Re: Bourke Parrots - Help Needed
Posted: 23 Feb 2011, 19:55
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
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
