Disgusting FOR A PET SHOP

[antoinette]

Sunday morning, in a shopping centre here in South Africa, my son and I popped into a reputable pet shop just after 11am.
We were the only "customer's" in the shop.
Visited the shop previously, and noticed how beautuful the Macaw was talking and whisteling.
A Congo African Grey was sitting in the corner of a cage. Absolutely petrified, kept knocking his beak continuously on a perch.
Next to the cage was the Macaw, screaming loudly, practically running up and down the bars.
Both birds were so stressed. Taking a closer look, I was so disgusted.
Their water bowls were green in colour, their dropping floating around, reckon they are not given fresh water daily.
There food bowls were just as awful.
The newspaper at the botton was thick in droppings, food and feathers.
Probably not been cleaned for a number of days.
Takes a few minutes to give fresh water, food and change the newspaper, not like they were busy at all.
These are people trying to sell birds, telling someone how care for a bird. What example are they giving the public.
Not suggesting that they are bird experts in any way, but for crying out aloud....... give them fresh water and food daily, keep their cages clean.
Makes my blood boil......
Take care, and care for your birdie

 

[BirdMa]

That's so sad. Did you say something to the manager? I have a bad problem of not being able to hold my tongue when I see something like this. I don't care who I make mad. Wouldn't hurt my feelings to get kicked out.lol
I would at least call the manager and tell him how you feel about this situation. Maybe a caring customer can make a difference.

 

[antoinette]

Sorry forgot to mention it, no manager in at the moment.
Birds were screaming so loudly, could hardly hear each other talking.
Going back there tomorrow to complain.
My youngest son Steven, is going to work at a shop nearby, on a casual basis.
I will be "visiting" them almost daily.
If nothing changes within a few days, I will take it further.
Perhaps members could assist me, as to who would be the best "person" to report the matter to.
Take care

 

[BirdMa]

I'm so glad you are going to follow up. I pray that something gets done about these poor babies. My thoughts are with you.

 

[Spiritbird]

Antionette - is there any organization there that overlooks pet shops? I hope you can get hold of the manager who may try to avoid you at all cost. If all else fails we can call in the news media in order to inform the public.

 

[BlueToast]

This shop would hqappen to have a phone number by any chance.................i get great international rates from my carrier.

 

[antoinette]

Going to "visit" them tomorrow.
Will ask for the manager, tell him my concern.
Will take down telephone numbers, names etc.
Perhaps I will give them TIME OUT LOL
Will keep you posted !!!!!
Later

 

[Spiritbird]

Good for you Antionette. We need more parrot police to keep an eye on our feathered friends that await new homes. You go girl..................

 

[Redballoon]

What if you gave us the name and phone number of the store.A few calls from the USA and England and Australia might shame them into action?
I would spend some money on a phone call from Oztralia to tell them I think they can do better.
Take some pix, post them, and ask if people think this is ok and if not, call the store on the phone and let them know it.

I know that sounds harsh, and you run the risk of not knowing all the facts before casting judgement, so on 2nd thought, maybe telephone terrorism is not the answer.

 

[Stacye and Tiki]

I work in a pet store myself and there is NO excuse for the conditions these birds were kept in. You can be sure the manager already either knows or does not care about it. This isn't something that happens in one or 2 days while the manager is on vacation. This sounds like a complete lack of care for the well being of the animals in their care.

It makes me sick.

I want that phone number too. I also have EXCELLENT international rates.

 

[antoinette]

Thanks for all your support and encouragement.
I am usually a very quite human, observing and not saying much.
BUT tomorrow I AM GOING TO SPEAK ON BEHALF OF THE BIRDS.
BirdMa is so so correct Maybe a caring customer can make a difference.
Perhaps we should introduce a "Parrot Police Force" as SB would call it.
Will keep you updated
Once again THANKS
Take care

 

[TexDot33]

... Perhaps we should introduce a "Parrot Police Force" as SB would call it ...

Yep, and instead of handcuffs we'll put a Hyacinth Macaw's beak around their wrists ... 1500 lbs of bite pressure on each wrist should make them change their tune rather quickly ...

I LOVE BIG BLUES!!!

 

[antoinette]

Disgusting FOR A PET SHOP

Went back to the pet shop today and what great timing on my behalf.
They were having a staff meeting, I was the only "customer" in the shop.

A guy asked if he could help me I replied

I DON'T NEED HELP BUT YOUR BIRDS CERTAINLY DO.

He was totally shocked and called the manager.
I stood near the cages, inspecting them. Same disgusting state as before.
The manager asked what did I mean by my comment.
Told him exactly what I thought of the conditions the birds are being kept in.
The dirty water, newspaper that has not been changed in days, and dropping in the food bowls.
He could not look me in the face MY BLOOD WAS BOILING..
I know my voice was quite loud LoL, I was upset I did not care.
I asked who owned the pet shop, took down his name and number, said I was calling him immediately.
Suddenly all the staff members stood around me.
I phoned the owner, he came in immediately.
When the owner arrived they closed the doors.
I told him exactly what I thought about the disgusting way he birds are being kept.
Mentioned that if thing did not change immediately I would report them.
We sat down, all 6 of us.
THEN I GAVE THEM A PIECE OF MY MIND.
It seems that the staff members know nothing about looking after birds.

I ran through A to Z, on the upkeep of birds.

Thank God for this forum, It gave me the knowledge and encouragement I needed.
After an hour, lots of promises etc they said it will all change TODAY

"Well today started while I was there".
I assisted them in cleaning the cages etc.


No one in the shop has ever held him before, it was scary but oh so wonderful.

I live nearby, will check on them probably every two day.
I hope they got the message, if not they will be reported immediately.

TAKE CARE AND KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

 

[Spiritbird]

You get a gold star for this one Antionette!! We are all proud of you. Now lets see if they live up to what they said. Your helping them was so gooooood. Thank you so much.

 

[BlueToast]

Great job looking out for those birds

 

[BirdMa]

I am so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wonderful job. I'm so glad they listened and you instructed them in the proper care. I really hope it sinks in. I'm glad the manager came right away. Poor babies they were lucky that you found them. Maybe you could print up a care sheet that could be displayed where the employees could see them. Maybe even a list of foods.
You definitly deserve a day of praise from all of us!

 

[antoinette]

Birdma thanks so much really sweet of you.

All I want is for the birds to be healthy, happy and well taken care of.

I am 100% positive all members on the forum would have done exactly the same.

I actually felt sorry for the staff members, not knowing what to do.
I asked the owner how could they keep birds, not knowing how to care for them. Selling to customers and giving advise to them, not knowing anything about birds themselves.
They have all the best pellets available there, yet were feeding them sunflower seeds with bits of dried fruit. Removed the seeds and dried fruit and explained why.
We did write up a list, which hopefully they will follow.
Little bit of weebix in the morning, then clean the bowl.
Pellets left in another bowl, and water to be changed 3 times a day.
Fresh fruit later during the day, and offering them a few nuts.
At 5pm some fresh veggies, clean bowl before closing for the day.
When opening in the morning, the cages will be cleaned and fresh water given.
When returning home, I felt terrible being harsh with them.
Then I thought about the birds, who can't speak up for themselves and felt real good.
Tomorrow morning I am giving them a great book about birds.
Will keep you posted
Take care

 

[DustyDusky]

Antoinette great job! Our Feather friends surely do appreciate it i'm sure!

 

[antoinette]

Went to the pet shop an hour ago, and BINGO

The cages were cleaned, the water had been changed, and new pellets were given.
I assisted them and feed the African Grey and the Macaw fresh fruit.
The staff members are spending more time near the cage, trying to bond with the birds. Gave them advise on how to.
PS found out that Macaw is 10 years old, been with them for only 2 months.
The owner has decided not to sell the Macaw, his name is Peter.
Even the manager commented how calm and placid the birds were.
No more screaming and running up and down the bars all day.
In separated cages, they sat near the bars, trying to make conversation with each other.
Gave them a book on birds, hopefully they will put it to good use.
Will continue "visiting" them and keeping and eye on them.
Was forth the effort, just seeing the birds happy and content, knowing they are now being looked after properly.
Take care

 

[antoinette]

So So So HAPPY
Popped into the pet shop 2 times this week.
Everything is in order, clean cages, water and food bowls.
What a lovely sight to see the birds happy, playing and chatting away.
The manager chatted to me, said other customers commented, saying the birds are much quieter, and more pleasant. One asked him what he did differently now.
He told them, spending time with the birds, caring for them, and giving them lots of love and attention.
BirdMa is so so correct Maybe a caring customer can make a difference.
They no longer see me as a threat, but a friend now.
"Parrot Police Force" will continue keeping an eye on our feathered friends.
TAKE CARE