecondaryZip
CrestLoresShaftZygodactyl
CropLoudSharp
CrownSleep
MandibleSnooze
DietMessSnuggle
DrinkMoultStand
DroppingsStretch
______/ ______/ __ __ / ______/ ______
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Recipe:
The following is from Birds for Dummies by Gina Spadafori and Brian L. Speer, DVM
This basic recipe, perfect for experimenting: One box of corn muffin mix and one more egg than the box calls for. Prepare the mixture as recommended, adding the extra egg and any or all of the following: a cup of mixed vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen) or a 4-ounce jar of vegetable baby food, some hulled seeds, some pellets, and/or the shell of one egg (zap it in the blender to completely pulverize). Bake in either a greased muffin or cake pan as directed on the box.
Bird bread is a great way to convince a confirmed seed-eater that maybe other food isn’t so bad after all. You can break off pieces of bird bread every day or save it as a special treat (it freezes well). Use one-inch chunks for small birds and relatively larger chunks for the big ones.
Another treat is rice and veggie mix. Cook a cup of brown rice. Thaw a cup of frozen corn, peas, and carrot mix (a minute in the microwave will do the job). Mix the rice and vegetables together and add a couple of finely chopped hard-boiled eggs. What could be easier than that?
Health Tip:
This is from The Conure Handbook by Anne C. Watkins. Bracketed comments are the editor’s.
Polytetraflouethylene (PTFE) fumes [from Teflon coated or nonstick cookware] are airborne and can penetrate other rooms in
the house outside of the kitchen, even rooms upstairs or located several doors away from the kitchen. Nonstick cookware was once thought to be dangerous only when overheated, but has shown to be potentially dangerous even when used at normal temperatures. Heating the pans or other coated items causes a breakdown in PTFE, which creates the deadly [to birds] fumes. In a best-case scenario, the only problem would be that your conure [or other parrot] would be uncomfortable, but unfortunately, too many conures and other pet birds have died from these fumes to make that scenario acceptable.
What happens when a conure [or other bird] breathes PTFE fumes? The colorless fumes affect the conure’s delicate respiratory system, and causes severe distress, and all too often, a painful death. Many pet birds have been found dead for seemingly unknown causes, only to have it determined that they died from exposure to PTFE. And even though a conure [or other parrot] may not seem to be affected at the time, problems can develop later.
If you must use nonstick cookware, open a window in the kitchen while cooking, never overheat the pans, and try to put as many rooms between your conure and the kitchen as possible. Close all doors, and make sure the room your bird is in is well ventilated. Carefully monitor your conure for breathing distress. If you think that your conure has been exposed to PTFE fumes, immediately open a window and take the bird outside so it can breathe fresh air. Telephone your avian veterinarian if you think a visit to the doctor might be in order. To be safe, don’t use nonstick cookware at all! Cast iron is a good choice, as are stainless steel pots and pans.
Inexpensive Chew Toys:
Many parrots love to chew up and destroy things, especially wood. Parrots have a strong drive to chew things because in the wild, many of the foods they eat (like nuts) require chewing. Most are also cavity breeders, which means that they lay their eggs and raise their babies in an empty tree cavity. Often, the parents must enlarge the cavity by chewing more of the wood out. Chewing also keeps their beaks sharp and trim.
Luckily, if your parrot likes to chew, there are a lot of inexpensive ways to allow it to do so. Many of the trees we have in our yards are safe for birds as long as they have not been sprayed with pesticides. Branches can double as a chew toy and perch. According to The Conure Handbook by Anne C. Watkins, species of tree that are safe for parrots to chew on include: Aspen (Populus species), beech (Fagus, Nothofagus), birch (Betula species), cottonwood (Populus species), dogwood (Cornus) species, elm (Ulmus species), fir (Abies species), larch (Larix species), lilac (Syringa vulgaris), magnolia (Magnolia species), manzanita (Arctostapylos species), and willow (Salix species). If you are not sure about a plant, keep it away from your bird.
A list of toxic plants can be found at:
Many birds also like to shred cardboard (clean and unprinted is best) or newspaper (with only black and white print). Pieces of these can be hung in the cage, or woven through the cage bars or given to the bird when it is out. Some birds may enjoy shredding a box or paper bag that has a treat hidden inside.
Website – Average Parrot Weights
URL submitted by Lea M.
Here is a website containing a chart with the average weights for a variety of parrot species:
You can use it to see where your bird weighs in compared to other members of its species.
The book Birds for Dummies lists these signs that a parrot is obese:
-Rolls of fat around the abdomen and hip areas, along with cleavage on the abdomen and breast area.
-Visible fat under the skin. If a bit of rubbing alcohol is dabbed on the parrot’s skin and yellowish fat is seen instead of red muscle, the bird is too chubby.
-Breathing difficulty after physical exertion
-Overgrown upper beak, which can be a symptom of fatty liver disease.
OUR BELOVED PEANUT (Male Pacific Parrotlet)
Dec. 12, 1999 to Jan. 7, 2005 8.00 a.m.
I started my life smaller than any other parrotlet and my size did not make me small in measure but instead a giant in life.
I loved my mom and dad so much that they could not part with me. I shared my living dwelling with my best friend Scooter (male green lineolated) as we were born on the same day and we shared a friendship; a kinship, a bond that would not break. Scooter did not mind my faults. He is a good friend.
My mom and dad never saw my faults and they loved me as much as I loved them so we were in each other hearts. They could not part with me.
About a year ago I acquired diabetes and along came seizures. My mom and dad still loved me faults and all. During one of my seizures my cup under my beak became detached from my face. Mom changed my diet because she cared. Dad played softly with me. You see, they still love me. Scooter still stayed by my side. A true friend.
After a seizure Peanut could not fight anymore so he has gone to RAINBOWBRIDGE to play a healthy ever after. Mom and Dad will miss me as I them and I will watch over them for eternity. I only ask that everyone who reads this will find hope for a little fellow that is small as a Peanut but a giant in life and see what my parents saw in me. One great love.Tears of sorrow fills
my parent’s hearts and I know only time will fill the void.
My mom’s favourite words are from Angel Wings.
Unseen, unknown they hover near
Eager to help, to calm our fear.
In the joy of friends, in a heart that sings you’ll hear the sound of Angel wings.
When sadness overwhelms your heart,
And there is no-one to take your part,
In the silence isolation brings,
You’ll hear the sound of Angel wings.
Gentle guardians from our birth
They seek to ease our time on earth.
You’re not alone for each day brings
The caring sound of Angel wings.
By Margaret Joy Borle
GOOD NIGHT SWEET PEANUT
Linda & Vic L
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Speakers:
Mattie Sue Athan (USA) – Parrot Behaviourist & Author
Sandee Molenda (USA) – “Parrotlet Lady” & Breeder
Darrel Styles, DVM (USA) – Avian Veterinarian & Breeder
Dick Schroeder (USA) – Lories & Author
Jenni Bass, DVM (Canada) – Avian Veterinarian
Bob Nelson (USA) – Quakers & Lineolated Parakeets & Breeder
Margrethe Warden (USA) – Parrots and the Internet Pionus
May 21 - 22, 2005Dunsmuir LodgeVictoria, BC
Website:
Classifieds:
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Marie C, 780-688-2120 (Holden) has African greys weaned and readyto go.She is alsohandfeeding Quakers.
Deb B, 973-3267 has two baby Budgies (Dec 9 & 17), super-tame Lovie (Dec 11) and1 female Parrotlet (Aug 5) and she is a love out of her cage. Weaning and hatchingright now are lovebirds. Expecting soon: lineolated parakeets and parrotlets.
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Member Discounts:
The following merchants offer a discount to EPPA members. If you do not have a card, contact either Jessie or Louise.
10 % Discounts
Baker’s Aviaries Feed & Seed
9784 – 51st Ave490-4434
Tiffany’s Décor On Whyte: 10135 Whyte avenue 434-2414
Champion’s Feed & Farm Supply: 13723 Manning Drive406-2233
(5% off 25 lb bags and 10% off 50 lb bags of parrot food.)
10 % Discount on bird food
The Wild Bird Store: 4712 – 99 St
439-7333
All PJ Pet stores offer 15% off bird supplies
P J’s Pet Centre: #337 – 3414 Gateway Blvd436-7387
P J’s Pet Centre: Phase III 1498 WEM 444-7387
P J’s Pet Centre: 742 Kingsway Mall 474-1700
P J’s Pet Centre: L66 Londonderry Mall472-7387
Superpet: 160 Mayfield Common481-8000
Newsletter Submissions:
Please send all newsletter submissions to Quentin at Members may advertise parrots or parrot related goods and services for sale for no fee. Please also feel free to send in recipes, toy ideas, an article on parrot care, safety or health tips, the URL of your favourite site, a book review, or anything else parrot related! All submissions are greatly appreciated.