May-June 2004

Muttart Show

Parrots Of The World

On May 30^th 2004 we had our show at the Muttart Conservatory there was a lot of traffic that came through to see the birds on display. Thank you to all who participated and came out and brought their birds to the show. We had a wide variety of birds and plenty of people on hand to explain about our birds to the public.

Letter From The President

Another EPPA year is about to start and your executive is looking forward to arranging a number of interesting activities for you.

For the August meeting we plan to have round table discussions regarding some aspect of parrot ownership that would be of interest to those in attendance. So far the suggestions are: How to Deal with Feather Plucking, Adopting a Pre-owned Parrot, and Behavior Modification.

A parrot show is planned for Sunday, September 26^th at the Sands Hotel. Last year’s show at the Sands was very successful and we are hoping for the same success this year. Please plan to participate in this fund-raising venture.

Just a reminder: The EPPA year ends August, so be prepared to pay your membership fees at the August 25^th meeting (memberships are still a bargain at the low price of $22 for single and $27 for family).

Pet Of The Month

May: Skylar was the pet of the month for May he belongs to Nancy and Don. Skylar is a Sulfur Crested Cockatoo.

http://www.oaklandzoo.org/atoz/azsucock.html

June BBQ

June 20, 2004 we had our yearly June BBQ held at Maggie & Gene’s home, the BBQ was an excellent turnout with plenty of great food, pictures of the event can be seen on the website. Thank you to all who brought their birds to participate and to all who attended.

Recipe Of The Month

Sweet Potato Puffs
 
1) Cook one large sweet potato in the microwave on high for 8 to 10 minutes or until very soft. Split the skin, and scoop out the flesh. Mash it up well in a large bowl.
2) Add 1/3 of a very soft, ripe banana, being sure not to use any part of the banana that has brown spots.
3) Add one jar of any baby fruit and one jar of any baby vegetable. I like to use the ones that are a mixture, like sweet potato and applesauce, etc. Just seems like more flavor than a straight vegetable.
4) Add one cup of frozen peas or corn.
5) Add 1/3 or 1/4 cup of a natural peanut butter.
6) Add a little cinnamon. Since I never measure spices in my own cooking, I can't suggest how much to use.
 
Mix it up well. It will be a sticky mess at this point, but it will roll up into balls, or you can also use an ice cream scoop.
Pour out some Grape Nuts cereal onto waxed paper, then roll each ball in the cereal until it is well covered. Put them into a container and then into the freezer.
I put three at a time in my microwave, set it on defrost for about 45 seconds to one minute. The time will depend upon how many you defrost at a time, and how "hot" your microwave is. Be sure that they are warm clear through, as sweet potatoes are heavy and take longer to get warm. Also, be VERY sure not to burn your fingers when you are breaking them up into the birds' dishes.
The beauty of this recipe is that you can change it around, add anything that your birds really like. I have at times put in the crumbs of NutriBerries or the small remains of pellets. You can add fresh, finely chopped veggie, or any kind of baby food, or chopped up nuts. Just use your imagination and your birds' favorite treats and they will really go for it! And with the sweet potato being the main ingredient, they are also getting Vitamin A. 
Experiment and enjoy !

EPPA Member Discount Listing

10 % Discounts

Baker’s Aviaries Feed & Seed: 9784 – 51^st Ave 490-4434

Tiffany’s Décor On Whyte: 10135 Whyte Ave 436-7387

15% Discounts

P J’s Pet Centre: #337 – 3414 Gateway Blvd 436-7387

P J’s Pet Centre: Phase III 1498 WEM 444-7387

P J’s Pet Centre: 742 Kingsway Mall 474-1700

P J’s Pet Centre: L66 Londonderry Mall 472-7387

Superpet: 160 Mayfield Common 481-8000

Member Advertising

Al's Pet Sitting Service (477-1566) - birds, small animals - daily and weekly rates - 10% discount on weekly rates

Deb (973-3267) has hand-fed budgies, lovebirds and parrotlets for sale

Louise and Dave (466-7273) have hand-fed alexandrines for sale

Joke of The Month

SPIRITUAL (?) PARROT

A burglar sneaks in a dark bar...(after hours) and goes right to the cash register. A voice calls out, "GOD IS WATCHING YOU". He looks all around and sees nothing so returns to jimmying the cash drawer. Again, the voice says, "GOD IS WATCHING YOU". The burglar looks around and finally sees a parrot in a cage and says, "Oh, Hi Polly. You startled me." "Hey" said the parrot. "My name ain't Polly. It's John the Baptist." The burglar snorted, "Who in the world named you John the Baptist?". Parrot says, "The same guy who named that Rottweiler over there GOD!"

Gazzette Tidbits

Tips on traveling with your bird

• Have your bird's wings clipped before leaving.
• Have your bird's health vet-checked before leaving.
• Check laws of other states to be sure your bird is permitted there.
• Remove swinging toys from cages.
• Keep the bird in a cage when the vehicle is in motion.
• Keep to your birds usual feeding and sleep routine.
• Use a smaller cage than normal, or use a travel carrier.
• Don't be stressed, or your bird will be stressed.
• Avoid weather extremes with your bird.
• Take your bird on short trips first before traveling.
• Avoid crowds.
• Alert hotels/planes that you are traveling with a bird.
• When camping, arrive early to give bird time to settle.
• Bring a spray water bottle for baths and cooling.
• Consider adding a rope perch to your birds carrier.
• Restock your first-aid kit.
• Keep phone numbers of avian vets along the way and at your destination.
• Never let your bird out of your sight.
• Keep fresh food, water and fruit in birds dishes.
• Bring water and seed/pellets that your bird is used to.

Member participation Needed

We are in need of members to help with the phone list, you may choose to do it now and then, but we do need members to help out to call other members. The phone calls will not be to very many people only those who don’t have email. All members with email addresses will be emailed to remind of meetings and other such things. This won’t take up much time and would be an asset to the club. Anyone interested please contact a member of the Executive.