Get real about parrots as pets!
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?
Parrots are inherently wild. Even if captive bred, they possess the same wild traits as their wild born cousins who live in the jungles and rainforests. Birds naturally scream. A parrot's loud scream is nature's way of helping him communicate to neighboring flocks and to give warning signals to their own flock. The larger species of parrots have raucous, ear shattering screams that can be heard from miles away. The smaller parrots can be heard from equal distances with their shrill ear piercing screams that are often repetitive and annoying. Even the smallest of parrots like the tiny little budgerigar have been known to be too loud and nerve wracking for some people.
With such loud vocalizations, it's no wonder humans and parrots are clashing in homes and neighborhoods.
The parrots' powerful beak is designed for constant chewing, i.e. nest building, breaking open hard nuts, and foraging for other foods. Although parrots rarely attack and bite each other in the wild, the parrot's powerful beak can be dangerous and cause serious injuries to humans. For example, it's estimated that a large macaw has the bite strength of 500 to 700 pounds per square inch. And the little Senegal parrot, in spite of his relatively small size, has a tremendously powerful bite that can cause considerable pain and serious injuries. Like all wild animals, even the tamest bird who has no history of biting, has a flight or fight response and will potentially bite when frightened or startled.
Parrots are highly intelligent and hypersensitive emotionally and physically. Improper handling can teach an already fearful or aggressive bird, or even a tame and loving bird, to bite and become aggressive. This not only causes the bird serious psychological problems, such stress can also dramatically affect their physical health. In spite of the parrots delicate constitution, anyone can purchase a parrot, regardless of their own mental state or lack of knowledge.
A parrot's wild, inherent traits, don't usually fit into the average person's lifestyle or home. In fact, they usually conflict greatly, making the third most popular pet in American, one of the most frustrating, destructive, messy, and noisy pets a person can have. Hence, making parrots a most regrettable purchase by many consumers, exacerbating the likelihood that these birds will be abused and neglected. Yet, pet stores rarely offer these facts to their customers prior to purchase.
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 large percentage of parrots that are bred and sold for the pet trade rarely survive their first year. Many suffer before they die prematurely from abuse and neglect. Those who survive, often exist in deplorable conditions, with no quality of life and they suffer from loneliness. In spite of the suffering, breeders are not slowing down. In fact, millions of baby birds are flooded into the market every year.
The natural life span of parrots can ranges from 20 to 85 years, adding to the tragedy and complexities of keeping them as pets, and exacerbating the multiple home syndrome.
What can be done to create change?
- Encourage pet stores to Get Real. Ask them to provide information to their consumers about the reality of keeping parrots as pets.
- Support legislation that will end parrot exploitation.
- Adopt and rescue. Never breed or buy birds.
- Create compassionate, no breed, bird clubs.
- Keep a watchful eye on pet stores that sell birds and report evidence of abuse and inappropriate conditions.
