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April "06 newsletter I feel that I have to begin this newsletter by defending myself against my dear friend Matthew’s latest diatribe because this time it was against me. Yes, I know that clipping wings and cutting off feet are not analogous, I am, honestly, not that stupid. It was a joke. I said it that way because to achieve the same effect on my macaw and my nape that I would achieve by clipping wings on my cockatiels, I would have to cut their legs off. My macaw never flies in the house and my nape very rarely does and only back to his cage from my hand. I am completely aware of the problems that ensue from birds that are fully flighted in the house and I only clip when I feel it is necessary. That is a decision that each pet bird owner makes on their own. I love my chickens and I call them "people." Matt loves my chickens’ eggs better than the eggs of any other chickens. He has said that often. Let’s see how many they will lay for him after I tell them that he called them: "Brainless bags of mobile grain and grit." He would never dare say that to their faces. He only writes it because he knows that they cannot read. One thing I must say, however, is that if you choose to take your bird outside without a secure carrier, PLEASE clip its wings. No matter how trusting you are in your bird, if that bird takes off the chances of ever seeing it again are close to zero. Those birds also tend to die a most horrible death as they have no preparation for surviving outside. That being over, I am tired. Jackie, Debbie and Joe Lovett and I spent all today delivering an adoption bird to Mt. Kisco in Westchester Co. We met some really delightful people and hopefully paired up a human and avian for a lifelong connection, but it was quite a long day and I am exhausted. It feels like one of those adoptions where the person and the bird were waiting for and needed each other. Only time will tell, but I have faith. I have to miss our April meeting for two reasons. The first of which is that it is Passover and I will be celebrating with my family. The second reason, which is not as nice as the first, is that I should be recovering from surgery. I really don’t like missing our meetings, but this is not something that I can control. Our May meeting will bring Dr. Lauie Hess to us and that should be really interesting. We must not forget that Dr. Hess has invited our club to a round table, question and answer discussion at her office in Hopewell Junction. In June, I have the owner of Middlecreek Aviaries from Pennsylvania as our guest speaker. We may have Chad Seewagon, our ornithology student from the Bronx Zoo in July or August, depending on his schedule. Then we will have Kathy Stevens, who runs the Farm Animal Sanctuary in Saugerties as our next program. By then we shall be close to our next show, so we have lots to see and do and experience. I am hoping to feel good and see everybody in May. Have a wonderful Passover and Easter and anything else you choose to celebrate. With love, Richie With Love, |
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