Who are we?:

The Society for Conservation in Aviculture (SCA) was formed in 1993, when a need became apparent to start to conserve avian species before they were lost forever. The Society aims to promote and develop all species and varieties of birds kept by aviculturists, with special regard being paid to threatened and endangered species, both domesticated and in the wild.

With ever increasing demands placed upon the Earth, some species of birds are becoming increasingly 'at risk'. Action must be taken now to ensure that aviculture is able to play its part in the conservation of such species. Everyone can contribute in some way to this. The SCA plans to play a leading part in the co-ordination of breeding plans.
Zoological and bird gardens are not in a position to breed every species that is classified "at risk". They are normally constrained by budgetary demands, and so quite often can only concentrate on the larger species. These are usually also placed on display to the public and so the chances of successful breeding is limited. Aviculture on the other hand has a wealth of experienced and talented bird keepers, who if organized properly could help relieve the pressure of breeding programs. It is with this in mind that the SCA, could act as a buffer or co-ordinator between the private individual and established breeding programs. The Zoos must learn to cooperate with the private breeder, and the private breeder must learn to cooperate with the Zoos.

The society strongly discourages deliberate acts of hybridisation to supply the pet trade with exotic crossbreeds, and is very much opposed to the commercial importation of wild caught birds. It is envisaged that a quarantine/holding centre will be built, enabling members to import captive bred only birds to support their breeding programs.

The Society endeavours to act as a totally, confidential third party, so breeders can contact others when seeking a specific bird for their aviary. However, all member's personal details are totally confidential, so The Society will only disclose a name and telephone number to a third party, if given prior consent.We will not ever forward an address under any circumstances. Our prime concern is at all times, for the future survival and welfare of all avian species, and especially for those birds placed into care of the Society. It is also intended that a more active role will be taken in promoting responsible pet ownership and care, with particular regard to parrots.

Parrots in the main are seen by the public as intelligent "cuddly" individuals - many other societies have already sprung to the conservation of these birds. However the smaller less elaborately coloured species are often missed out of the conservation topics because it may be difficult to sell the idea of conservation of these species to the general public. Often the small species are simply overlooked. The SCA intends to change that perspective and start to open the minds of people to look at conservation in a new light.

Conservation and preservation:

Extinction in the dictionary is defined as "Complete Destruction or Annihilation". It has been estimated that many small bird species will become extinct in the very near future. 100 Species are likely to become extinct in the next 5-10 years. 200 Species are likely to become extinct in the next 50 years. 400 Species are likely to be extinct in the next 100 years. These figures just cover the small birds, so what of the others?

Farming techniques, population growth, hunting, habitat destruction and environmental disasters are all placing a heavy demand on our bird populations. Many species are all ready close to extinction. What will it take to bring them back to viable populations?
Both aviculture and pet ownership can play an active role in the conservation of many species if properly directed. The SCA has been established with the view to rescuing all species of Foreign Birds, that is any species that is not endemic to the British Isles. Many members of the public have birds as pets - some of these are already endangered species and the SCA is able to place them into breeding programs when required.

Within the United Kingdom there is a vast array of experience with breeding species of birds. Softbills and Parrot like species are particularly at risk in the world, with pressure being placed upon their breeding habitat and food sources. The membership within the SCA offer an extensive knowledge of breeding such endangered species. There are also other breeders who are establishing captive bred stock of species that are not at present 'at risk', but may become so in the near future. The SCA is able to facilitate exchange amongst its members, in an attempt to establish viable gene pools of many species. They also work closely with the Zoological and Bird Garden populations.
All breeding programmes are documented, so that all sources of information can be made available to others. Techniques that are developed and established within captive breeding projects can also help to develop new techniques within field projects and vice versa. Much can still be learned from the membership keeping and breeding species in captivity.

Counselling:

Counselling for the owners can cover many and varied situations. It may start as soon as the owner has purchased the bird either from a pet shop or from a dealer. In general we have found that when the general public "impulse" buy a pet bird, they very rarely take the time to study the species. When counselling the owners has been necessary, the Basic Care Leaflets have also been used and often sent to them free of charge.

Some owners of birds do not always understand the advice they have been given from a third party. We receive many calls from distraught owners that have either just found their beloved pet, sick in the bottom of a cage or their companion has simply died. These owners need a sympathetic ear and someone to listen to their problems. The SCA has always been able to offer this facility and can sometimes offer the name of a reputable breeder if the pet bird is to be replaced.
When the owner has asked for a bird to be re-homed for whatever reason, we aim to keep the owner in touch with the birds progress in its new home if they would like us to. Where we are not able to put new and old owners in contact directly, the Secretary endeavours to act as a go-between.

The SCA also has contacts with many Governing Bodies and Specialist Societies. If a member should require information of a more specific nature, we are able to help on all manner of topics, including Department of Environment CITES regulations. The Society has made available an extensive series of care leaflets on specific types of birds with more leaflets being prepared. The Society has close links with the RSPCA and RSPB, handling telephone inquiries and offering advice on Foreign Birds throughout the country.

Education:

Conservation and education covers many areas and forms, local, shires, country and international; they must both work hand in hand with adults and children. Birds in general pray a major part in the ecology and stability of the environment.

Education of the "youth of today" is becoming increasingly important, with regards to conservation. With our current "throw away society", many under 16's are now beginning to see the value and need for conservation projects. Their thoughts are now not just aimed at local conservation but are becoming broader, even "world wide". Through education the SCA intend to see the younger generation becoming more involved with the problems of their planet. Schools are doing a major part of this education for conservation of species, but with their limited resources they are not able to present a practical picture of the conservation needed, especially with birds.
It is hoped that by showing properly organized breeding programs, we may be able to lure the younger generation away from their computers and into more practical aspects of conservation. This should include the worldwide perspective on how birds are needed in the ecology of life.

Education of children and adults from all over the world must play a major role in conservation. It is not just for a UK based society to "spout founts of wisdom" from within its own country, but to be prepared to assist in the educational duties of other countries where resources may be limited. By this we mean, its great for anyone to offer advice from the UK on how to save a species, but unless they understand the problems associated with the native country of origin of the bird, this advice or help may be useless. Education of governments and local communities should also be included in any conservation topic. There is no value in conserving a species and then hoping to re introduce it to the wild, only to find out its habitat has been destroyed by "slash and burn" farming or logging companies putting roads through the centre of a preserved forest.

The SCA is aiming towards opening an educational ''centre of excellence within the UK, where visitors can see conservation of species in action and learn of the techniques used. Education starts in the UK, with basic management, care and responsible ownership of pets and from there develop into saving species for tomorrow. The objectives of the SCA is EDUCATION, CONSERVATION, PRESERVATION.

Help and advice :

The Society has many experienced members in all forms of aviculture. Advice on care, breeding, conservation, pet behavioural problems etc, is available to all members and members of the general public via a simple 'phone call'. Despite recent indications in some bird-keeping magazines, we do not insist that you become a member before helping you as that is not in the best interests of the birds.

The SCA works closely with the RSPB and RSPCA, handling any telephone calls asking for advice and assistance in caring for a bird. At present the calls are initially taken by the Secretary Mary Ellis. These calls range from simple advice, putting the owner of a bird in contact with appropriate veterinary assistance to people requiring more detailed information on a certain species. We have dealt with a lot of queries ranging from Zebra Finches to Peacocks and even Snowy Owls and Ostriches. No caller has ever been turned away. If information is not available immediately, then a return call is made as soon as possible with the correct assistance. It is hoped that as the society grows a more extensive helpdesk or advice line can be developed.
Peter Scott as a qualified vet has recently joined the committee as an avian consultant. This has proved to be invaluable because we are now able to offer proper direction when treating birds. We have found that many pet owners when visiting their own veterinary practice, come away not fully understanding the problem their pet may have. We are now able to clarify their own vet's diagnosis and perhaps offer a clearer explanation of the medicine being administered. We would in no way offer contraditory advice.

Most practicing veterinarians have limited experience of avian species. The average vet may only deal with beak and claw cutting and may never see or deal with a more serious disease. Fortunately over the last 10 to 15 years more and more vets have become increasingly interested in birds, so avian knowledge is spreading throughout the country. We still only have a small number of vets who are fully able to diagnose most avian problems and even perform investigative or corrective surgery. The SCA is able to suggest a qualified veterinarian to any caller, within his or her own area of the UK.
If the problem you are experiencing is a behavioural problem, then the Society can help there as well.

With the vast wealth of knowledge in our membership as well as on the Committee, we are usually able to immediately give advice on any problems you may be experiencing with your pet, from biting to feather plucking and a host of other problems.
You can request advice by telephone on +44 (0)1962 886777 24 hours a day, by completing our information request form or by emailing the secretary, whichever is most convenient. All information requests, regardless of how you contact us will be handled with the utmost sensitivity and confidentiality.

Rescued and donated:

The SCA provides shelter and care for rescued and donated birds, throughout the UK. Suitable and proper accommodation is sought prior to any bird being rescued or re-homed. Where a bird is suitable to be place as a pet, long-term foster homes are sought. It should be noted however, that these pet birds are frequently either very old or incapacitated in some way. Other birds donated or rescued by the SCA may be placed into members breeding programmes. Each bird is assessed before being moved to its new home. A small donation to the SCA, is expected in respect of any placement made to a member, to help with the running costs of the society.

Some birds that are rescued or donated to the SCA cannot be visually sexed before they are placed in suitable accommodation. In such cases the SCA has had to pay for the birds to be either DNA sexed (a blood sample or feather plucked from the breast is required), or sugically sexed (this means that the bird is given an avian anaesthetic and the sex checked via the use of an endescope).
All birds which are donated or re-homed by The Society remain the property of the Society for life and a great deal of effort is put into ensuring that they are cared for correctly.