Published Monthly by the Mid America Cage Bird Society

FRIENDS AND FEATHERS

We’re Married

By Janice Boyd

Sam, a blue and gold macaw, is present during the walk through of the flights and I’m explaining “This is so and so and they’re married” for simplicity sake.  Sam’s flying around, sitting watching or on my body accompanying me as I do my walk through in the aviary with interested people. This goes on for a while, like, years.

After time goes by, we are alone and I’m doing some computer stuff, at the desk. Sam flies over, lands on my shoulder, rubs his featherless face patch on my shirt and he purrs and says, in a whisper, “I love you”. Okay, he might not “love” but I keep rewarding that so I could hear it. I am partial to hearing that. So, say, “I love you too” and reward him with some preening action on his head…going back to my work immediately. He rubs his face patch again and whispers,“We’re married”.

He’s my bird” out of the birds and I reckon, according to him, we’re married now. I guess that means we are a pair.  So I’m married to a bird named Sam.

When something is not “right” (correct)… he termed it first: “Goober”. It’s goobered if it’s not right. Now I use that against him, I can say, “Where’s that goober bird?” and he comes flying, usually vocalizing some human laugh. He’s really fun and has a great sense of humor.

I’m glad we are married.

A Biography of our Guest Speaker

Greg J. Harrison, DVM, Dipl Emeritus ABVP (Avian), Dip ECZM (Avian - retired)

After earning his DVM degree from Iowa State University in 1967, Dr. Harrison moved to South Florida and soon established The Bird Hospital, the first Florida practice exclusively developed for pet bird medicine and surgery. During this time he developed a formulated bird diet that became the basis for Harrison's Bird Foods, the world’s first organic formulated pet food. Because of the potential for adverse effects of antibiotics and some other pharmaceuticals, he also began to try various complementary therapies with his patients.

Dr. Harrison has contributed chapters to several textbooks in veterinary medicine and aviculture and co-edited three major textbooks: Clinical Avian Medicine and Surgery; Avian Medicine: Principles and Application; and Clinical Avian Medicine Volumes I & II.

In his veterinary practice he began to recognize the effects of pesticides on birds in his care and the effect of mega-agriculture on the environment and ultimately on humans. He owns an organic farm in Nebraska and incorporates organic principles into his life.

From the President

I am SO excited to announce that Dr. Greg Harrison, DVM will be speaking at our meeting this month. BUT in order to accommodate his traveling schedule we had to change the meeting date and time. Our February meeting will be Saturday the 25^th at 11AM.

Dr. Harrison will be talking about the effect of mega-agriculture on the health of free-ranging and captive birds. There is broad evidence of the negative effects of mega-agriculture on all animals and humans.

Mega-agriculture includes the use of GMO or genetically modified seeds, glyphosate-ready crops, pesticides, artificial fertilizers, lack of crop rotation, and failure to include buffer zones for beneficial species.

Birds are particularly sensitive to agricultural chemicals, which are very commonly used in the Midwest. The effects range from behavior and reproductive disorders to immune suppression and cancers. All these issues point to the value of encouraging organic farming and being proactive in preventing these calamities by reducing birds’ contact with these chemicals in their food and environment.

Don’t forget, it’s almost time for the March fair.  We do need volunteers to help with the raffle table and bake sale. Please let us know if you are able to help. We will have a signup sheet at the February 25^th meeting.

See you the 25^that 11AM,

Lisa

Minutes of the MACBS Meeting – Jan 22, 2012

Lisa called the meeting to order. 

We need suggestions for this year’s meetings. It was suggested we have a vet come talk about First Aid and what to do if you can’t get to a veterinarian right away; since the emergency vet is in Ames.

Debi will contact Dr. Zaffarano about coming or having Dr. Harrison come when he is in town. We may be able to get Chris Davis a bird behaviorist from the Chica o area to come.

In the past we have had a presenter from Kaytee talk about their products for birds.

Bonnie offered to bring her Red Tailed Hawk for a program on raptors.

The oliday Party has been scheduled for Dec 2 again at Zion Lutheran Church. Thank
you John Grim. John will also look into etting a shelter house at Raccoon River Park for our summer picnic in July.

Please ign up for meeting treats and to help at the March fair.  

It s time to renew our club affiliations. FA, Lovebird Society, Budgie Society, Colorbred (Canary) Society, Finch  SPBE (Parrot) and the World Parrot Trust. eb moved we renew all affiliations, Linda Seconded.   The motion carried

In the past few years we have had a booth at the Pet Expo in October. Members feel this is good exposure of the club and informational for the public. John G moved we attend. Deb
seconded. The motion carried.

John T brought up the possibility of holding a Bird Show this fall. We have not had one for several years. If we pared the show down to Budgies, Lovebirds and Canaries; he feels we could do the show for about $4,000. These are the 3 sections with enough birds to have a major show. We have very few members involved in breeding and although some members bring birds it is no longer a priority. Nancy moved we not have a Bird Show this year. Linda seconded.  The motion carried 9 ayes and 1 nay.

The meeting adjourned.   

Respectfully Submitted,   Bonnie Callan secretary