30/04/2026
We continue our podcast series for the XI International Parrot Convention of Tenerife with a very special guest: Sandro D’Amico, Venezuelan breeder, researcher, and passionate observer of parrot biology, nutrition, and conservation.
In this episode, Sandro shares the story of how his lifelong connection with birds began on his family’s poultry farm in Venezuela, where he grew up surrounded by thousands of laying hens, veterinarians, students, and hands-on technical work. That early experience gave him a strong practical foundation in bird management, which later became the starting point for his journey into the world of parrots.
Throughout the conversation, Sandro reflects on decades of work with Venezuelan parrot species, including his field observations on the natural diet of Aratinga pertinax. One of his most fascinating discoveries involves the species’ use of a powerful medicinal plant shortly before egg laying, opening the door to new ways of thinking about natural substances, nutrition, reproductive biology, and the management of psittacines under human care.
The episode also offers a preview of Sandro’s current work with highly challenging species such as Pionopsitta pyrilia and Touit batavicus. Inspired by the tragic extinction of Conuropsis carolinensis, Sandro explains why it is urgent to develop knowledge, experience, and breeding initiatives before species reach a critical point of no return.
His work highlights the importance of combining field observation, aviculture, biology, chemistry, nutrition, and conservation. Sandro also touches on one of the key areas he believes will shape the future of parrot care: probiotics, bacteria, and the deeper understanding of the biological processes that support the health and survival of birds.
🎙️ A passionate and inspiring conversation about experience, perseverance, difficult species, natural nutrition, and the future of modern psittaculture.
📍 Sandro D’Amico will be one of the featured speakers at the XI International Parrot Convention of Tenerife in September 2026, where he will share his unique perspective on Venezuelan parrots, challenging species under human care, and the role of research, innovation, and responsible aviculture in global parrot conservation.