Editorial March 2001
John Mollindinia - A legend in the world of aviculture
I know it must sound like the Mutual Appreciation Society but I, like so many others, always enjoy the Gwyn Evans column in each edition of Budgerigar World. He always seems to put his finger right on the spot and never fails to be topical. However, I must challenge a comment made in last month’s column. This is in reference to breeders of pet budgerigar being lucky to get £5 each for their surplus. Based on what many exhibition breeders, especially in the Beginner and Novice sections although Intermediates and Champions are by no means exempt, tell me, £5 would be a significant improvement on the derisory sum they are offered by dealers. The pet market is dead and at a monthly bird sale not too far from where I live literally hundreds of budgerigars and canaries are offered for sale at £1 each.
Many of you will be aware that Yvonne and I run the Best Of Breeds web site (www.bestofbreeds.co.uk), which features many pedigree breeds of livestock including Budgerigars. Steve Amos recently wrote, "We are pleased to see that you have expanded Best Of Breeds to include cats and dogs etc. who knows, some cat or dog owner may decide to include budgies among their interests." Perhaps this is an idea that should be exploited. Many breeders come to budgerigars from other livestock directions such as rabbits and pigeons. Currently we tend to preach to the converted in promoting the hobby but just maybe a Budgerigar Society stand at Crufts or the National Cat Show could bring its rewards, especially if it was done as a joint promotion with the cat and dog fraternity on an exchange basis. A daft idea perhaps but who knows until it’s tried.
John Mollindinia
I was indeed saddened to hear of the death of my friend John Mollindinia who died in January this year. John joined Luton Caged Bird Society, which today is known as Luton Bird Fanciers Society, in 1935 as a junior. At the time the Budgerigar Club (before is became the BS) was just 10 years old. He kept Light Greens, Skyblues, Cobalts and Whites, although in later years he concentrated on Clearwings. He was a great storyteller and the following is typical, "I remember visiting the late Miss Margery Kirkby-Mason, time went by so quickly at her home and then I remembered the train. I dashed across the field behind her house and saw the train pulling out of the station. I shouted to the driver and he reversed back into the station to pick me up."
John was a bachelor and devoted his life to his birds but not only Budgerigars; he also kept parrot-like at his home in Luton. He had no relatives but had many friends throughout the World and as a non-driver he still managed to exhibit his birds and attended the majority of BS Clubs Shows and never missed a National between 1946 and 2000. He was a BS Panel Judge for 40 years and David Coombes, the Parrot Society UK secretary described John as a legend in the world of aviculture, a description that I would fully endorse. John travelled extensively, filming as he went. His last trip was to Australia in 1999. Louise Stephens wrote on behalf of the South Midlands BS where he was a member since 1946, "He was a man always interested in people and the birds they kept, offering much needed help and support when problems arose. He was a kind, quiet man with a mischievous sense of humour." John Mollindinia was indeed unique and one of the few remaining characters of a bye gone era. The world of aviculture mourns the loss of one of its best-known and respected members.
Megabac S is back
I have just received correspondence from Vetafarm (www.vetafarm.com.au) in Australia to advise that Megabac S, the medication for Megabacteria is available again. Although I have no first-hand experience myself, it is widely reported that this product is highly effective for treatment of Megabacteria in a stud of Budgerigars.
Veterinary Surgeon and Budgerigar Fancier, Kevin Eatwell writes:
"Megabac-S" amphotericin powder. This is given at the rate of 250mg per 50ml distilled water for ten days. It must be given in ultra-violet protected drinkers and birds must consume 4ml/100g-body weight a day to get a therapeutic dose. Although easy to use some birds fail to drink sufficient to get a therapeutic dosage. In order to monitor intake the birds need to be individually housed. If intake is low the bird needs to be given the remaining dose via a crop tube. The use of this formulation in drinking water has been shown to reduce incidence but not eliminate the disease. In the UK a special treatment authorisation from the Veterinary Medicines Directorate is required to obtain this drug legally. The formulation is not absorbed systemically and neither will it prevent the ongoing proventricular damage."
"Prevention of Megabacteriosis by culling of heavily infected birds and careful selection of the birds used for breeding may not decrease the levels in the offspring and this may be due to a high percentage of clinically healthy budgerigars carrying the organism. The use of amphotericin in the water does reduce incidence but is unlikely to eliminate Megabacteriosis. From a personal point of view, clinical assessment of stock is needed to ensure that they are ideal candidates for treatment. This means that any sick bird or underweight bird, which may be suffering from irreversible proventriculitis or a possible candidate for a systemic infection should not be treated. Isolation before, during and after treatment is essential.
I feel it is important to ensure that free status is maintained by the routine treatment of all bought in purchases, which should undergo a screening process. Scrupulous attention to hygiene cannot be stressed enough."
Sorry David
In the February edition of Budgerigar World the award for Best Opposite Sex Young birds at the North Staffs & SE Cheshire BS show should have been attributed to David Harazny. The bird was a Light Green cock that was bred by David, who is also well known for his excellent Yellowfaces.