To bury or taxidermy?

[bisquit1023]

We just lost our Mealy Amazon of several decades old. We are considering taking her to a taxidermist and having her mounted instead of burying her. Besides catching some flack from friends and family about the "creepy" factor of doing this. I encountered a problem with a taxidermist because we do not have any documentation or a leg band on Molly. The taxidermist said he could not touch her without a release from Fish and Game or the Wildlife Dept. Has anyone ever heard of this before? I'd hate to go to the authorities only to have them confiscate our pet's remains..... Thanks In Advance!

 

[suebee]

i think that might be easy for you to look up your laws? might be the parrot falls into some catagory or other

 

[nofearengineer]

Not knowing where you live, I could be completely wrong.

But to my knowledge, in the U.S. most parrots are only required to have a leg band if they were imported. Parrots born here can go au naturale.

Your taxidermist is probably just being cautious.

 

[xreinx]

Well what you want to do with your animal is up to you and you shouldent let people tell you what to do, I think its alittle strange to get fluffy, or fido stuffed and placed above the fireplace. but then again My parents think I am strange for keeping my dogs ashes up there insted of burying it.

As for the laws, I dont know where your at, but to get your bird sealed with fish and game, you just call them up and tell them about your bird. I grew up in the wilds of alaska, it isnt that hard to get the animal sealed. (banded with their bands, for dcumentation.) you tell them where you got her, (give proof if you can) show pictures if you have to. It only took my father minuets to get 4 land otter sealed with them. (I dont think he even had the skins with us, but that might have changed now)

 

[kriskoeh]

Ok. Your post doesn't really elude to whether you want advice or not, but your title does.

I vote to bury. I'll tell you why. My mom had a little miniature-pinscher that was her heart. Like a kid to her. She died a tragic death (the vet actually killed her by overdosing her with calcium). My mom was more distraught than I had ever seen her. Especially since this all happened just two or three weeks after my grandma died. My mom immediately wanted to get her stuffed. She found a taxidermist to do it...I advised her against it simply because of things I had read about (the horror stories of stuffing pets). She finally decided against it and chose to have her cremated instead. Now...years later my mom has a new little dog and has said to me many times, "I'm so glad I didn't have Weez stuffed. I was just in that emotional spot of not knowing what to do if I didn't see her every day."

Eventually, over time, they will start to break down. Having your bird sitting around not being active at all, not talking, not moving...will become depressing over time and the feeling of knowing that your bird (the being that it was) is just gone. And should you ever decide to get another bird (even though now you think you never will) this could be a problem. Animals are known to eat "stuffed" things. Though I doubt you'd ever leave it alone with the new bird.

But hey...if taxidermy is for you then it's for you. Entirely up to you. Who cares what the friends think.

What I would recommend is call around to multiple taxidermists. Don't tell them that this guy over here told you that he couldn't do it without all of this mumbo jumbo. Just simply call for "price quotes". When you find one that will do it, check him out and get it done. Even if you have to drive a couple of hours to have it done. In the mean time do what you can to preserve him/her. Check in surrounding states as well. If you must transport your bird very far, put it on dry ice (unless the taxidermist recommends something else). This is all assuming you live in the US. And finally...if you cannot find one that will do it...contact your vet. Not just any vet, but whoever you use frequently that knows you and that knew your bird. Explain your situation and ask him if he will band your bird.

 

[kriskoeh]

Also if you need to call Fish & Game, do it. Find out if they will issue a release (explain your situation)...they're not going to hunt you down or anything. Just know your options.

 

[Riio]

First off, I am so sorry about your loss. Just as kriskoeh said, not sure if your looking for opinions or not, but the title makes me think that maybe your not sure. I personally would not get a beloved pet stuffed only because it would not be the same as having them alive and well, they would just sit and collect dust, but again as kriskoeh said, that is something that is completly up to you, and if that is what you decide to do, then who cares what your family or friends think!
I would like to say though, that I have a beloved 'best friend' still around in the sense that I had her creamated, she is in a lovely wooden box with her picture in a frame sitting on top. She is sitting on my tv stand where we can see her everyday (she is/was a dog) Also my husband is in the military so we move all the time and she can always be with us, opposed to being buried. If you are in the states, I would call your local fish and wildlife office, as stated before they wont hunt you down, I would just ask them what the rules are and how they may be able to help.
Again, I am so sorry for your loss and I hope your heart finds a way to heal. I wish you luck in your decision to bury, taxidermy, or maybe creamation.​

 

[Riio]

oh jeez oh pete! I just realized that this post was originally from a few months ago...sorry! I am assuming the decision has already been made!