Title: Hundreds of 'Drunk' Parrots Falling Out of Trees (AU)
Post by: Donna on 04-Jun-10, 06:38:01 AM
Hundreds of seemingly drunk parrots are falling out of trees and the sky in a northern Australian town, mystifying veterinary surgeons who are struggling to care for them, AFP reported Wednesday.
The brightly colored lorikeets are showing classic signs of drunkenness by losing all coordination and passing out, and then cowering in cages as they recover from their "hangovers".
"They definitely seem like they're drunk," said Lisa Hansen, a veterinary surgeon at the Ark Animal Hospital in Palmerston, near Darwin.
"They fall out of trees... and they're not so coordinated as they would normally be. They go to jump and they miss the next perch."
Hansen said nobody was sure what was causing the symptoms, although it may be a plant they are eating. Other theories include an outbreak of a mystery virus.
She said the hospital, which is seeking donations, was caring for about 30 birds at a time with eight arriving each day after being scooped up from lawns and roadsides.
The birds are given sweetened porridge and fresh fruit -- the avian version of hangover food.
"It's probably the equivalent of ice-cream and cans of coke for the lorikeets," Hansen said.
"They sit on the floor of the cage and rest their heads on the side, or they curl up in the corner and hide under the paper and block the rest of the world out."
Hansen said "drunk" lorikeets have been seen in Palmerston previously but never in such numbers, adding that the birds can die without proper care.
The brightly colored lorikeets are showing classic signs of drunkenness by losing all coordination and passing out, and then cowering in cages as they recover from their "hangovers".
"They definitely seem like they're drunk," said Lisa Hansen, a veterinary surgeon at the Ark Animal Hospital in Palmerston, near Darwin.
"They fall out of trees... and they're not so coordinated as they would normally be. They go to jump and they miss the next perch."
Hansen said nobody was sure what was causing the symptoms, although it may be a plant they are eating. Other theories include an outbreak of a mystery virus.
She said the hospital, which is seeking donations, was caring for about 30 birds at a time with eight arriving each day after being scooped up from lawns and roadsides.
The birds are given sweetened porridge and fresh fruit -- the avian version of hangover food.
"It's probably the equivalent of ice-cream and cans of coke for the lorikeets," Hansen said.
"They sit on the floor of the cage and rest their heads on the side, or they curl up in the corner and hide under the paper and block the rest of the world out."
Hansen said "drunk" lorikeets have been seen in Palmerston previously but never in such numbers, adding that the birds can die without proper care.
Title: Re: Hundreds of 'Drunk' Parrots Falling Out of Trees (AU)
Post by: MAK on 04-Jun-10, 07:19:05 AM
:wow: :beer: or :martini: :laugh:
They are beautiful birds!
They are beautiful birds!
Title: Re: Hundreds of 'Drunk' Parrots Falling Out of Trees (AU)
Post by: Annette on 04-Jun-10, 08:28:44 AM
Maybe they were eating fermenting fruit?
Title: Re: Hundreds of 'Drunk' Parrots Falling Out of Trees (AU)
Post by: huddiecat on 17-Jun-10, 09:46:22 AM
Any update on why the parrots were "dropping" out of the trees?
We have cedar waxwings here, and love to eat all those lovely fermented berries on trees. They then can behave as though "drunk". Several years ago, many were flying into the side of a downtown building.
We have cedar waxwings here, and love to eat all those lovely fermented berries on trees. They then can behave as though "drunk". Several years ago, many were flying into the side of a downtown building.
Title: Re: Hundreds of 'Drunk' Parrots Falling Out of Trees (AU)
Post by: Annette on 17-Jun-10, 09:49:40 AM
Any update on why the parrots were "dropping" out of the trees?
Several years ago, many were flying into the side of a downtown building.
Several years ago, many were flying into the side of a downtown building.
That is sad. :(
Title: Re: Hundreds of 'Drunk' Parrots Falling Out of Trees (AU)
Post by: huddiecat on 17-Jun-10, 10:04:12 AM
It sure was!! It generated a lot of comments in this town! Some people wanted the trees moved to a less hazardous spot for the birds, who are so beautiful!