Correspondence, Notes, etc.


CORRESPONDENCE, NOTES, ETC.



253



AMAZON PARROT WITH TUMOUR.


Sir, — I should be very grateful for advice as to how to treat a Blue-

fronted Amazon Parrot, which appears to be in rather a bad way.


This bird is afflicted with what appears to be a tumour on the back of

its head. I noticed it some months ago, and helped its owner to remove

a large quantity of hardened matter which had formed a kind of core at

the back of the bird’s head. When this was taken away it left a hard lump

with a raw surface which gradually callused over. Now this tumour or

growth is much larger, and has quite spoiled the bird’s appearance, as it

forms a large and very unsightly lump sticking up through the feathers.


Is there any way of treating it or of removing it without killing the

patient ?


The bird looks rather “ rough,” and is a very small specimen, but I

am bound to say it does not seem to suffer in any way and its appetite is

good. It is rather inclined to scratch the place, but does not do so

violently. It is fed on the usual Parrot mixture and a little sopped bread.


I have never seen such a growth before, but am told that Parrots are

rather subject to it, so perhaps there is a recognised treatment for it among

bird fanciers. I should be most grateful for any advice.


E. F. Chawner.



The following reply has been sent to Miss Chawner:


With regard to the swelling 011 the Parrot’s head, it would be

necessary to examine it before an opinion could be given. If the tumour

is easily moved under the skin and not attached to the structures beneath,

excision would undoubtedly be the correct treatment; but should it be

firmly attached to the adjacent structures, its location and the structures

involved would necessarily determine the advisablity of an operation.

Should you care to send the bird to me for examination I shall be pleased

to advise you.


Your bird is evidently out of health—from your description “ rather

rough.” Why don’t you follow Dr. Butler’s directions as to feeding ?

From experience I can strongly recommend them.


Arthur Giee.



RED-FACED LOVE-BIRDS.


Sir, —On the 22nd of April I received trom a dealer an apparently

healthy bird of this species in good bright plumage, except that the flight

feathers of one wing had been cut as is customary. I directed the aviary

keeper to draw the stumps and keep the bird in a cage in his house until



