Ian Ward has maintained a parrot breeding complex for over 25 years. Since 1987, Eclectus Parrots have been the focus. Together with his wife Gloria, Ian has bred and handreared numerous pet Eclectus. Ian’s relationship with co-author Dr Rob Marshall began in 1988 when Rob diagnosed a vitamin A deficiency in his first Eclectus cock, Eka. Under Rob’s guidance Eka recovered and today he and his mate Vaso have been Ian’s most prolific breeding pair. Ian has presented lectures and videos at numerous bird clubs on breeding Eclectus and raising them both in the nest and by handrearing. Many individuals have benefited from Ian’s shared knowledge. His articles on Eclectus Parrots have been published in various journals and Australian Birdkeeper Magazine. He has served as President of the South Sydney Avicultural Society, Vice-President of the Parrot Breeders and Exhibitors Society of New South Wales Inc, President of the New South Wales National Cage Bird Committee and President of the Avicultural Society of New South Wales. Ian has also been actively involved as a representative of the Canary and Cage Bird Federation of Australia on the Native Animal Keepers Consultative Committee, as an advisor to the Department of Environment and Conservation. He has also been a representative of the Exotic Bird Committee to the New South Wales Department of Agriculture. Ian wishes to acknowledge and thank the numerous bird owners who have supported him in the preparation of this book.
Rob Marshall has been keeping birds since 1960, beginning with pigeons. In 1975 he graduated in veterinary science and four years later established his existing practice, Carlingford Animal Hospital in Sydney, Australia. Rob continued his bird health studies in Germany, Holland and the USA. In 1988 he was awarded the MACVSc (Avian Health). Rob’s presentations, lectures and contributions to numerous magazines internationally are prolific. As well as writing his own books, he has contributed to the health and disease sections of a number of the ‘A Guide to…’ series titles published by ABK Publications and has written articles for Australian Birdkeeper Magazine. As well as pigeons, Rob’s favourite bird species include the Gouldian Finch and the Eclectus Parrot. In his practice, Rob has dealt with all species of pet birds and through his ongoing research has developed a range of nutritional supplements for pet and aviary birds.
