Unwanted Parrots numbers soar; what can we do?

[findi]

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

 

[Adinafloyd]

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.

 

[findi]

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.

Thanks for the thoughtful comment. Many rescues work mightily, but of course funding, and the difficulty in placing rescued birds, remains a problem.

Mandatory courses, licensing, as in falconry would be ideal; there are still so many misconceptions about parrots as pets, and so many people who, well-meaning though they may be, cause exacerbate the situation by viewing parrots as little people in feathers - a recipe for disaster.

Well, we do what we can, thanks for your efforts, Best, Frank

 

[Molcan2]

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.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

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.

 

[findi]

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

 

[findi]

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.

Good points all, thank you. Equally damaging, in my experience, is those who do not realize that parrots are birds, not "feathered people" - such folks are generally well meaning, but often have poor understanding of the bird's actual needs and unrealistic expectations, which harm both bird and bird owner in the long run. Best, Frank

 

[Molcan2]

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.

 

[findi]

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.

Thanks...well put, and I agree. A reader elsewhere mentioned falconry - how closely it is regulated, apprenticeships required etc. Species used in falconry are also often rare, and are difficult to breed in captivity and to properly care for....shouldn't same controls be put upon parrot ownership?

Best, Frank

 

[Molcan2]

INMPO yes they should be.

 

[PetoftheDay]

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 ...

 

[terry52449]

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.

 

[findi]

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 ...

Thanks very much for your input, I'll pass along and link to this thread as readers comment on my other articles, Frank

 

[findi]

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.

I've heard similar stories elsewhere, thanks for posting. Same happens when reptile licensing is brought up..people expand the "discussion" and eventually constitutional law, firearms rights and all sorts of other things get thrown into the mix! Stick to your ideas, you're on the right track. Falconers must go through apprenticeships and be licensed, zoos accredited by the AZA cannot breed animals indiscriminately, must take genetics and species' needs into account, etc.; plenty of precedent...

Best, Frank

 

[WannaBeAParrot]

I think there should be more awareness / education for society about this horrible and serious situation. We see plenty of ads and stories online, tv, print about cats and dogs that are abused/neglected/unwanted - and animal control officers/agencies going to investigate and giving warnings and returning for follow ups, or saving the harmed creatures. I personally haven't ever seen any press about this problem as it relates to "pet" birds. The media may not be writing about it becuase they are unaware, or becuase no one is yelling about it. Where are the larger avian societies, avian medical groups, breeder groups, PETA, Humane Society, etc when it comes to birds?

How about this -- there are probably hundreds of active members on this forum -- what if each one of us that cares about this problem of people buying birds on impuse or for the fun of it as a hobby "for now" without knowing that these sensitive and, in some ways, fragile creatures mean a very long commitment for the rest of the bird's lives. Maybe we can influence the press/media to take it up as a story. Once a few do articles, then they'll all do it.

Also, I support the idea of a class III. I would be happy to pay out of my pocket for this and for ongoing training if it meant that it would help the problem get better.

 

[erik7181]

I think the pet stores need to start useing common sense and not just worry about selling parrots. I was in florida last week and we went to a place for I guess rescued macaws. It is amazeing how people just jump into buying a macaw not knowing anything about them and then can't handle them. All it would take is for the stores to use common sense and tell people what there in for

 

[findi]

Thanks all,

Good ideas...hard to battle profit motive but as you've mentioned educating people as to just what is involved, and the many pitfalls, would help. I too am surprised at how often people pay high prices for animals they are unprepared to care for, with little forethought. I see this commonly with reptiles as well, Best, Frank

 

[beekersmom]

I agree anyone that is considering bringing a Parrot into their home should be educated as to their needs. Thankfully, my breeder feels the same way. She won't sell to just anyone who wants a bird. She lets them know what type of cage they need, type of food, veggies, do's and don'ts on food, lighting, training, and what the species temperment will most likely be at maturity. She will not sell the bird untill all requirements are met. She is my mentor and helps me to understand how to read parrot body language, and I also am constantly researching and asking questions from others like yourselves, as I believe that no one can possible know everything and all input is welcome, and the best advice comes from people who actually own or have raised there fids. Who better to have the best interest of the parrot at heart than those of us who have fallen in love with them.

 

[008kenichijouji]

I definitely think that breeders/pet stores/whoever sells the birds should educate their potential buyers. Perhaps make it a prerequisite? Some sort of test to "prove" you know what you're doing? Maybe a crash course on bird handling before the purchase is made? I don't know, I'm not good with brain storming...

At the very least, my sun conure is a rehomed bird, and the B&G I'm working on getting is 14, and needs rehomed. Someday I'd like to start with a bird as a weaned youngster, but... I'm waiting, and taking in these guys who need permanent homes.

 

[SandyBee]

It is so sad, we just adopted 2 from a sanctuary and there are so may rescues there.
Went to our local pet store and saw a conure that we felt so sad for. Some of our municipalities are actually banning the sale of all animals here and that is starting to help. It sad that people don't do their research and that these animals can't be what they are supposed to be ever.
Even when you rescue a bird you have to look at the long term. There was a beautiful Macaw there but she was only 10, as much as I wanted her I knew I wouldn't be able to be there for her in the end. We rescued a DYH Amazon of 35.