The True Nature of Parrots
Aviculture (the practice of keeping and/or breeding birds in captivity) has bourgeoned into one of the most lucrative segments of the pet industry and it is generally accepted that captive birds (including parrots, finches and canaries) are the fourth most popular animal kept as “pets” after fish, cats and dogs, respectively (Kid & Kid 1998; Meyers 1998).
PIJAC
There were 11.6 million companion birds living in 5.5 million households in 1990. Two years later, in 1992, PIJAC reported 14 million birds in 5.6 million households. PIJAC later qualified the figures from both of these years, stating that, “1990 and 1992 bird survey data [were] reportedly understated due to method of classifying breeders versus owners.” With their criteria revised, in 1994, PIJAC reported 31 million birds living in 5.7 million households, and in 1996, 40 million birds in 5.9 million households. It is unclear if these statistics include only birds kept in private homes as “pets” and hobby breeders, or if they also cover birds kept exclusively in breeding facilities, wholesale/retail facilities, zoos, shelters, sanctuaries, entertainment venues, or conservation programs. But one can assume that the large increase indicates that this number does, indeed, include captive birds kept in situations other than private homes.
Journal of American Veterinarian Medical Assoc.
The most extensive demographic study of pet birds conducted to date, reported the U.S. pet bird population at 35–40 million. It went on to state that, “Industry data indicates an annual growth rate of approximately 5%.” A saturation point, however, may have been reached for certain species, primarily amazons, macaws, and cockatoos.” Based on an extrapolation of these statistics, some avian welfare professionals estimate that there may be as many as 52–60 million captive birds in the U.S.
While all of these estimates of “pet” birds are far lower than those for companion cats and dogs, the population of cats and dogs has remained relatively stable over time while “pet” bird populations have increased substantially in recent years
The point at which animals kept as human “companions” reach “overpopulation” is determined not by the number of animals but by the number responsible, qualified caretakers available to care for the type of animal in question. Species that have complex or demanding requirements needing skillful and
knowledgeable caretakers who are prepared to commit significant time and/or resources to animal care will reach an “overpopulation” at a lower total number than species requiring less specialized care. For example, there are more people who are capable of providing care for cats and dogs than there are people who are capable of providing care for exotic animals such as parrots, reptiles, or primates. Therefore, while there may be a larger total number of homeless cats and dogs compared to homeless captive parrots, there are also a larger number of potential homes for cats and dogs while there are relatively few qualified and capable potential homes for parrots.
Parrots are highly intelligent and social animals. Many researchers equate their intellectual and emotional capabilities to that of a two- to five-year-old child, depending on the species. Parrots are sensitive creatures that have far more complex personalities, psycho-social needs, and physical care requirements than dogs and cats. However, the media and the pet industry often promote parrots as” low maintenance pets”
The sad reality is that far too many parrots languish in abusive and/or neglectful environments.
Captive parrots now present many of the same overpopulation problems of dogs and cats—too many birds and not enough qualified homes
Unfortunately, less than 100 parrot refuge organizations that are not affiliated with breeding facilities exist nationwide as compared to the thousands of rescue groups that take in dogs and cats. Public shelters have limited facilities and services, if any, to provide the special care required for homeless parrots. Many cannot accept birds at all. The result is that many birds will be subjected to unnecessary suffering and end up as a burden on the animal shelter systems. Even more tragic is that many parrots are destroyed simply because they are misunderstood by their guardians or there is no place for them to go and no one to care for them. This is a crisis we are facing now; without viable solutions the situation will only grow worse and many more lives will be lost
Kid AH and Kid RM 1998 Problems and benefits of bird ownership. Psychological reports 83: 131-138 PIJAC Pet Industry Fact Sheet, PIJAC, revised December 7, 1998
5 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, AVMA, 1997 6 U.S. Pet Ownership & Demographics Sourcebook, AVMA, 2002
Existing humane organizations and shelters are neither equipped nor prepared to handle displaced captive birds.
A growing number of bird rescue, adoption, and sanctuary organizations are facing the challenge of caring for the parrots discarded by those who were unprepared for the commitment required to share a home with a long-lived, undomesticated animal. They are also attempting to slow down the influx of birds into an already saturated market by educating potential “parrot people” on the realities of sharing their lives with a parrot before they choose to acquire a bird. To help the homeless parrots already in the system, these groups also encourage and facilitate the placement of older birds into knowledgeable, well-prepared, loving homes, or, in special health or behavior cases, into sanctuaries to live out their lives on their own terms.
Parrot Chronicles
The cost of rescue
Unlike cats and dogs, many of which arrive healthy and can be in new homes within days, parrots tend to need months of rehabilitation, with attendant veterinary costs. Many must recover from self-inflicted wounds or must be trained to discourage anti-social behavior, such as biting.
Parrot food, which usually consists of formulated pellets, nuts, fresh vegetables and fruit, racks up bigger grocery bills than bags of dog chow. Caged birds depend heavily on expensive toys for entertainment, which they can destroy with their powerful beaks in minutes.
As a result, a parrot rescue effort does not have to be large to generate king-size food, vet and utility bills each month. A mid-size organization maintaining 25 birds can easily spend over $20,000 a year.
But when it comes to raising money for the birds, most rehabbers must rely on their own wits to drum up support, and it can be a daunting undertaking. It usually isn’t too difficult to attract a few dependable volunteers and discounts from a kind-hearted vet,
but raising hard, cold cash can be tough for fundraising novices.
Exotic Birds Campaign
Parrots can be funny, entertaining, and beautiful to look at. They are smart, can learn tricks, and provide companionship. These are just a few of the reasons that parrots have become the third most popular pet in America.
Unfortunately, companion parrots have also joined the ranks of the most discarded, homeless pets in America. How can that be?
It’s only after the bird arrives home, after the “honeymoon” is over, and the excitement has worn off, that the reality of parrot parenthood becomes evident. It’s then that unsuspecting consumers are hard hit with the reality of having a parrot in their home. The additional cleaning, the destruction of personal property and the continual screaming are more than most people can tolerate. From that point on, some bird caretakers become guilt ridden while deciding whether they should surrender their birds or keep them “muffled” and out of ear range, by permanently moving their birds into their garages or basements. While some may feel guilty and remorseful for their decision to “rid themselves of the responsibilities”, others pass the bird onto other unsuspecting consumers without a hitch or word of caution. It is estimated that the majority of all captive parrots eventually end up in at least five homes before suffering and dying prematurely.
Millions of unwanted birds are listed for sale on the internet, in newspapers, in bird magazines, and are sold at bird marts and bird expos across the nation. In fact, the homelessness of captive parrots has reached epidemic proportions and these unwanted birds are in crisis. A
Compassion Based Bird Clubs
A new generation to end the suffering!
Bird Clubs provide the perfect place where people who love birds can share stories, receive the latest, up-to-date avian health care tips, hear avian expert guest speakers such as veterinarians and behavior specialists, and it can even reignite stale relationships between birds and their caretakers.
What is a CBBC?
Compassion Based Bird Clubs (CBBC) do not advocate breeding, selling, or using birds as door prizes in drawings or using birds in any other exploitive way. Compassion Based Clubs promote rescue and adoption rather than breeding and buying.
CBBC members understand that parrots and other exotic birds possess inherent wild traits that make them undesirable pets for most people. They also understand that most people cannot provide exotic birds the type of emotional and physical stimulation that all exotic birds require. CBBC members are motivated to end the suffering and exploitation of exotic birds.
Why it’s time for no breed, no sell bird clubs?
We understand the loving bond that can develop between birds and their caretakers and how important those relationships are to both parties. We also recognize that many bird club attendees and members provide their birds excellent care and are responsible.
However, so that a few responsible and dedicated bird guardians can have the birds that they undoubtedly love and responsibly care for, millions of other companion birds become unwanted and they die prematurely from neglect, disease, and starvation, and/or endure an existence in miserable and lonely conditions their entire lives. Based on the escalating number of homeless birds and their premature deaths, it is estimated that far more birds suffer and die prematurely, than those who end up happy and are well cared for. Nearly all bird club members have a tragic bird stories to tell or have heard one. CBBC members believe it is time to end the cycle of abuse, neglect, and homelessness.
Many traditional bird clubs encourage breeding and selling of companion birds as a form of hobby, recreation, or home business profit. While those practices may be fun and entertaining, or even profitable for the breeder, they are adding to the number of companion birds that are reaching unprecedented numbers of homelessness and adding to their suffering. In addition, although many breeders claim to only sell their birds to responsible people; it is impossible to know how responsible or committed a stranger is going to be.
No Breed. No sell. CBBCs can play an integral role in preventing the plight of abused, neglected, unwanted captive birds worldwide while at the same time, encouraging bird caregivers and guardians to provide the best possible care for their birds, plus, provide camaraderie, entertainment and education for bird club members.
Heres how you can get started:
- If you are already a member of a bird club, present the CBBC concept to your bird club members. It could be that your members are also ready for change.
- Learn more about the plight of captive birds, encourage adoption, and rescue rather than breeding and buying.
- Start your own bird club with a small group. Watch it grow as more and more organizations adopt the idea of CBBC’s.
- Encourage animal shelters to include information regarding the plight of captive birds in their literature just as they do for dogs and cats. You can also create your own literature and handouts.
45 Actual Reasons People Give Up Their Pet Birds
1. Got tired of the bird 2. Didn’t spend enough time with the bird 3. Spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend doesn’t like the bird 4. Family member developed an allergy 5. Moved 6. Bird screams too much/too noisy 7. Bird too messy 8. Work hours changed 9. Have new interests 10. Changed jobs 11. Got married 12. Got divorced 13. Got pregnant 14. Landlord won’t allow birds 15. Bird chewed up furniture 16. Bird started biting the kids 17. Kids started hitting the bird 18. Husband hits the bird 19. Cage doesn’t match new furniture and new décor 20. Bird started biting me 21. Bird started biting my husband 22. Started traveling and going on vacations 23. Started dating 24. Bird needs too much attention 25. Bird doesn’t talk 26. Bird talks too much 27. New bird doesn’t like my other bird 28. Other bird doesn’t like my new bird 29. Neighbor complained about the noise 30. Kids won’t feed or water the bird 31. Kids won’t clean the bird’s cage 32. My bird is sick and I can’t afford to pay for treatment 33. My bird is sick and I won’t pay for treatment 34. My cat tries to hurt my bird 35. My bird tries to hurt my cat 36. I found the bird and didn’t want him anyway 37. My bird doesn’t like me 38. My bird likes me too much and tries to mate with me 39. My bird only liked my boyfriend and now my boyfriend is gone 40. I decided I want a bird that is more colorful. 41. I like my new bird better 42. My bird is mean and I can’t handle him 43. My bird doesn’t do anything but sit in his cage 44. My bird gets into everything and won’t sit still in his cage 45. I decided I want to buy a baby monkey…nd birds and monkeys don’t get along…ight?
Parrot rescue, like most other animal rescue efforts, is not for those squeamish about living hand to mouth, only more so. Parrots raise the stakes in the fund-raising game because of their unique needs
Denise Kelly, Joan Rae, and Krista Menzel
