advice for a tough situation?

[Rhett]

I know of a couple with four pairs of conures: one sun, one jenday, and two GCC. They intend to breed them when they become old enough. These birds are all very wonderful birds and can be handled easily and are very relaxed. However, they do house the pairs together and encourage the pair bond. While the suns and the jendays are still very friendly, the GCCs are going through their bite-y stage.

The couple soon decided that any and all beak-hand interaction should stop, and scold the birds with a harsh "No" every time they use their beaks to taste hands and balance and normal beak-use things while on hands. It doesn't help that they gave up one GCC already that was biting too much, even after their "attempts" at discipline only encouraged biting (they would thump the beaks of their birds whenever they were bit; this "discipline" was confronted by the lady who they bought their birds from who I help out on the weekends and as far as we know they have stopped).

This couple also went from one cockatiel to seven-or-eight conures pretty much within two month. I don't think they should have, as cockatiels and conures are so different and require different approaches and they didn't know a thing about conure adolescence and the attitudes they can have (I also think it was a rare lapse of judgement on the part of the lady I help).

I get an icky feeling knowing that they have used this very wrong method and are now attempting to get an eclectus baby (I will do everything in my power to stop this).

I don't know what to do about this. I see the lady again this weekend and I want to say something about my concern. I don't think it's appropriate to discourage a natural behavior that isn't destructive or hurtful or potentially hurtful, etc, but what do you think? I'm struggling a lot with this and some advice would be wonderful!

 

[RavensGryf]

It's usually not a good sign when one goes from 1 bird to several pairs within several weeks time! A major concern is that they have taken on 4 young pairs (8 birds!) who will most likely reach puberty at about the same time (which can bring a new set of challnges). They have no knowledge of breeding, let alone know the basics of how to properly keep birds as exotic pets and companion animals.

Furthermore, pet companions usually don't become good breeding birds... and people who know nothing about keeping birds period, have no business attempting to breed in the first place IMO. I see a major train wreck in the making.

I cringe at the thought of all this already.. then on top of that, they want to bring in one of the most sensitive species to keep? An Eclectus... (in a nutshell) sensitive in their special digestive needs with many times no room for error, emotionally more so than many other birds as well, and because of their sensitivities inside and out, they can develop 'problems' more easily than many hardier species. Not saying they're not hardy, but take diligent specialized care on a consistent basis to keep them healthy. Definitely not an animal you get on impulse, not that any animal should be.

You can say whatever you can to this person, but ultimately they are most likely going to do what their heart desires. This scenario happens too often out there, and it's very sad. Good luck!

 

[Rhett]

I'll do my best to talk with them, I just really wanted to make sure I wasn't overreacting.

Oh! and I want to add, the little GCC that they gave up because it was biting did absolutely fine as soon as they dropped him off. He was very sweet once he realized we weren't gonna hurt him. He got a home very soon afterwards, with very experienced owners.

 

[Aquila]

Unfortunately I see this turning into an abuse/neglect situation very quickly when things get tough, plus the possibility of breeding complications from birds so young, and even if clutches are produced, death of the chicks from poor hand feeding or lack thereof. I know this is worst case scenario but this is where my mind goes.

I don't know how well you know these people, but a close eye is needed. I also suggest if you can, recommending a vet visit for the birds and maybe if they hear from a professional it'll stick better.

 

[plumsmum2005]

It is useful that you are able to visit and assess the situation for the time being. If they take a dislike to anything you say and you can no longer visit who will do something to save these birds? Please take care as you may be their only hope of salvation further down the line.

 

[EdwardH]

From the sounds of it, these people will do whatever they want and then they and the birds will have issues in the not to distant future. This is no different to people buying kids a dog over Christmas and then dumping the animal once the novelty has worn off. Sad but not much that you can do about it.
You really can't stop them however you can give good advise, offer to sell them some GOOD dvd's on parrot care/training which will help them if they chose to learn. I would try to keep the communication open as chances are that in 6-12 months they will be back complaining of 'bad' birds. At this time they will probably be more open to learn how to care for their birds.