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Adventures in
Aviculture
With Lisa McManus
Welcome to a new adventure!
Each month we will
explore a different
topic and find out as
much as we can about it. To begin, let’s define the
word “Aviculture”. I am
sure that quite a few people think aviculture is
something that
zookeepers practice, when in fact it is something those of
us who have birds
practice everyday. In preparation, I searched the
Internet for definitions
of “Aviculture” and here is what I found:
www.dictionary.com says that aviculture is “the rearing or keeping of birds; the
keeping and care of birds”.
www.pekinbantams.com.uk says it is the “raising of avian species”.
Wikipedia defines it as “the practice of keeping and often breeding pet birds,
generally companion parrots, and the culture that forms around it. Aviculture
is generally focused not just on the raising and breeding of birds, but also on
preserving avian habitat, and public awareness campaigns”.
The American Federation
of Aviculture, www.afabirds.org, takes it a bit further and “defines anyone
keeping exotic birds in captivity as an ‘aviculturist’ “ ,but AFA advocates that
this designation carries with it certain responsibilities transcending those of
the owners of domesticated pets like dogs and cats. AFA believes the holders
of exotic birds need to be aware of the special needs of the species they hold,
be aware of their conservation status, up-to-date research finding enhancing the
well-being of the birds, and the state and federal regulations pertaining to
exotic birds”.
Does that describe you, or us? I think so, but it also brings to the forefront
our obligations as bird owners. Not only do we need to know how to physically
and emotionally care for our birds, but we need to know about conservation of
the species and what is happening with research, and laws governing us and our
ability to keep birds. Wow, and we thought we just needed to know what foods
are good for them, what cage size is best and what toys are appropriate!
But it does make sense; to know what foods are best, we have to know what
research is discovering every day. Learning about conservation and our birds in
the wild, we learn more about what our species needs really are. And we must
not allow our birds to be one of the last of their kind; we have to conserve
their habitat and maintain the species in the wild. Habitats are disappearing
at an alarming rate! Birds are still being smuggled; non-native species are
overtaking or destroying native species. And the laws of our cities, counties
and country! Do you realize that little steps are being taken to put laws on
the books that will eventually completely restrict our right to own “exotic
pets”?
All of these things
are involved in being an aviculturist, which is what all of us are. Take pride
in that
moniker and
discover everything you can about aviculture and all it entails. It can be an
exciting
adventure! I’m ready to start, how about you? Let me know what topics you
would like to explore and we will learn together!
303-456-0068
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