Parrot Documentary tonight on PBS

[Sambamama]

I watched it and I was very affected at times. But I have birds... I wonder what a non bird owner thinks of the show? I hope it changes some points of view and ideas about birds as pets. I feel that I am a dedicated owner but these sorts of show are important for newbies to see the depth of commitment upon the acquisition of a bird.

I lived in Costa Rica for 7 years. I remember when small parrots were sold on the streets, but not anymore. This is a good thing. And yes, I saw Scarlets flying free. Now the government agencies are cracking down on wild animal possession, and it is a good thing. But you can still own a scarlet pet there. Just like here. It can't be taken from the wild.

I have not been to the ARA project site, but I am a friend of a lady who has many Scarlets that are Unreleasable at her wildlife rehab site. She is needing a clinic, on site, so if anyone is inclined to help..... Please do. I include the link below. Or visit www.toucanrescueranch.org. You can stay on site if you wish

Http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/toucan-rescue-ranch-needs-a-clinic

I was at her place earlier in October. Her birds are so well cared for..... I recommend the place for a visit if you are ever in the country! The Toucan Rescue Ranch is a dedicated rescue facility for many sorts of animals and birds.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I'm going to watch it tonight after the birdies go to bed, I was out of town last night and missed it (yay DVR!).

 

[Captsteve]

It hurt my soul...

 

[MikeyTN]

Ok, it was On demand so I got to watch it tonight. And it made me tear up watching it. Especially the one about Lou.....That made me very sad and the Citron that was kept in a unheated porch. That was the reason why we started taking in rescues and I sooooo understand when you have to tell people no after you take in so many. I like the part where they breed the Scarlets to be released back into the wild. I really think we should have all the newbies watch this video before getting a new parrot.

 

[Squirt]

I feel very guilty and I just got my girl Tallulah this week. I will give her the best home to the best of my ability. I love her like crazy. I would never abandon her in a "foreclosed house" or put her in "an unheated porch" but I still feel so guilty.

What really makes me mad are the poachers stealing chicks. But I guess if they didn't none of us would have our babies now. So I still feel guilty.

People need to think LONG and HARD before getting ANY kind of pet, but especially an exotic one that can live so very long. They are not disposable (none of them...parrot, dog, cat, hamster, etc.).

 

[TessieB]

I must say after watching the show I feel I must point out most of the abandoned birds I've dealt with were not tame. One didn't simply walk up to it, hold out a finger, and the bird willingly stepped up. They didn't willingly adjust to the collar put around them. They especially didn't appreciate being wrapped up in a towel. The birds I were around fought with everything they had-beak, claws, wings, and voice. They weren't sweet and loving, wouldn't eat from a spoon much less your fingers, and really didn't want to be around people at all.

Having said that the show did reveal the dedication and problems of the people who run a true rescue. The Scarlet Macaw project has proven successful only because the 'released' bird continue to return to feed. Some these birds have proven to be pests to the locals since they are desensitized to people. I noticed the program didn't mention why the released birds died. Disease? Or were they shot by the locals who did not appreciate the birds destroying their crops? This is a problem with released birds of prey. Once rehabbed and released these predators were too obvious around people and were shot.

There is no easy answer to this problem. For us who have parrots we need to do the best we can, provide the best care we can, and love the unlovable birds who have permanently scarred physically and mentally.

I once visited a person who had several parrots. They were in large, spacious cages, and had various fruits to nibble on. She warned me not to try to interact with them as they were not 'nice' birds. I asked her why she kept them and she replied,

"They didn't ask to be here. They didn't ask to be in a cage. So I don't ask anything of them. If they want to interact with me then so be it. If they don't so be it. I just let them be birds."

Maybe it is best to remember our intelligent feathered friends-even the ones that don't talk-are not humans. They have certain needs that we need to be aware of. For those who keep these birds it is our job to learn all we can and provide the best environment we are able to. After all we are humans with the supposedly superior brain.

 

[nyspy]

I downloaded it and put it on my videoserver at home (and on my tablet), but I can't bring myself around to watching it. I know it'll tear me apart. **sigh.

 

[Mayden]

For all you others who can't get it because they're not in the US

[ame=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnsF2xL4_W4]PBS Parrot Confidential - YouTube[/ame]

Voila!

Watching now

 

[Mayden]

So many small cages. *bashes head on wall*

Coco and Basil broke my heart, as did so many others. How can people be so cruel? We have birds and it's not ideal, they SHOULD be in the wild, but they're not so we do the best we can do. But some people just get birds and don't appreciate them...

Lou and Hazel too, eurg. My heart... so many tears. I need a birdy cuddle.

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm glad I saw this thread. Thank you to everyone who shared the links. I'll watch it on my computer with Boomer later.

I'm scared though... I hate watching sad animal documentaries because it really upsets me. I feel I need to watch this one though.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

I've watched it about 5 times already, and it made me so sad. I think that many of us here are exceptional parrot owners, but the truth is that probably 90% of people buy them on impulse and have absolutely no idea how to take care of them, or realize what they're getting themselves into. I was also in that boat. I bought my Umbrella on an impulse and only researched them afterwards. We did our best for ten years, but it's a lot of work, and a tremendous amount of sacrifice to take care of a large Cockatoo.

I hope people stop breeding Toos as much, because most of them are in rescues, and I'm glad the show highlighted this ongoing problem.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

So many small cages. *bashes head on wall*

Coco and Basil broke my heart, as did so many others. How can people be so cruel? We have birds and it's not ideal, they SHOULD be in the wild, but they're not so we do the best we can do. But some people just get birds and don't appreciate them...

Lou and Hazel too, eurg. My heart... so many tears. I need a birdy cuddle.

Lorita broke my heart too. How awful to be snatched out of a tree and stuffed in a tiny cage, no toys, and made to watch others of your kind be free. I wanted to strangle that ranch manager, sorry.

At least Basil and Lou has somewhat of a happy ending, although they can never be free. Yes, it was heart breaking to watch.

 

[Kalidasa]

So many small cages. *bashes head on wall*

Coco and Basil broke my heart, as did so many others. How can people be so cruel? We have birds and it's not ideal, they SHOULD be in the wild, but they're not so we do the best we can do. But some people just get birds and don't appreciate them...

Lou and Hazel too, eurg. My heart... so many tears. I need a birdy cuddle.

Lorita broke my heart too. How awful to be snatched out of a tree and stuffed in a tiny cage, no toys, and made to watch others of your kind be free. I wanted to strangle that ranch manager, sorry.

At least Basil and Lou has somewhat of a happy ending, although they can never be free. Yes, it was heart breaking to watch.

Lorita was the worst one for me too, always just out of reach of her flock. I can't for the life if me understand why that guy reporting on it just didn't let her go. That was a wild bird. All's he had to do was open the latch.

 

[Mayden]

So many small cages. *bashes head on wall*

Coco and Basil broke my heart, as did so many others. How can people be so cruel? We have birds and it's not ideal, they SHOULD be in the wild, but they're not so we do the best we can do. But some people just get birds and don't appreciate them...

Lou and Hazel too, eurg. My heart... so many tears. I need a birdy cuddle.

Lorita broke my heart too. How awful to be snatched out of a tree and stuffed in a tiny cage, no toys, and made to watch others of your kind be free. I wanted to strangle that ranch manager, sorry.

At least Basil and Lou has somewhat of a happy ending, although they can never be free. Yes, it was heart breaking to watch.

Lorita was the worst one for me too, always just out of reach of her flock. I can't for the life if me understand why that guy reporting on it just didn't let her go. That was a wild bird. All's he had to do was open the latch.

Because unfortuantely, Lorita was someones property and there are strict laws regarding stuff like that. Plus, Lorita might not have been welcomed as part of that flock... `I do understand the frustration, but its just not really feesable. She did break my heart too though. I've seen videos of wild caught sennies being traded before and it hurts me so, to think that these beautiful creatures, caught, afraid, not understanding...

Basil and Lou were happy but it was heartbreaking to watch the 'No no no!'

So awful.

 

[Kalidasa]

I think the basil, Lou and most of the footage was recreated for the show. All based on what really happened though. Hopefully the condions of Lorita were also a recreation (maybe she had a bigger cage, or was allowed out inside). The macaw breeding program seemed to be filmed as it was. And the lady in Milan MI, that was as it was.(with Fagan, the afr grey).

 

[Mayden]

I think the basil, Lou and most of the footage was recreated for the show. All based on what really happened though. Hopefully the condions of Lorita were also a recreation (maybe she had a bigger cage, or was allowed out inside). The macaw breeding program seemed to be filmed as it was. And the lady in Milan MI, that was as it was.(with Fagan, the afr grey).

Well I imagine most was recreated, but the fact that birds still feel the hurt of being torn from their mate is still, for me, soul destroying. For them to convey it in human tongue is even more so. For the 'too that was left behind for days, the confusion and hurt... eurg. Obviously they didn't just take a film camera in and see that 'too, it was recreated, but it still rings true.

I don't think anyone should skim over it and think "THIS isn't real" because it might not be real in that exact film reel, but it is real, does happen, cages are like that. etc. and THAT is what the film is trying to get across. That it is unacceptable, that rescues are full, birds do pluck themselves bare, etc.

Lolita, the REAL Lolita, might be perfectly fine with a loving family, satisfied with life.

But 'Lolita' happens, maybe in a slightly bigger cage but still on that porch calling her for long lost flockmates, snatched as a chick to be raised by people who do not love her.

The anecdotes are there to tug on heart strings - and they work, but you have to look at the bigger picture and know that it's more than just Peepers, Coco, Basil... the film is for all the Lolitas, Peepers, Cocos, etc out there. That is what people need to appreciate.

 

[Kalidasa]

Peepers! Peepers is so cute!

 

[Kalidasa]

I think the basil, Lou and most of the footage was recreated for the show. All based on what really happened though. Hopefully the condions of Lorita were also a recreation (maybe she had a bigger cage, or was allowed out inside). The macaw breeding program seemed to be filmed as it was. And the lady in Milan MI, that was as it was.(with Fagan, the afr grey).

Well I imagine most was recreated, but the fact that birds still feel the hurt of being torn from their mate is still, for me, soul destroying. For them to convey it in human tongue is even more so. For the 'too that was left behind for days, the confusion and hurt... eurg. Obviously they didn't just take a film camera in and see that 'too, it was recreated, but it still rings true.

I don't think anyone should skim over it and think "THIS isn't real" because it might not be real in that exact film reel, but it is real, does happen, cages are like that. etc. and THAT is what the film is trying to get across. That it is unacceptable, that rescues are full, birds do pluck themselves bare, etc.

Lolita, the REAL Lolita, might be perfectly fine with a loving family, satisfied with life.

But 'Lolita' happens, maybe in a slightly bigger cage but still on that porch calling her for long lost flockmates, snatched as a chick to be raised by people who do not love her.

The anecdotes are there to tug on heart strings - and they work, but you have to look at the bigger picture and know that it's more than just Peepers, Coco, Basil... the film is for all the Lolitas, Peepers, Cocos, etc out there. That is what people need to appreciate.

No doubt those things (and much MUCH) worse happen. It was the way the Lolita story was presented. We didn't know if she had a life beyond that little cage. It could have just been her outdoor cage like I said and she had a content domestic life. But, IF it was as it was presented, just a bird snatched from a flock, stuck in a small cage with nothing calling to her flock all day, then I would have most definately let her out and dealt with the reprecussions. There's no possible way I would walk away from that.

 

[Mayden]

I think the basil, Lou and most of the footage was recreated for the show. All based on what really happened though. Hopefully the condions of Lorita were also a recreation (maybe she had a bigger cage, or was allowed out inside). The macaw breeding program seemed to be filmed as it was. And the lady in Milan MI, that was as it was.(with Fagan, the afr grey).

Well I imagine most was recreated, but the fact that birds still feel the hurt of being torn from their mate is still, for me, soul destroying. For them to convey it in human tongue is even more so. For the 'too that was left behind for days, the confusion and hurt... eurg. Obviously they didn't just take a film camera in and see that 'too, it was recreated, but it still rings true.

I don't think anyone should skim over it and think "THIS isn't real" because it might not be real in that exact film reel, but it is real, does happen, cages are like that. etc. and THAT is what the film is trying to get across. That it is unacceptable, that rescues are full, birds do pluck themselves bare, etc.

Lolita, the REAL Lolita, might be perfectly fine with a loving family, satisfied with life.

But 'Lolita' happens, maybe in a slightly bigger cage but still on that porch calling her for long lost flockmates, snatched as a chick to be raised by people who do not love her.

The anecdotes are there to tug on heart strings - and they work, but you have to look at the bigger picture and know that it's more than just Peepers, Coco, Basil... the film is for all the Lolitas, Peepers, Cocos, etc out there. That is what people need to appreciate.

No doubt those things (and much MUCH) worse happen. It was the way the Lolita story was presented. We didn't know if she had a life beyond that little cage. It could have just been her outdoor cage like I said and she had a content domestic life. But, IF it was as it was presented, just a bird snatched from a flock, stuck in a small cage with nothing calling to her flock all day, then I would have most definately let her out and dealt with the reprecussions. There's no possible way I would walk away from that.

Had they done that, filming would have been halted and this would not have reached a wider audience. He would have just become a 'bad man who let someones bird out' rather than a spokesperson for all the birds with no true voice. Instead, he went the "right way" about things and got to make this documentary and raise the plight of the chicks being stolen from their nests.

Again, I completely agree with what you're saying. But you have to weigh up pros and cons and see the bigger picture.

 

[Maria_Metropolis]

Well I imagine most was recreated, but the fact that birds still feel the hurt of being torn from their mate is still, for me, soul destroying. For them to convey it in human tongue is even more so. For the 'too that was left behind for days, the confusion and hurt... eurg. Obviously they didn't just take a film camera in and see that 'too, it was recreated, but it still rings true.

I don't think anyone should skim over it and think "THIS isn't real" because it might not be real in that exact film reel, but it is real, does happen, cages are like that. etc. and THAT is what the film is trying to get across. That it is unacceptable, that rescues are full, birds do pluck themselves bare, etc.

Lolita, the REAL Lolita, might be perfectly fine with a loving family, satisfied with life.

But 'Lolita' happens, maybe in a slightly bigger cage but still on that porch calling her for long lost flockmates, snatched as a chick to be raised by people who do not love her.

The anecdotes are there to tug on heart strings - and they work, but you have to look at the bigger picture and know that it's more than just Peepers, Coco, Basil... the film is for all the Lolitas, Peepers, Cocos, etc out there. That is what people need to appreciate.

No doubt those things (and much MUCH) worse happen. It was the way the Lolita story was presented. We didn't know if she had a life beyond that little cage. It could have just been her outdoor cage like I said and she had a content domestic life. But, IF it was as it was presented, just a bird snatched from a flock, stuck in a small cage with nothing calling to her flock all day, then I would have most definately let her out and dealt with the reprecussions. There's no possible way I would walk away from that.

Had they done that, filming would have been halted and this would not have reached a wider audience. He would have just become a 'bad man who let someones bird out' rather than a spokesperson for all the birds with no true voice. Instead, he went the "right way" about things and got to make this documentary and raise the plight of the chicks being stolen from their nests.

Again, I completely agree with what you're saying. But you have to weigh up pros and cons and see the bigger picture.

And it definitely wouldn't stop those idiots from poaching other nests. I feel the rancher and people like him, should be prosecuted for doing that.