THE PARROT UNIVERSITY HISTORY The Parrot University evolved out of the need to develop new husbandry practices and educate others in the industry. It is necessary for all areas of the industry to cooperate and evolve symbiotically for all to thrive and provide the best long term pet experience for the parrots we raise. One of the first priorities at Hartman Aviary was to set up our own vet clinic to provide for our flock. In 1980 Dr. Barbara Oglesbee, the professor of avian medicine at The Ohio State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital joined the team. Soon we developed an awareness of the veterinary advantages of having a long term association with a stable flock of 300 parrots. With Dr, Oglesbee on staff we developed a regular schedule of inspection and care of each bird. The huge time demand of taking care of normal problems and doing regular preventive physicals on all the birds required the readily available extra hands of the OSU vet students. In 1980 Dr. Oglesbee turned our regular schedule into an accredited course for her students. Over a 12 year period about 120 vet students were each able to get 40 hours of hands on experience. Because of the number of students and low number of avian cases that present themselves at vet schools most students get only a few hours of experience with parrots. A very active involvement with many national and international avicultural groups and exposure to many collage level research and conservation programs greatly increased the aviaries exposure to information. This association led to many published articles, TV and newspaper exposure, and consult requests from zoos, parks and governments. Allowing the birds to thrive in the semi-wild aviary and in pet environments required leaving all of the birds flighted. Experience with 2,800 flighted parrots since 1984 has revealed a great deal regarding the importance of flight on the mental and physical health of pet birds. This experience led to the development of products like The AVIATOR Harness, The AVIATOR Flight Line, The AVIATOR Yard Perch and the Bird Sitter DVD.