Some people just need to learn...

[apatrimo94]

I figured I'd share my story with you guys.

It angers me how soooo many people always buy animals on impulse and then give up taking care of them. That's how me and my aunt got our parakeets. They were rescued from horrible conditions under a guy who was forcing them to breed. AND not only that, they were blood siblings (They were born a year apart though) So me and my aunt decided to rescue them. I got the albino female, whom I named S'mores. She is the light of my life and I'd be nothing without her. She is the sweetest thing ever. She showers me with kisses and love. When I first got her, she was terrified of the world and everything. But over time (I've had her for 3 years now) she became full of life again. I hate when people are arrogant and ignorant too. I'm 16 years old and when I see a pet living in unacceptable conditions, they look at me, laugh, and they're like, are you my pet's vet? oh you're not, so shut your mouth. I want to punch them where it really hurts.

That's why I go around educating people. Using my animals and animals that I take care of who live in my high school (in cages of course) I put up shows in various places in my town educating people about pets and how to take care of them. These is a new thing I'm trying out with my teacher who's helping me with it. We currently use my parakeet S'mores and my tortoise Shelby. Then we have two snakes, a leopard gecko, two lizards, and a guinea pig. Hopefully it'll be a success.

 

[apatrimo94]

oops, I just realized I worded my first sentence wrong, lol. Me and my aunt did not get our birds on impulse, their previous owner did. We actually wanted to rescue birds so we went to a rescue center.

 

[Mel]

I think education is the key. That's why I am so anti-pets in pet-shops since they encourage the impulse buy. I know there are several ppl on this forum that have bought from pet stores but I know most have put in a lot of thought and preparation before making the purchase.

Just remember when you are talking to someone about impulse buying keep your emotions under control. People are more willing to listen to what you have to say and wont get as defensive if you go about it nicely.

 

[Aussie Ben]

I think your passion for animal welfare and education is amazing and you should keep it up. Its amazing how many people are so uneducated, but not surprising when you see how animals are 'marketed' to the public as 'products' and not seen as living breathing creatures.

 

[Spiritbird]

Good for you A94. I am a volunteer for the Baily foundation and we have several wonderful foster homes. These people have over 20 cages with multiple birds in their homes. In some cases the birds need rehab. due to abuse. They do a fantastic job. I would love to see people adopt these birds instead of from a breeder or store which basically is the same thing. Some breeders sell to the stores. I have a Pet Smart store near me and I have to say they really care about their birds and who purchases them.

 

[antoinette]

Just wondering how come you must have a license for a gun.......
Why not apply the same for birds....

Keep up the great work educating people

 

[Aussie Ben]

Just wondering how come you must have a license for a gun.......
Why not apply the same for birds....

Totally agree. Unfortunately I think it comes back to the lack of education, the people you would have to approach to get a licence brought in may not understand why it would be needed. I think the answer you would get would be something along the lines of 'its just a pet bird, throw some seed in the cage'. With guns and other weapons, its easy to justify a licence - they have an obvious potential for danger and require much responsibility. But until you have actually cared for a parrot in the way it needs to be cared for and learned the dedication that it requires, it really is hard to justify needing a license, which I think is why there generally isn't any in place...IMO.

 

[apatrimo94]

Just wondering how come you must have a license for a gun.......
Why not apply the same for birds....

I agree with that 100%. Not just for birds, but for all animals. That way we'd have a world with less careless people having their hands on animals they know they can't care for. And these little bird icons are sooo cute, lol --->

 

[Beilana]

Just wondering how come you must have a license for a gun.......
Why not apply the same for birds....

Keep up the great work educating people

No doubt eh! or at least read and comprehend the Parrot Bill of Rights.

 

[apatrimo94]

Hey! there's an idea, we should make a Parrot Bill of Rights! lol