Papayago Rescue House, Inc.

01/30/2025

Wellness Wednesday: A Peek Inside a Parrot’s Mouth Safely!

Parrots are naturally mouthy, using their beaks and tongues to explore their world. This week, let’s dive into the fascinating structure of a parrot’s mouth, or *oropharynx*. This vital area includes the tongue, glottis, choana, palate, salivary glands, esophagus, pharyngotympanic tube openings, and laryngeal mound.

The parrot’s tongue is unique—it contains a bone for added strength and dexterity. Adapted for collecting, manipulating, and swallowing food, the tongue works seamlessly with the glottis (opening to the windpipe) and the laryngeal mound at its base. While mammals use their larynx for vocalization, birds rely on their syrinx, located deeper in the respiratory system, to produce their sounds.

On the roof of a parrot's mouth is the choana, a slit-like structure connecting the nostrils to the windpipe. When a parrot closes its mouth, the glottis fits snugly into the choanal slit, forming a closed airway—a remarkable adaptation! Surrounding the choana are tiny projections called papillae, which often point toward the back of the throat. Behind the choanal slit is the infundibular cleft, the opening to the middle ears.

Taste buds in parrots are located near the choana and the laryngeal mound, allowing them to enjoy a range of flavors.

During veterinary check-ups, examining the oropharynx is crucial. Signs such as swollen choana, blunted papillae, red infundibular clefts, or mucus can indicate malnutrition, vitamin A deficiency, infections, or even internal papillomatous disease. Lesions, such as wart-like papillomas, may also appear and warrant investigation.

Parrots’ oropharynx coloring varies by species and can help distinguish normal from abnormal. For instance, a blue and gold macaw may have a uniformly black throat, but pink patches could signal disease—or simply be natural variation.

At Papayago Rescue House, we check each bird’s oropharynx upon intake and routinely monitor for changes. With regular observation, you’ll learn to recognize healthy baselines and spot potential issues early. Let’s keep our feathered friends thriving!

01/28/2025

Brighten your parrot’s winter days with a fruit-filled chop! Fruits provide natural hydration, which is especially important during the drier winter months. The natural sweetness of fruits makes this chop a delightful treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. Remember to balance it with veggies and grains for a complete meal.

01/28/2025

01/28/2025

Decolonizing Bird Knowledge: A New Perspective on Conservation

Bird conservation has long been shaped by Western science, often sidelining Indigenous and local knowledge. But the tide is changing! Researchers are starting to embrace diverse approaches to understanding birds and their role in ecosystems. Here’s a breakdown of how this shift is reshaping conservation:
🧠 What is Traditional & Local Ecological Knowledge (TEK & LEK)?
TEK: Knowledge passed down through generations, rooted in Indigenous traditions, languages, and beliefs. It’s deeply tied to cultural and spiritual relationships with the environment.
LEK: Site-specific knowledge from people living in a region, often gained through direct interaction with nature. Unlike TEK, LEK adapts to current ecological and social changes.
🔍 Why Does It Matter?
Studies show that blending TEK and LEK with Western science leads to stronger conservation outcomes. For example:
1️⃣ Samoan Pigeon Study: Indigenous hunters could distinguish between endangered and common pigeons based on their calls, aiding critical conservation efforts.
2️⃣ Alaskan Seabird Harvest: Central Yup’ik communities provided insights into sustainable bird use, blending cultural practices with modern conservation needs.
⚖️ Challenges in Combining Knowledge Systems
Western science often relies on rigid, “either-or” logic, while TEK embraces complexity and contradiction. Bridging these views requires dialogue and mutual respect, not appropriation or token gestures.
🌍 A Call to Action
To truly decolonize bird conservation:
Engage Indigenous communities as equal partners.
Respect cultural knowledge, seeking permission before using or sharing it.
Shift from discussion to action, embracing a more inclusive approach.
💡 Final Thought
Bird conservation isn’t just about saving species—it’s about recognizing and respecting the knowledge systems that have coexisted with these species for centuries. Together, we can create a future where all voices are valued in protecting our feathered friends.
What’s your take on blending Indigenous and scientific knowledge in conservation? Request pdf to learn more

01/26/2025

Senior Sunday: Senior parrots are parrots that are aging and are more likely to have health issues. Like people, as parrots age, they may experience behavioral changes, cognitive decline, and health problems. They are more commonly referred to as geriatric parrots.
Health issues that can increase with aging are:
Arthritis: can affect mobility and comfort
Heart disease: a common health issue in geriatric parrots
Respiratory issues: can become more pronounced in older parrots
Kidney disease: especially prevalent in older birds
Hormonal imbalances: such as thyroid disorders
Tumors and liver disease: geriatric parrots are at higher risk for these conditions
Cataracts: a health issue that can affect older parrots
Cancers: a health issue that can affect older parrots
Metabolic disease: a health issue that can affect older parrots
Behavioral changes Increased sleeping, less activity, and less vocalizing.
Signs of aging include stiff joints, thinning of the skin on the feet (check the feet!), depigmentation of the feet in spots, and lighter iris color.
Care needed to help them be more comfortable:
Regular veterinary check-ups to monitor health and manage conditions and pain.
Adapt cage set-up and perches for your aging friend.
Don't rush or push them to do things faster as they may need more time.
Want to see more about how to care for geriatric parrots? Let us know.

01/25/2025

GA PSA:
LOST COCKATIEL
NAME: CHICKOO
NOVEMBER 5, 2024
NEAR TURNER VILLAGE, WOODSTOCK, GA CHEROKEE COUNTY 30188 & 30189

It's a long shot, but little Chickoo went missing in November. She is missed so so much. Even if someone has taken her in to give her a good home, Mom wants to know she is okay. Unfortunately, she isn't one of the 32 found birds brought us last year.

CONTACT
Latika Wadhwa
https://www.instagram.com/latika_wadhwa/

01/25/2025

01/24/2025

Come hang with us!

01/24/2025

Our birds are worldwide and well traveled.

01/24/2025

! Special shout out to Morningstar Storage on Sandy Plains Road!

01/23/2025

Get ready for February 1st – "Won't You Be My Valentine?" This is a fantastic opportunity to support your beloved parrot at Papayago. By participating, you not only bring joy to these deserving birds but also make a meaningful impact. Join us in this heartwarming initiative and help us spread happiness!

01/22/2025