Posted: Sat May 16, 2009 11:14 pm Post subject: Apprehensive.
I have only recently lost my much beloved little kaka, Peps. She was only 13 months old. Having read several threads and discussions on this site, I believe she fell victim to inbreeding problems. She seemed ok, was eating and didn't appear to be in any pain. She suddenly had a limp, her left leg wouldn't move properly for her and she kept losing her balance and falling over. I comforted her, held her and kept her warm but she passed away that same night. It was heartbreaking. I have read about a disorder that affects the spine and causes this problem.
I love Kakarikis and would very much like to get another one, but feel very apprehensive about what I will be getting. I purchased Peps from a bird dealer, not a pet shop. So, how can I be sure that I am not going to get another little kaka with a genetic deficiency, due to inbreeding.
I live in Australia, Melbourne, Bayside.....can anybody recommend a bird dealer to me that has a good history with Kakariki chicks. I couldn't bare going through the devastation and heartache again, I plan to have my Kaka for a long life, all going well.
These 'defects' are not just because of inbreeding...defects occure naturally in all species.....and all breeders have the occassional bird.
The difference is in capitivity the chicks/birds live rather a shelltered and charmed life.
Therefore in the wild such a defect flighing greater distances and longer times would show up very much earlier.
On the other hand defects can appear in the same way as mutations, and not because of inbreeding. Breeders are always on the lookout for such things, and any parent that may throw a high insidence of defects/mutations....both postive and negitive. A-ve 'mutation' (defect) can be very difficult to breed out of a blood line....as can be seen in many species of dogs....even budgies, espec the blue ones in NZ, they are very often loopy and agressive rogues. _________________ My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative'
Thanks Steptoe. I haven't as yet approached the Breeder. I was told that the Kakariki I bought from him had been ousted out of the nest, and a young girl had brought the chick into him to take care of. He handreared it and I bought her from him when she was 8 weeks old, (I think).
I have seen on his website that he has new baby kakas for sale, so I will go and have a chat to him and see what comes of that. Hopefully a new male kaka. :-)
I have to be honest and tell you that I don't understand enough about mutations and inbreeding problems to make any educated decisions when purchasing my next kaka. I do want to learn though, so will read through threads here on mutations and I have borrowed a book from the library to read as well. No good living in ignorance about something you care about.
To put thinks in perspective..when it comes to mutations, I know about as much as you....
So much credit has to go to ppl like Peter in Europe and others like them, who I know have not only yrs of experiance, but background knowlegde to back it up.
I to have learnt so much from the community, not just in the forums here but visiting and correspondence as well.
Cheers
Steps _________________ My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative'
I would have to agree whole heartedly, learning from the community is such a deep and enlightening well of knowledge. This website is such an invaluable source of support and knowledge for all kak owners out there. I have already learnt so much, and have so much more to still learn, which I love. The community within this site is so friendly and so happy to always offer advice and support, no mattere what the situation.
Thanks to all out there for your comments and posts.
I have looked at Pete's gallery and his birds are magnificent looking specimens, such beautiful birds, their colours so pure and rich. I have also read a lot of his advice through threads on the site. Great to have someone like him here.
Thanks again Steps for your comments, always appreciated.
Ta...Lisa.
She seemed ok, was eating and didn't appear to be in any pain. She suddenly had a limp, her left leg wouldn't move properly for her and she kept losing her balance and falling over.
I would say the bird has brain damage,or concussion of the brain.
Mostly a bird get it if he has fly again an obstacle or barrier.
The bird loses theyre control over the feets , the legs and then the wings.
Then they passed away in about three days
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