News Stories
AVS on tour!
October 2011
October has been a busy month for AVS on the road as well as in the clinic.
Richard travelled to the Qatar Falcon Center with Richard Hill of Falcon Mews in a consultancy capacity to offer advice and support to the staff at the falcon hospital and breeding facility sponsored by Major-General Hamad bin Ali al-Attiyah. (Figs 1 - 6)
"It was a fantastic experience, I learnt a lot, and it gave me a real insight into world of Arabian Falconry which has been at the centre of their culture for centuries. Their hospitality was incredible, and I am hoping we have been able to make some positive contributions to this already thriving facility."
Meanwhile Carli travelled to the equally 'exotic' Northampton to present a talk on parrot behavioural problems to the conference of the British Veterinary Nurses Association. This presentation was very well received by all including veterinary behavioural specialist Francesca Riccomini who commented on how much she had enjoyed, and in fact learned from Carli's illustrated talk.
Finally, at the end of the month Richard and Carli joined Alan Humphreys of Village vets and renowned parrot behaviourist, Greg Glendell for a 'Parrot Care' day in New Ferry. (Figs 7 & 8) The event was organized by Mandy Swift, of 'Swift as a bird' and was aimed at helping bird owners prevent and recognise the early signs of disease or behavioural problems. Highlights included issues that can arise from parental deprivation as nestlings, infectious/ nutritional and toxic diseases of parrots and the tremendous bacon butties and stew provided by Mandy's partner Roy!!
1. Richard with the staff at the Qatar Falcon Center
2. Arab Falconer and his beautiful peregrine falcon in for a pre season health check
3. Dr Suraj performs an endoscopic examination of a newly acquired gyr falcon
4. The 'hack pen' or flight aviary at the breeding facility which is the size of a football stadium!
(Note the falcon in the centre of the picture.)
5 and 6. The traditional Souk or Arab market in the centre of Doha
7. Carli presenting at the 'Parrot Care' day
