Superb Parrot - Nswfmpa.org

Animal Care Studies - Western Sydney Institute of TAFE, RichmondAll new galvanised wire mesh must be thoroughly cleaned before allowing birds to makecontact with it. This is to avoid heavy metal poisoning, which is caused by birds lickingor chewing and then digesting deposits of lead or zinc oxides that are usually present onthe new metal surfaces.The prevention of lead poisoning really starts at the construction stage of an enclosuremaking sure that no lead based products are used in the construction. If known lead basedproducts have to be used then these items should be hidden during construction to preventany bird from accessing them. Zinc poisoning occurs mainly from galvanised enclosure(aviary) wire, however, any galvanised product used with psittacines has the potential tocause zinc poisoning i.e. holding cages, “D” shaped feeders. All galvanised products thatare to be used in the housing or feeding of psittacines should be thoroughly cleaned ofany zinc deposits before being used. Zinc Wash Acetic Acid has been indicated as beingeffective on galvanising. The excesses of zinc on new aviary wire should be scrapped offand disposed of effectively and safely. Then washing the wire with a 10% vinegar orsimilar acidic solution using a stiff wire brush and washing off vigorously with water hasalso been effective but is not guaranteed to be 100%. Weathering enclosure wire, whichis exposing wire to normal climatic conditions for a few months, does not necessarilyremove zinc deposits. Batches of new aviary wire can vary in their toxicity levels butimported wire appears to be the most toxic. Using a wire that is of a heavier gauge so thatthe birds find it harder to bite off deposits of zinc is an alternative but would still requirecleaning and washing down. The new wire product “BHP Evencoat” is indicated aspotentially being safer than standard enclosure (aviary) wire.PartitonsWhen housing P. swainsonii it is advisable that the partitions be of solid materials, asrecommended for walls. Solid partitions eliminate interference from neigbouring birdsand provide a draught free, secluded environment conducive to successful breeding.The only disadvantage of solid partitions is the reduction of air circulation within eachenclosure in tropical climates or in regions that experience extreme temperatures. Thissituation can be resolved by either fixing ventilators at the rear of each enclosure, or aspreviously mentioned having a raised open central roof section and reducing the length ofinternal partitions by a third or quarter from the front of the enclosure as shown in Figure14.Walkways and service corridorsAll bird complexes/enclosures should be provided with front access service walkways orfully roofed rear service corridors or both. Walkways or service corridors situated at thefront of a complex/enclosure will assist in eliminating escapes, predator attacks andgeneral disruptions as well as facilitating feeding and cleaning. (refer Figure 13 and 14)Fully roofed service corridors at the rear of a bird complex/enclosure provide even easierfeeding and cleaning facilities under all weather conditions. This type of service areaKeith Naylor 28/3/2005 Version 3 29