West Nile Virus

[The Outlaw]

I don't know why I forgot to mention this, but Dr. Ritchie discussed the fact that though we should use caution, West Nile Virus really hasn't threatened pssitacines at all. There were birds lost in the Harriburg Zoo in PA last year, but they were not parrots. They were, for the most part, raptors who are highly susceptible to WNV.

Apparently, WNV isn't targeting our birds. I asked if that was because most birds were inside. He said, "No. In fact, the largest parrot producing aviaries in the US are in fact, in fairly tropical climates: Louisiana, Florida, Texas and California to name a few. Most of their birds are kept in outside aviaries without any problems.

So, stop stressing over WNV. Allow your birds the luxury of some outside time. Use common sense. If the mosquitos are biting you, its time to bring in the birds. Besides, you shouldn't leave them outside unattended for long anyway.

Secondly, he recommended not using power washers to clean aviaries and cages. Seems that by blasting the poop, it simply spreads it further.

When I asked about steam cleaners, he wasn't sure. Not certain if they kill the germs first, I guess. Anyway, thought I should give you a heads up there.

[yehudasf]

BS"D

Outlaw:

he recommended not using power washers to clean aviaries and cages. Seems that by blasting the poop, it simply spreads it further.
When I asked about steam cleaners, he wasn't sure. Not certain if they kill the germs

I've always stuck to the old-fashioned method of taking the cages apart, scrubbing them with soapy water & a scrub brush, spraying them off, then spraying them down with Rocal -D, leaving them for 15 minutes, & then giving them a final rinse. After they dry in the sun, I re-assemble them & back in go the birdies. So far, so good.

[Chariclo]

That is really good to know Nancy. I have stressed over WNV, but always used caution when having the birds outside for any length of time. Our house is in the woods - so naturally there are mosquitos. I just try to have them out during the warmer/sunnier parts of the day and get them in before dusk. Gives me a chance to just sit out there on the deck with them too. They just love it. Glad to see we don't have to deny them that.

[The Outlaw]

Melissa:

Not only is it a good idea, its what they need. He said that since our homes become more and more contaminated as we close them up, we are actually exposing them to MORE germs inside. He really doesn't support full spectrum lighting. He does highly recommend the advantages of fresh air and sunshine. In fact, he stressed that point.

THE OUTLAW

[Chariclo]

Unfortunately as you know - where we live that cannot always be an option. But when I can - I do have them out on the deck. When we built this house we had a total air exchange system put in. Every 20 minutes or so the stale air is circulatd out - and the fresh air from outdoors comes in. It was a big expense - but has helped all of us with allergies, we've had less colds/flu and I can't help but think it is good for the birds.

Strange about the full spectrum lighting - was it just that he didn't put much emphasis on it? Or hasn't he seen adequate proof of it's benefits? - just curious. For us northerners it is the only option for many months of the year.

[The Outlaw]

I don't remember exactly what he said, but I think he pretty much implied that we can't provide FS lighting in quantities that are effective. However, I'd hate to misintrepret his point. I think he said that it was originally used with small cage birds to increase productivity, but hasn't proved effective in other birds.

THE OUTLAW