Bourke Parrots - Help Needed

[Myzomela]

Hi Natambo,

Budgie runners are now known to be affected by either Beak & Feather Disease Virus, Polyomavirus or a combination of the 2, not genetic.

However, the old time breeders were right to dispose of breeders and their young- they were effectively eliminating infected birds.

The problem is in detecting adults that carry these diseases. Sometimes the proof is in the youngsters- pairs that produce youngsters which fledge missing primary flight & tail feathers, or which lose these feathers shortly after fledging, should be viewed with suspicion. Personally, I would always cull such pairs, or if valuable have them tested. I know of many breeders which have had to deal with this disease and it can be very disheartening and frustrating if not dealt with properly.

Cheers

Myzomela

[shox]

unfortunately myzomela, is right, having bred bourkes its a disease that should not be treated lightly. I know of breeders that have culled straight away.

[waynomelb]

unfortunately myzomela, is right, having bred bourkes its a disease that should not be treated lightly. I know of breeders that have culled straight away.

Am I reading this right? Cull means Sell

[Buzzard-1]

I had a feeling but didn't want to say until I saw photo's I guess I was hoping I was wrong.

Am I reading this right? Cull means Sell

I'm afraid not. The cost/treatment out ways the benefits.

[shox]

sorry selling was not in my thoughts. but others may have different opinion.

[Myzomela]

Sorry Wayno,
"Cull" means to humanely euthanase. Otherwise you're just giving the problem to someone else.

[natamambo]

Most vets under that circumstance will send them off nicely and not charge much. You can't keep them in anyone else's aviary either, have to stop the rot now I'm afraid.

Heartbreaking I know, got psittacosis of my budgies many years ago and most had to be culled.

[Myzomela]

Culling for PBFD is one thing- it is an untreatable viral disease.
But psittacosis is treatable, so why did you have to cull Natamambo? Were they so far gone that they were beyond help?
Sorry to hear that, it must have been terrible for you.

[natamambo]

Culling for PBFD is one thing- it is an untreatable viral disease.
But psittacosis is treatable, so why did you have to cull Natamambo? Were they so far gone that they were beyond help?
Sorry to hear that, it must have been terrible for you.

In the early 80s it wasn't really treatable en-masse in the birds & I was in intensive care as it led to acute pneumonia so a tough decision was made afterwards.

[jusdeb]

You got the psittacosis virus ? OMG thats not good at all . It must have been a very trying time for you .