Quality Standards applied at
Caloosahatchee Aviary and Botanical Gardens
(adapted from International Aviculturists Society Recommendations,
IAS Annual Convention, March, 1998, Orlando, Florida)
We have moved from Tennessee to sunny and warm Southwest Florida where our breeders can enjoy outdoor living with room to fly. New flights are continuously under construction, customized for each pair of birds. Our birds' diets vary with the species but include fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and formulated diets. We have undergone extensive testing and vaccination of our flock in order to build a breeding flock of specific pathogen free (disease free) birds using technologies currently available.
The specific guaranteed quality standards for companion birds sold from this facility include the following:
A USDA accredited veterinarian visually inspects and evaluates the flock on a regular basis with corrective measures taken as appropriate.
Appropriate quarantine procedures and measures are followed.
Accurate records are maintained of all bird related transactions. Records include date of purchase or transfer, species of bird(s) transferred, source of bird(s), and any identified illness or deaths among birds. Our record keeping is based on current recommendations excerpted from "Recommended Control Measures" for C. psittaci as published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention MMWR Vol 46 / No. RR-13 page 3.
All young birds, during the weaning process, are fed a variety of formulated diets to the extent that they recognize same as a food source. (Our babies are accustomed to formulated diets, seed, fruits and vegetables before graduating from the nursery facility.)
A written sales or transfer contract is provided indicating what procedures have been performed on a bird to meet accreditation standards.
Instructions are provided to the purchaser regarding the care of the bird as applicable.
All birds are permanently identified (closed band with microchiping available) before leaving the avicultural facility. (We close band our babies and microchip all of our adult birds, both for identification and security.)
Only weaned birds are transferred to inexperienced recipients or non-certified facilities.
All deaths in the flock are reported to the flock veterinarian. The attending veterinarian performs necropsy and a complete histopathological evaluation as indicated.
All parrots leaving the facility are vaccinated for Polyomavirus.
Our flock (Old World Species) has been tested negative for Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD).
Information regarding parentage and, where applicable, "Studbook information" is provided for birds leaving the facility. Where applicable, a copy of the Animal Record Keeping System (ARKS) Specimen Report is provided.
