About Us

Avizandum is a monthly Avicultural Magazine which has now migrated to an online platform.

The main characteristics of the magazine are the informative articles from local and international avian specialists. The breeder profiles, where local breeders are interviewed with photos of their breeding set up, how they started out and what advice and expertise they can share with our readers. The all-exciting Bird Shop section is always very popular as we offer readers the option to advertise what have you for sale or what you are looking for. This is a great platform for finding that elusive special avian species or that elusive mate for the lost parrot.

Avizandum Logo 2025

Avizandum caters for all keepers of avian species, big or small.
Avizandum always strives to publish relevant and informative information for all enthusiasts.

Old Avizandum Magazine Cover August 2003
Old Avizandum Magazine Cover August 2003

The history of Avizandum

Avizandum is a South African magazine that focuses on birds, birdkeeping, and aviculture.

Here's a brief history:

In the Fifteen Months preceding March 1989, David and Vera Dennison had been sending out a Monthly Avicultural Newsletter known as “Shady Streams Bird Farm Newsletter”. The earliest transcript we have of these Newsletters is dated April 1988, we are thus still looking for Four, to be able to backdate the Fifteen Months as stated in David’s big announcement, the launch of the Avizandum Monthly Magazine in March of 1989!

The announcement dated March 1989 reads as follows:

“Dear Friends,

We have at last decided to break with the term “Newsletter” When we started fifteen months ago the Newsletter was just what it said. Now it has expanded considerably and includes colour photos. The colour photos increase the cost considerably but everyone who has commented so far has said that it is worth the extra cost to have photos. If you personally don`t agree please let us know urgently because it is your magazine and it is no good to us if the extra cost is going to reduce the number of subscribers.

The next objective was to have a name. In the Oxford dictionary, we found the word AVIZANDUM, which is a Latin word used in law and means “Private consideration” We think that the word sounds right in both English and Afrikaans and the meaning is correct because the magazine and its information is for the “Private consideration” of the subscribers and not the public at large. We hope that you will approve of the new name.”

Thus, Avizandum grew to become a classy coffee table magazine for bird enthusiasts. The format of articles, Breeder being profiled, showing their birds and breeding methods as well as the Bird Shop grey the popularity of the Avizandum.

Expansion and Growth

In the early 2000s, Avizandum began to gain popularity, and the magazine expanded to include more colour pages and articles from international contributors. This period saw significant growth in the magazine’s circulation and reputation.

Digital Presence and International Recognition (2010-Present)

In the 2010s, Avizandum established a strong online presence, including a website and social media platforms. The magazine continued to feature high-quality articles, photographs, and artwork, earning recognition from the international avian community.

Current Status

Today, Avizandum remains a respected and popular magazine among bird enthusiasts, breeders, and aviculturists in South Africa and worldwide. The magazine continues to promote conservation, education, and responsible birdkeeping practices.

Mission

To educate, inspire and connect avian enthusiasts through informative and captivating articles, expert insights, whilst fostering a community of avian enthusiasts committed to the welfare, conservation and sustainable breeding of birds in captivity, promoting a culture of excellence, innovation and stewardship.

Vision

Envisioning a future where avian diversity is preserved and protected through responsible captive breeding practices, our vision is to be the leading source of information, education and inspiration for avian enthusiasts worldwide, fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and conservation.