I had to get this off my chest!

[saurian]

I can see you all now, reading the title of this thread. "Oh, God. Here he goes again...". Please note: I don't mean to come off as arrogant and I am not attacking anyone! I love you all.



Hello all. So, I've been noticing some things on the Internet about birds and it's quite misleading and annoying in my opinion. You are, of course, welcome to disagree. Beginner species is something I see get thrown around quite a lot. I understand and appreciate the sentiment, but to me it's actually quite berating to the "beginner birds" themselves. What this implies is that there is a whole group of birds that are so perfectly well behaved and so easy to care for that they'll help you move up to the larger ones. What this does is treat budgies, cockatiels and etc as stepping stones. This is where my issue with this whole idea really lies. If a hopeful parront or a new parront (yes I'm saying parront now) sees the aforementioned in this way, it will mean that the poor creature won't be cared for as much as it needs and deserves. We're talking about taking care of and loving living things, not guitars. I think that the stepping stone mentality should only be applied to material things. Again, like guitars. As you all know, no two birds are the same, no matter what you may be led to believe. Let me tell you from experience. Budgies- small guys. But does this mean they're always easy to care for? No! My Mister used to like destroying things in his cage. He always had mirrors with a bell on the bottom, and he'd have boxing matches with the bell!


Another misconception is that owning a smaller bird first gets you ready for the big ones. I don't think it does. What it actually gives you is a huge repertoire of knowledge regarding that smaller species, and a small amount of knowledge in general bird care. Again, I can tell you this from experience. I walked into this forum having owned one bird previously. Before joining, I already had an idea of how to take care of birds, but I knew that it would vary. I looked around at some of the larger species, and decided that I fell in love with the Congo Grey. What I did next was what a lot of people new to parrontship sadly do not do, and is why I've seen so many posts of people having to return their new friend. What did I do? I did my research! I found out what these birds need, and then I assessed myself to see if I was really up for it. You must always do that. Never buy an animal just because it looks cool or you saw it on TV, because you will not care for your baby properly. Getting a parrot on a whim is exactly like suddenly deciding to have a child one day with no real thought. You quickly realize you can't handle the baby; it's too much. So you put it up for adoption. It really is the same with parrots. Another thing I had a clear vision of the two birds I wanted. Either the Congo Grey or the Cockatoo, and the latter was eliminated. This way, I was able to focus all of my research where it needed to be.


Moral of the story? If you don't want to treat all parrots equally, with respect and care, and don't understand that they're like having a toddler, don't get one.



Thank you! I need some tea now...

 

[noodles123]

You are 100% correct and it is really sad. I think a lot of it has to do with money and breeders spinning watered-down stories about bird care in order to sell a "product"...Websites then recycle this misinformation because a lot of pet ownership sites are not actually researching care requirements in great depth (they too want to sell views and provide the most basic information/fluff).

They tell partial truths but omit HUGELY important details when discussing the requirements of bird care (for instance, they might say: "cockatoos love to cuddle and want to be with their people all of the time, but they can be noisy")....This example downplays the situation like crazy and fails to mention that their urge to cuddle is often sexual and can quickly turn to aggression if indulged...Noisy is not the same as deafening (which is closer to the truth). The attention spans of people in the world seem to be shrinking, and people are just not interested in reading in-depth (they want instant gratification and the reader's digest version of everything..which is probably why pet sites keep it light).

Then there are chains like Petsmart etc that also are in it to make money (and low prices make people think lower quality---e.g., smaller birds). Birds from places like that often are not socialized early on/kept with a million other birds, and they are almost always bought by those who have not done a lot of research (because a parakeet is cheap, seems easy enough and is sold next to the other small animals at the pet store, plus- lots of people know people who have/had them). The uninformed "buyer" proceeds to get a bird (often as a semi-impulsive gift for a child who lacks the attention span and patience needed to attend to it). They then make a million mistakes (probably based on their limited experiences/ assumptions about small birds at pet shops or friends' houses--e.g., a child's pet in a small cage like a hamster). Because the bird is poorly housed and likely eats a terrible diet in the inexperienced owner's home, it is already going to struggle (behaviorally and medically). Add to that people's impatience about wanting to hold birds (and the fact that pet-shop birds have not been handled as much as those from a breeder) and you have a perfect storm for a "when the shine wears off" scenario...That is, if the bird survives.

People end up with these screaming, cage-bound, terrified birds who do not meet any of their expectations about what a pet should be (especially when they envisioned a talking pet that they could hold)...Rather than assume that they did something wrong, they chalk this up to their small bird being unintelligent and "cheap" (a lower quality product) when compared to the large, expensive, talking parrots they have seen in movies. They do not understand the amount of work it takes to get a bird to that point or the fact that parakeets are quite intelligent and often do talk (depending on the bird and level of attention). In their minds, a large parrot is "exotic, costly and smart", while a small bird is an "inexpensive pet for a child that will probably never amount to much".

The problem is, if something is cheap and readily available, people don't HAVE to think about it because it isn't going to put them out much. People THINK they know what they are doing when they buy small birds because of what they have seen others do (incorrectly)....These assumptions are reaffirmed by corporations selling pets. Then, there are the companies that sell inappropriate bird cages and accessories (cages that are far too small or made of dangerous materials, dangerous toys, stupid hammocks/snuggle huts etc) which perpetuate poor ownership decisions. People just assume that stores would not sell an item unsuitable for a bird, but that is not the case....It's all about money in a lot of cases and the birds pay the price. Considering the fact that larger, $3000.00 birds are re-homed more than any other pet (despite the wasted money), it's no surprise that people are willing to neglect and part with the cheaper ones...If a person will basically throw out thousands of dollars to be rid of a "problem", $20 is nothing. The thing is, a parakeet doesn't live AS long as a bigger bird (especially when it is poorly cared for) and the screaming isn't AS loud as a bigger bird's, so you end up with people keeping these birds around in miserable small cages in the back of their kid's bedroom until they die (often prematurely).

That having been said, while ALL birds are a massive commitment, the larger ones are usually louder, more dangerous, more destructive, more expensive and better equipped to manipulate people with their beaks/behaviors. A bite from a parakeet won't send anyone to the hospital, so someone new to birds could make mistakes and get bitten without becoming completely crippled by fear. Additionally, a 14-year commitment may be less extreme for a beginner than a 70+ year commitment.

 

[clark_conure]

Meh I think your a little worked up but this picture basically is the argument.

+

 

[saurian]

Meh I think your a little worked up but this picture basically is the argument.

+

It is very much a vent post. I apologize if I went on too much.

 

[saurian]

You are 100% correct and it is really sad. I think a lot of it has to do with money and breeders spinning watered-down stories about bird care in order to sell a "product"...Websites then recycle this misinformation because a lot of pet ownership sites are not actually researching care requirements in great depth (they too want to sell views and provide the most basic information/fluff).

They tell partial truths but omit HUGELY important details when discussing the requirements of bird care (for instance, they might say: "cockatoos love to cuddle and want to be with their people all of the time, but they can be noisy")....This example downplays the situation like crazy and fails to mention that their urge to cuddle is often sexual and can quickly turn to aggression if indulged...Noisy is not the same as deafening (which is closer to the truth). The attention spans of people in the world seem to be shrinking, and people are just not interested in reading in-depth (they want instant gratification and the reader's digest version of everything..which is probably why pet sites keep it light).

Then there are chains like Petsmart etc that also are in it to make money (and low prices make people think lower quality---e.g., smaller birds). Birds from places like that often are not socialized early on/kept with a million other birds, and they are almost always bought by those who have not done a lot of research (because a parakeet is cheap, seems easy enough and is sold next to the other small animals at the pet store, plus- lots of people know people who have/had them), which means that the buyers typically know little about birds in most cases (mind you, there are exceptions). The buyer proceeds to get a bird (often as a semi-impulsive gift for a child who lacks the attention span and patience needed to attend to it). They they make a million mistakes (probably based on their limited experiences/ assumptions about small birds at pet shops or friends' houses--e.g., a child's pet in a small cage like a hamster). Because the bird is poorly housed and likely eats a terrible diet, it is already going to struggle. Add to that people's impatience about wanting to hold birds (and the fact that pet-shop birds have not been handled as much as those from a breeder) and you have a perfect storm for a "when the shine wears off" scenario.

People end up with these screaming, cage-bound, terrified birds who do not meet any of their expectations about what a pet should be...At the same time, they chalk this up to their parakeet being unintelligent and "broken" when compared to the large, expensive, talking parrots they have seen in movies. They do not understand the amount of work it takes to get a bird to that point or the fact that parakeets are quite intelligent and often do talk (depending on the bird and level of attention).

If something is cheap and readily available, people don't HAVE to think about it because it isn't going to put them out much. People THINK they know what they are doing when they buy small birds because of what they have seen others do (incorrectly)....These assumptions are reaffirmed by corporations selling pets. Then, there are the companies that sell inappropriate bird cages and accessories (cages that are far too small or made of dangerous materials, dangerous toys, stupid hammocks/snuggle huts etc) which perpetuate poor ownership decisions. People just assume that stores would not sell an item unsuitable for a bird, but that is not the case....It's all about money in a lot of cases and the birds pay the price.

That having been said, while ALL birds are a massive commitment, the larger ones are usually louder, more dangerous, more destructive, more expensive and better equipped to manipulate people with their beaks/behaviors. A bite from a parakeet won't send anyone to the hospital, so someone knew to birds could make mistakes and get bitten without becoming completely crippled by fear.

Something I want to add here and expand upon is that price tags are not indicative of how easy it is to take care of a bird. Smaller birds can end up not being cared for because of their cost, and therefore people wouldn't see it as a huge loss if they fail to care for the bird. If that happened with a Macaw, let's say, then they'd feel it. But, they should really feel bad for not caring for any bird, no matter how small it is or how much it costs. Sad, but it happens so much.

 

[clark_conure]

Not for nothing I take my birds out a lot to certain stores that know me, or pet friendly stores, and everyone loves a couple conures just chilling. I'm often asked if I worry they will fly away, (they are clipped) but my response is usually, it's getting them off me that's the trick.....and it is. If I had a macaw, I doubt they would come as close.

 

[fiddlejen]

Meh I think your a little worked up but this picture basically is the argument.

+

I would like to see this sign hanging over every budgie cage in every pet store.

 

[saurian]

Meh I think your a little worked up but this picture basically is the argument.

+

I would like to see this sign hanging over every budgie cage in every pet store.

Not just budgies- every smaller bird.

 

[ParrotGenie]

It is how I rescue 3 out of 5 of my cockatiels. One breeder gave up on as she had a crop infection and assume it was something else as huge lump on side of neck area and was going to put her down. She was only weeks old and parents rejected her and breeder didn't have a clue what to do? So they gave her away to a friend I know and then she gave her to me. so I took her as use to breed cockateils before and she recovered 100% and is now a 1 year and 2 months old. The second one was due to was sick and lady didn't care for her, or wanted to spend the vet cost as she claim she only paid $75 for the bird and vet bill cost was going to be way over that and just wanted to get rid of her. So she put her on facebook and craigslist instead and likely would have died if another day when by, her friend thankfully told her I might take her, so she ask me and when over check the bird out and took her and bought her to the vet and now she the one that follows me everywhere pretty much. She about the same personality as my U2 name Baby and both always have to be on my shoulder, or around me at all times. My male cockatiel pretty much same story people became bored of him and kids would not care for him properly so parent returned him, so was a pet store return.

None of the cockatiels were tamed before as people didn't bother to try. The other two took me only a couple of days to tame, but My male Pepper I had a hard time taming him as the people that return him must have abused him as he scared if you put your hand over him and of hands in general? It took me at least a couple of months to work out behavior issues and to gain his trust. Now he my best singer as he love to copy pretty much any sound and tries to talk, but not that great in talking yet.

 

[Flboy]

You are not alone in your venting!
‘Beginner bird/parrot’ is a trigger phrase in here for many of us!

 

[saurian]

It is how I rescue 3 out of 5 of my cockatiels. One breeder gave up on as she had a crop infection and assume it was something else as huge lump on side of neck area and was going to put her down. She was only weeks old and parents rejected her and breeder didn't have a clue what to do? So they gave her away to a friend I know and then she gave her to me. so I took her as use to breed cockateils before and she recovered 100% and is now a 1 year and 2 months old. The second one was due to was sick and lady didn't care for her, or wanted to spend the vet cost as she claim she only paid $75 for the bird and vet bill cost was going to be way over that and just wanted to get rid of her. So she put her on facebook and craigslist instead and likely would have died if another day when by, her friend thankfully told her I might take her, so she ask me and when over check the bird out and took her and bought her to the vet and now she the one that follows me everywhere pretty much. She about the same personality as my U2 name Baby and both always have to be on my shoulder, or around me at all times. My male cockatiel pretty much same story people became bored of him and kids would not care for him properly so parent returned him, so was a pet store return.

None of the cockatiels were tamed before as people didn't bother to try. The other two took me only a couple of days to tame, but My male Pepper I had a hard time taming him as the people that return him must have abused him as he scared if you put your hand over him and of hands in general? It took me at least a couple of months to work out behavior issues and to gain his trust. Now he my best singer as he love to copy pretty much any sound and tries to talk, but not that great in talking yet.

Your birds are so lucky to have you. You're a good person.

 

[saurian]

You are not alone in your venting!
‘Beginner bird/parrot’ is a trigger phrase in here for many of us!

You said it! I'm melting!

 

[ParrotGenie]

Here a blow up view of the picture that clark_conure posted.

 

[Laurasea]

"Another misconception is that owning a smaller bird first gets you ready for the big ones. I don't think it does. What it actually gives you is a huge repertoire of knowledge regarding that smaller species, and a small amount of knowledge in general bird care."

I disagree that owning a smaller bird, say a GCC, only gives you a small amount of knowledge in general bird care!!! You are perpetuating the myth.
Many small species like GCC are strong willed manipulative intelligent , and that little beak is a scalpel. GCC are very willing to bite and make you bleed. Where many larger species will bluff, and pinch with beak. I've had some bites from medium and larger species, and I think you all underestimate the beak of a GCC and their intelligence to stab you in the most painful spot and almost always draw blood from a sometimes deep puncture. Yes a bigger bird can do more damage, without a doubt. But they seem to use that beak less often. When you check out the conure forum it's usually full of help my parrots biting.i think GCC should be added to the list of Hot species ( like Amazon)!

Also you get as much knowledge of general bird care taking care of any species. That is if you are dedicating to learning and seek new knowledge.

But yeah I mostly agree with your rant.

 

[T00tsyd]

Oh yes this reminded me of something a couple of weeks ago. A workman working on a nearby property heard Syd calling when I had gone outside and asked me if I had a parrot. We got chatting. It turns out he had bought a Kakariki (I tried to identify it from his description because he didn't know!!) and knew nothing! My heart ached. I tried to ascertain what he was currently doing and it seemed very little. He was feeding it food that the shop sold him and had given him a carrot but that was it. I tried I really did and directed him here since this is where I learned so very much, but I could tell as his eyes glazed over that it was wasted. I felt useless.

He offered to bring him with him for me to see but so far nothing. It's a real worry. I know the shop concerned and was surprised that they gave so little information, or did he glaze over then as well. I guess I'll never know.

 

[ParrotGenie]

I see it like this and work with and had birds since a kid. All birds are different, it just depends on personality and temperament. Some are easier to tame and train while same specie of bird you can have one that easy and one that hard to work with. It come down to how they were treated in the past and personality and the temperament of that particular bird.

A smaller, or larger bird you do gain the experience and knowledge of what require to care for a bird and what not to do and chemicals and stuff that has dangerous stuff and can release gasses and etc, regardless of size of bird.

Owning a small bird doesn't prepare you to own a larger bird, except for the basics, or sure ever be consider a stepping stone for many reasons. All species are different and you have to see and handle that particular species for a while to learn and see if it one your willing to bring home and adopt. Reason why I state go to a rescue, or shelter and volunteer for a little while.. Then you learn behavior, noise level, how destructive, temperament and ETC. I seen people go from being dead set on a Macaw and end up taking home a eclectus, or other specie. I know as I when from wanting and being dead set on a African grey originally to adopting Baby now 29 year old female umbrella cockatoo, as she picked me. You never stop learning when dealing with various birds, they are very intelligent and manipulative as well, like people pretty much.

 

[SailBoat]

You are not alone in your venting!
‘Beginner bird/parrot’ is a trigger phrase in here for many of us!

You said it! I'm melting!

David has a knack for getting directly to the point of the matter.

The fact is, this Forum has a very long History of Honoring all Parrots!

 

[Squeekmouse]

I couldn't agree more!

When we first brought home Yoda, I had originally wanted a big bird, like a CAG or Macaw, but we decided to go with a smaller bird because of the expense, space, and manageability. Later we did add our CAG to the family.

I have said before, and I stand by it, that Trigger (CAG) has been a thousand times more challenging than Yoda, but that does NOT NOT NOT mean that Yoda was easy! Perhaps compared to Trigger.... but that's like saying "Oh performing an apendectomy is EASY, only heart surgery is difficult!"

Yoda is smaller, he cost less, his cage was less expensive, his food, etc all less expensive. His smaller size means he can't destroy quite so effectively as Trigger and his poop is easier to clean up. But he is an amazing little fellow, full of SO much love, so smart, so funny, so crazy... if someone DARED call him a Beginner Bird to me, I'd have to fight my deep urge to punch them in the face.

 

[Betrisher]

Honestly, I have seen some *awesomely* intelligent and well-trained budgies that could far outstrip the intelligence of some larger species! I firmly believe they are the smallest cockatoos and the only reason they don't come with the usual warnings and disclaimers is that they are very small, can't damage you (much) and are commonly available.

A friend of mine taught her budgie to recognise pictures on a poster. The same budgie would 'go and put your hat on' (it was a Barbie-sized fedora - very fetching). He could whistle a few bars of some tunes and spoke in a whisper to his owner, a teenage girl.

My sister-in-law's budgie could fly or walk to the photo of any family member she would name and would fetch an earring on command. That budgie seemed to have an almost telepathic bond with his owner, as he seemed to intuitively know what my SIL wanted of him at all times.

I've heard of peachfaces and parrotlets which were equally as clever and well-trained.

Like you, it makes my teeth itch when people imply that smaller birds are 'practice' birds as if one is serving some kind of apprenticeship before getting 'the real thing'. That's just rubbish!

I saw a video on YouTube last night. It was about a young Australian dressage rider searching for his next horse and commenting on some of the cruelty and bad practices he had seen. He said 'when you buy an animal, you're buying a soul, a living being'. I think that sums it up. The body may be tiny, but the soul of every animal is as big as all outdoors.

 

[bug_n_flock]

Budgies as cockatoos? I know tiels are little 'toos. Is there any reason you say cockatoo and not another group?



I love my small birds. Hima and the 44 other budgies are, each and all of them, unique thinking feeling sentient little individuals. "Beginner bird" I think should instead be called as "awesome choice for a bird friend".



Which shoehorns into more pet peeves of mine: people somehow have the impression budgies are hard to tame? Or female budgies cannot be tamed? Or pet shop budgies cannot be tamed? Or any number of other variations. I've always found budgies amazingly receptive to kind interactions. Even older pet shop hens I have had luck with.


They can learn to talk, can be trained, are smart, are easier to find toys for, are sweet and sassy... the list goes on. I *adore* budgies! Which isn't to say I don't adore my bigger birds, but there is just something uniquely perfect about a budgie.


As a kid I even had a hen who would squeeze under closed doors to go do whatever she wanted, and she knew which doors hid which rooms.