So many homeless parrots

[Sherrie]

I have been looking for a mini-macaw in rescue for a while now, and I am overwhelmed by not only the number of rescues (more than one in every state!!!), but also by the number of birds in rescue right now. Why on earth are people still breeding large macaws, cockatoos, and amazons? Every rescue is FULL of these species!

Here is my heartfelt plea to the breeders out there... PLEASE take a break for a while. I've seen hundreds of the big, noisy, or needy birds on rescue websites. Many say they can't take in any more birds and have to decline owners trying to get rid of them. It's heartbreaking.

Some sources say that large parrots only stay in their first home for 2-3 years. There's no way that even the most careful and responsible bird breeder could follow their babies' chain of homes, even if they wanted to.

I did it once, but I will never again buy a bird from a breeder. I am ashamed to be part of this terrible tragedy.

 

[mtdoramike]

Breeders have their place and the breeder should not be blames for the irrisponsibility of Peopl who is flush with cash from getting their tax refund and waking up one morning to say "Hey, I think I will gfot to the flea market this morning or pet shop and buy a bird. It's the irresponsible pet owners or buyers who are to blame for this tragidy, NOT THE BREEDER. It's called IMPULSE or KNEE JERK buying and selfish people who care only for themselves and not their pets. I see it with dogs, cats as well as birds. No animal is immuned, just take a glance at Craigslist. These people should be ashamed of their self. But the sad thing is, a few months or year down the road, they will become pet owners again.

Most first time bird owners should ONLY BUY THEIR FIRST BIRD from a breeder that has been hand fed and hopefully fully socialized and on a good diet, not a second, third or fifth hand bird from a recue center that would only to be brought back within a year once they realize that they bot off more than they can chew.

Mike

 

[MikeyTN]

I agree with Mike completely!!!! Its not always the breeders fault. Look at it this way, there are so many starving children but the parents kept having more kids. Are you gonna say what they do is wrong? When the bible itself is against abortion. Personally I would tell them get it plugged....lol

 

[HRH Di]

I think everyone should have to take a class before they get a parrot/pet/etc. It happens all the time with all animals. Shelters and rescues are flooded with half-grown puppies and kittens 6-9 months after Xmas because of all of the Xmas presents that can't really be pushed to the back of the closet.

 

[Spiritbird]

Oh have we opened a can of worms here. Again it really comes down to education. Education of both the breeder and the buyer.
There are some species of birds that are in rescue org. more than others. Usually the large birds, Amazons, Toos, Macaws and others. I even saw on CL two CAGS up for sale after only a few years with their owner which is unusual. I think we are all responsible for this big hole in our society. PL requires attenting classes prior to adoption. Why not a breeder? Classes on bird care are all over the USA. Even here on the forum we can educate the new owner or about to be owner. To my knowledge of breeding of exoctic birds is unregulated. Breeders of dogs and cats should at least have a state license in my state. Bird breeders do not need that. So I say to you Sherrie and others please do not let this get into a lengthy debate. As mentioned we are all responsible.

 

[HRH Di]

As always, well said, SB. There are responsible breeders out there and there are irresponsible ones; just like responsible parronts and irresponsible parronts. Breeders actually help maintain wild populations. If there were no breeders for say, red-front macaws, there probably wouldn't be a wild population left. Responsible breeders educate potential clients.

 

[dragonlady2]

Oh my, breeders are in it to make a living. They can only exist if there are customers to buy their birds. it's a vicious cycle and a sad one. I would agree that it's time to have potential pet owners tdo more than open their wallet to buy a pet. Should be some kind of licensing process, not sure what though.

 

[Pedro]

Well i am a breeder & i can say i am very selective who buys my babies. Should they have a problem they phone me or come back to see me. If we can sort a problem in the first 2 weeks fine.

The most comon problem i see is most buyers think it's cute to have this bundle of feathers that they maybe can cuddle....BUT....they forget that, that baby will be an adult in 2 to 5 years depending on the species & once matured their needs are not met & by then the bad behaviors have well & truly set in. They are at their wits end by then & haven't any idea how to correct this problem that they themselves have created. So the poor bird gets sent to a rescue centre. I have adopted an Eclectus & SC 2 for screeming 24/7. I have now had these 2 birds for about 5 or 6 years now & do they misbehave here NO. They have their moments but you wouldn't find two more loving birds.

What is the main questions asked on this forum & many others. My bird is screaming or biting me. Both learned behaviors from a very young age. This is the area i would like people to consider when they buy a parrot. Set yourself up to be successful from the beginning. You know it isn't real hard to teach your bird to be a good bird most of the time. You must learn their body language, don't treat them like a lap dog or cat. Treat them as you would want to be treated yourself....with respect....

Another thing i have found some new owners won't be told or just won't listen to advice & think they know it all. No wonder parrots are passed on all the time. You know guys bad parrot behavior is the creation of humans.

You really can't blame any one person for the demise of some of these birds it really boils down to being responsible for ones own actions.

I guess it can't be a perfect world. But you know places like this help make it a little better.

 

[MikeyTN]

Well i am a breeder & i can say i am very selective who buys my babies. Should they have a problem they phone me or come back to see me. If we can sort a problem in the first 2 weeks fine.

The most comon problem i see is most buyers think it's cute to have this bundle of feathers that they maybe can cuddle....BUT....they forget that, that baby will be an adult in 2 to 5 years depending on the species & once matured their needs are not met & by then the bad behaviors have well & truly set in. They are at their wits end by then & haven't any idea how to correct this problem that they themselves have created. So the poor bird gets sent to a rescue centre. I have adopted an Eclectus & SC 2 for screeming 24/7. I have now had these 2 birds for about 5 or 6 years now & do they misbehave here NO. They have their moments but you wouldn't find two more loving birds.

What is the main questions asked on this forum & many others. My bird is screaming or biting me. Both learned behaviors from a very young age. This is the area i would like people to consider when they buy a parrot. Set yourself up to be successful from the beginning. You know it isn't real hard to teach your bird to be a good bird most of the time. You must learn their body language, don't treat them like a lap dog or cat. Treat them as you would want to be treated yourself....with respect....

Another thing i have found some new owners won't be told or just won't listen to advice & think they know it all. No wonder parrots are passed on all the time. You know guys bad parrot behavior is the creation of humans.

You really can't blame any one person for the demise of some of these birds it really boils down to being responsible for ones own actions.

I guess it can't be a perfect world. But you know places like this help make it a little better.

Well said Pedro!!!!

 

[HRH Di]

We were lucky enough to find a wonderful breeder. It is her profession, so her birds aren't cheap. She breeds only CAGs and red-front macaws. Her CAGs cost a bit more than other places but her babies are all hand-tamed, pet quality and, most importantly, healthy. We can still call her for advice and just to give her updates.

Just like teachers, fire fighters and police, there are good and bad out there. What we can do as responsible parronts and breeders is to educate the public and potential parronts.

 

[lorri]

I agree with Mike and I think if you have the time and commitment with a companion animal or bird it doesn't matter. If you have not got the commitment in having an animal or bird there is no point in having one. BUT in some circumstances when I a child or an adult has developed and allergy from feathers or fur and for the neglenting and that poor animal or bird. The poor animal or bird has to go somewhere but some had manged to find new homes

 

[Mondos Parents]

One thing that probably complicates the problem is there long life spans, over that of a dog or cat. Look at marriages today, to easy to just move on!

 

[vedwed]

Unfortunately the breeders aren't entirely to blame. Are there irresponsible breeders, sure there are. But the bigger problem is people want a "talking parrrot" they do not realize the time, energy, money, and lifelong commitment of owning a wild bird, yes no matter if they were bred in captivity, they are not domesticated animals. Prospective owners should be required to attend a class if they have no knowledge of owning a parrot, people are not informed enough about the responsibilities required of taking on such a commitment, and if the only reason to get a bird is because it talks, those people have no business owning one.

 

[Beilana]

the bigger problem is people want a "talking parrrot"

I see that A LOT in "wanted" ads online. So sad...

to me its like saying "I want a dog because it can sit, stay, roll over, play dead, twirl and bark three times on command." Sure some dogs can and will do this....but there is no guarantee.

How can people want a living creature for what it can do......