Dr Adrian Gallagher
BVSc (Hons) MACVSc (Avian Health)

Brisbane Bird Vet
248 Hamilton Road
Chermside, Brisbane, QLD
Australia 4032
www.brisbanebirdvet.com.au

As aviculturists, our knowledge in all aspects of avian medicine, surgery, behaviour, nutrition, conservation and management is growing exponentially. What better way to share this information than Parrots 2008? We should all be striving to ensure that we are providing the best possible circumstances for birds in our care, both physically and psychologically.

I have been involved personally with the Parrot Society of Australia for over 20 years and have witnessed it evolve from its humble beginnings as a localised club to a national society with an international profile. While my own knowledge of avian medicine and surgery has expanded in this time, it has always been a pleasure to assist the Parrot Society through its growth process.

Quality educational opportunities are few and far between for aviculturists. So please, if you have an interest in learning more about your parrots, be sure to attend Parrots 2008 and invest in your personal avicultural education – you'll love it!”

"The stewardship of birds the keeping and caring of them is multi-faceted. It involves both aviculturists and pet bird owners, supported in their endeavours by veterinarians, scientists, pet shop owners, food manufacturers and distributors and many others. It is a constantly evolving passion - new knowledge is becoming available and new techniques are been developed as we all learn from our own experiences and those of others. To be a responsible bird owner means that we have to keep up with new developments, while not neglecting the core knowledge obtained by the hard work of so many dedicated enthusiasts. Those who do not make an effort to keep up are doomed to go backwards - something I unfortunately see all too frequently.

So how do we keep up?

In 2008, the major event for parrot owners, whether they be breeders or pet bird owners, is Parrots 2008, hosted by the Parrot Society of Australia. I have been associated with the Parrot Society for nearly 20 years, and I can guarantee you that the organisers of this event have left no stone unturned in their efforts to bring you the latest information on parrot keeping.  

Parrots 2008 promises to be an event you would regret missing. I have seen the line-up of speakers, and cleared my calendar for the event. The PSOA has obtained a plethora of both national and international speakers, with a range of topics to suit everyone. Have a look through this website, and you will see what I mean.

I look forward to seeing you at Parrots 2008, to both share my knowledge - and to learn from yours."

Steve Martin
President
Natural Encounters, Inc.
9014 Thompson Nursery Road
Winter Haven, FL 33884 U.S.A
www.naturalencounters.com

“When I think back on where I started in this amazing field of aviculture, I think of my early days as a child with my first parrot. My fascination for birds was equaled only by my ignorance of them and their needs in captive environments. Unfortunately, there are millions of people, and birds, in this very same situation today. These intelligent, beautiful and fascinating creatures deserve far more than most people understand. Of course there are books, DVDs and magazines with volumes of information about parrot health care and management, and fortunately there is also the Parrot Society of Australia.

I am proud to be associated with this internationally recognized organization for all of the wonderful things they do for parrots, parrot owners and aviculture in general. The sharing of information from the countless experts associated with the PSOA is valuable beyond comprehension. The pinnacle of this mountain of information is Parrots 2008. I can think of no better place for a parrot enthusiast to absorb the most current information about parrots and be inspired and empowered toward new relationships and better welfare for these incredible birds we share our lives with. I hope to see you all at Parrots 2008!”

“We all thought that Parrots 2006 was a great event. The PSOA team did an outstanding job at preparing such a comprehensive event with educational lectures that focused not only on aviculture but also my favorite topic - companion parrots. There where lots of trade displays that catered for all parrot owners whether they are a breeder or pet owner. The PRC trade table had a great response at Parrots 2006 with lots of people showing their support for our cause. We will definitely attend the Parrots 2008 Convention and look forward to the brilliant international speakers that will be presenting the companion parrot lectures.” Zarita Garozzo (Parrot Rescue Centre)

“I attended the 2006 Parrots Convention in Brisbane and it was fantastic. The international and local speakers were A1 and I learned so much.   I especially enjoyed the workshops designed for pet parrot keepers and was able to speak with qualified avian vets and behaviourists … face to face, which was especially memorable.  Catching up with parrot-loving friends from around the globe is truly wonderful.  So much new information to learn, stories to share and valuable experiences … can't wait for 2008. BRING IT ON!” Ann Hoyte, Parrot Enthusiast, QLD.

“I would certainly encourage any international bird keepers who might be contemplating a journey to Australia , to plan so that they could attend the Parrots 2008 Convention. The whole weekend is a blast with very hospitable and friendly convention goers, fascinating talks about parrot aviculture "down under" and fun exhibits, displays, etc. Plus, the food is great, and there is bird watching of wild parrot species nearly everywhere nearby. We loved our experience at Parrots 2004. If you get the chance to attend Parrots 2008 it would be well worth it to hear all the top expert speakers on the schedule, with a rare opportunity to hear noted aviculturist and zookeeper Dale R. Thompson.” EB & April Cravens , Hawaii U.S.A.

“An all round excellent forum for the further education of anyone with an interest in birds, parrots in particular. To date there has not been a conference in Australia that provides such a diverse content of talks, that stimulated many of my personal and professional interests.”

The program provided a number of talks at the similar time, providing options throughout the conference. And when the talks had interval's there was a great selection of vendors, speakers and attendees to talk one on with about the many fields parrot keeping encompasses. Priam Psittaculture Centre, NSW.

“As a 'Kiwi' delegate at Parrots 2006, I found the week-end to be a thoroughly enjoyable experience. The support events such as the PSOA monthly meeting on the Wednesday, the Friday aviary tour, and the Saturday night dinner were all extremely well organised and highly enjoyable.

The Conference itself offered access to knowledge, information and ideas that for me have proven to be critical in improving my management practices, and my approach towards bird-keeping in general. Parrots 2008 promises to be even more memorable.” Doug Pitcher, NZ.

“I attended Parrots 2006 , it was exceptionally well organised in absolutely every respect, the venue was excellent, speakers were great, the range of topics covered was extensive and very interesting, and the opportunities to meet and mix with fellow bird-keepers were second-to-none. It was an energising experience, and I will be making my attendance at future Parrot Society conventions a top priority.”
Jamie Stuart – Aviculturist, Taxidermist and Herpetologist, NSW.

"My wife and I attended Parrots 2006 and were impressed. The organisers did extremely well in presenting the Parrots 2006 convention. We viewed an extensive trade display that catered for all parrot enthusiasts; yes we parted company with some cash on a spending spree! The Australian and overseas speaker's covered a variety of well presented subjects, catering for the aviculturist and companion parrot keeper alike. We found the lectures to be both informative and educational. Catching up with friends, aviary visits, a good package, GREAT CONVENTION!  We recommend all parrot enthusiasts to attend Parrots 2008. See you there."
Brett & Di Cook, Tasmania

"I have travelled from Melbourne to Brisbane for Parrots 2002, 2004 and 2006, and each convention just gets better and better. The international speakers are always first rate, and the topics discussed are very well balanced, covering areas of interest for companion bird owners, breeders and conservationists. The convention offers the best access to world-class speakers and up-to-the-minute, progressive information available in Australia.  It has also been very refreshing to see more and more speakers focus on the long-term welfare of parrots, both in captivity and the wild. I will be there again in 2008!”
Carolyn P. - member, Parrot Society of Australia, World Parrot Trust & Birds Australia; budgie & lorikeet owner for 25 years.

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