Unwanted parrot s at all time high in US - what can we do? What are your thoughts and experiences? Details, staggering figures: Number of Unwanted Parrots Reaches an All-Time High in the USA | That Bird Blog
I wish there were more I could do. I wish breeders and stores would inform people just what is involved in caring for one of these gorgeous creatures. As it is I donate when I am able to Parrot rescues. This is a subject that really hurts me so deeply as these birds deserve so much love. I am so grateful to those rescues, fosters and people that adopt. It gives these birds a chance to know love. Bless all those that try to give to the babies.
I like the 'adopt one until there are none' slogan. I really think that there needs to be some major changes. I think that birds should only be bred on request and only be done by responsible breeders. I think that its strange that birds are considered to be an exotic but your not required to have a class III to own them. I dont think that it should be so easy to get one. There are a lot of birds that are well taken care of and then there are those that live off of cat food and cereal. I think that it should be required to have a class III license in order to own them. It takes a lot to go through the process to get a class III, so there would be a lot less impulse buys. I think it would weed out a lot of people who want them because they are pretty. I think they could add classes to the process of getting a class III that teach about nutrition, mental stimulation requirements, health care, proper housing etc. It has become an epidemic in the US and something needs to be done about it, in the meantime there are thousands of birds that are going to continue to suffer for profits.
Heartbreaking!!! I agree that breeders need to fully educate potential buyers. But the cynic in me says that there will always be at least a certain number of humans who take the 'it's just an animal' point of view, with parrots or any other animal.
I like the 'adopt one until there are none' slogan. I really think that there needs to be some major changes. I think that birds should only be bred on request and only be done by responsible breeders. I think that its strange that birds are considered to be an exotic but your not required to have a class III to own them. I dont think that it should be so easy to get one. There are a lot of birds that are well taken care of and then there are those that live off of cat food and cereal. I think that it should be required to have a class III license in order to own them. It takes a lot to go through the process to get a class III, so there would be a lot less impulse buys. I think it would weed out a lot of people who want them because they are pretty. I think they could add classes to the process of getting a class III that teach about nutrition, mental stimulation requirements, health care, proper housing etc. It has become an epidemic in the US and something needs to be done about it, in the meantime there are thousands of birds that are going to continue to suffer for profits.
Thank you...the licensing idea is a good one, and has been raised by some of my readers in Australia as well. Unfortunately, I think that the financial considerations will make it difficult; it took quite awhile to regulate large constrictors in the pet trade, even given the problem of introduced pythons in Fla, and the fact that the industry is tiny, as compared to parrot breeding.
But definitely something to work towards, I'll pass along, thank you, Frank
I like the 'adopt one until there are none' slogan. I really think that there needs to be some major changes. I think that birds should only be bred on request and only be done by responsible breeders. I think that its strange that birds are considered to be an exotic but your not required to have a class III to own them. I dont think that it should be so easy to get one. There are a lot of birds that are well taken care of and then there are those that live off of cat food and cereal. I think that it should be required to have a class III license in order to own them. It takes a lot to go through the process to get a class III, so there would be a lot less impulse buys. I think it would weed out a lot of people who want them because they are pretty. I think they could add classes to the process of getting a class III that teach about nutrition, mental stimulation requirements, health care, proper housing etc. It has become an epidemic in the US and something needs to be done about it, in the meantime there are thousands of birds that are going to continue to suffer for profits.
Thank you...the licensing idea is a good one, and has been raised by some of my readers in Australia as well. Unfortunately, I think that the financial considerations will make it difficult; it took quite awhile to regulate large constrictors in the pet trade, even given the problem of introduced pythons in Fla, and the fact that the industry is tiny, as compared to parrot breeding.
But definitely something to work towards, I'll pass along, thank you, Frank
Money wise, it would be profitable for the state or government. You have to pay a considerable amout to get your class III and then you have to maintain that or you loose it. Insurance wise would def cost more to keep your birds but it ensures that finacially capable homes have them. Also you could use the argument that they could be considered an invasive species and should be more closly monitored, oh and a lot of them are, or close to being, endangered in the wild. I think if you have to go to an exotic vet in order for them to get care, then that animal should require a class III. Its strange that parrorts were left off the list in the first place.
Educate people at any opportunity you have, and discourage anyone from breeding if they do not have potential home all lined up. If you can, visit schools, etc., and educate children about the joys but responsibilities that come with bird ownership! Repost any irresponsible breeders or owners to whatever agency is applicable ... and talk to any shop owners in your area about educating people before selling a bird ...
This is something. I was ridiculed and taken off the forum for my opinion on this very subject. Breeders, pet stores etc. should have some responsibility in making sure people know what they are getting into when buying a parrot. This is not a simple pet to be responsible for. All my birds are rescued birds and I would never buy a baby parrot. To many homeless birds now so why add more babies to the total.I am sorry but maybe shutting down the ability to breed without regulation may be the best for all. It is costing lots of money to take care of these unwanted birds and who is footing the bill? Trouble is you read on the forum all the people who want baby birds and most of them will own this bird for a year or two and just because it gets a bit difficult they abandon the bird to a shelter or what ever. Another consideration is making sure your parrot has a home to go to when you pass. My birds already have homes to go to when my wife and I pass. They are in our will with some provisions. Being a responsible owner is more than feeding and cleaning a cage. It is like having a two year old child for the next 80 years.