Millions of "pet" birds are bred annually for the billion dollar pet industry. Only a small percentage of those birds will survive the grueling shipping process from breeder to retailer, and for the birds that survive this first stage, it is the beginning of a shaky, uncertain future. More often than not, our symbol of freedom lives a life that is far removed from a free or happy life.

Although the average life span for larger parrots such as Amazons and Macaws is seventy-five years of age and older, it is estimated that a large percentage of these birds die before their fifth year. It is estimated that smaller birds such as budgies, lovebirds, and canaries, suffer and/or die within their first year of life. Of the millions of birds that are bought and sold for the pet trade, very few eventually end up in loving or adequate homes. If they are fortunate to make it that far, nearly all of those birds were in countless homes before reaching their final destination. Partly to blame, is that even well-informed "consumers" often find that they were ill prepared for the instinctive traits that birds possess, such as screaming, biting, and chewing furniture. These wild and destructive behaviors are some of the reasons that a large percentage of birds are abused and neglected. Stories about birds being beaten and battered, kept in dark closets and basements for years to keep them quiet, and starved to death because someone "forgot to feed them", are extremely common. The incidence of broken bones and internal injuries from physical abuse is common. 

Unlike dogs or cats, where a neighbor might potentially witness the abuse and call authorities, most pet bird negligence is done secretly behind closed doors, where these conditions are never viewed by anyone except the abuser. These victimized birds are destined to a life of misery until they finally perish without ever having experienced any relief from such agony. 

Zoos receive hundreds of calls each year from people who no longer want their companion birds. Unfortunately, most zoos cannot accommodate their requests. Like used cars and disposable property, untold numbers of unwanted birds are sold on the internet, the classified sections of newspapers or at events called bird marts. These bird marts take place in nearly every large city across the country, at least once a year. Bird sanctuaries are another option but not all "sanctuaries" are reputable.

Under the guise of a “sanctuary”, some breeding facilities also accept unwanted pet birds. Many of these breeding facilities keep their birds in barren cages that are stacked on top of one another or hung side by side in warehouses or buildings that are far removed from a natural or enjoyable environment for birds. These “rescued” birds are used for breeding, the babies are sold, and the cycle continues. Sadly, many of the reputable, no-breed sanctuaries are at full capacity and are forced to close their doors due to the escalating rate of unwanted pet birds. 


Tragically, like other exotic wild animals that are caged and kept in captivity, these birds suffer from emotional disturbances such as self-mutilation, obsessive compulsive behaviors, uncontrollable screaming, severe inhibition, and even insanity. Malnutrition from inadequate diet (for example seed and water only) is extremely prevalent. Such physical and emotional damage is often not reversible, leaving these traumatized birds with little hope for a secure or happy future, and potential euthanasia. 

All species of birds are emotionally complex and sensitive to their surroundings. Research has shown that many species of birds have the intelligence of a five-year old child, and much like primates, they require strong social interaction for emotional well being. However, many bird “owners” never offer their bird a companion bird, fearing that their bird would lose his "pet quality" if he had a mate. However, with busy schedules and long work hours, most people aren’t able to offer their companion bird quality social interaction, an essential for a bird’s emotional well being. Consequently, many birds live a solitary and lonely life.

The average captive bird lives his entire life in a cage that is much too small, he has never flown, he is given a substandard diet, he lives in solitary confinement, without toys or mental stimulation, he has no mate or companion, and he has lived in multiple homes, and/or has been sold to breeder after breeder, before dying prematurely. So that a small percentage of responsible people can have the few birds that they will undoubtedly love and "properly" care for, millions of birds will suffer and agonize in unfit or devastating conditions before they die. Although these facts are common knowledge to retailers and breeders, they continue to breed birds at an alarming rate.

This is what you can do to stop captive bird exploitation:

1. Do not promote the "pet" bird industry. Rather than purchasing from a pet shop, adopt companion birds from reputable sanctuaries or through bird referral adoption programs.

2. Keep a watchful eye on your local pet shops and report any abuse or substandard conditions to your local animal shelter and write complaint letters to the management and to their corporate headquarters. Ask pet shop retailers to stop selling birds and small animals and threaten to boycott their stores until they stop selling live animals. (See sample letter)

3. Politely voice your objection when you see birds in inappropriate environments such as restaurants and retail stores. Threaten to boycott their stores until they place the birds in appropriate environments.

4. Seek to learn more about proper care and guardianship of companion birds and educate others about them.

5. Continue to learn more about bird abuse and the pet bird industry. Ask local shelters and animal protection groups to include birds in their educational literature.

6. Although some domesticated birds have been known to survive after their release into the wild, never release a domesticated bird into the wild. In nearly all instances these birds suffer from the elements, are attacked by predators, or starve to death before dying an agonizing death.

7. Get involved with legislation to create laws that protect captive birds. (See example letter)

The recommended guidelines for reputable bird sanctuaries are:

• They do not breed or encourage breeding for hobby or profit.
• They do not promote the pet bird industry and do not promote birds as pets, but do encourage responsible adoption of companion birds by serious, dedicated individuals when it is appropriate.
• They carefully screen potential bird guardians prior to adoption.
• They have a strong educational program.
• They treat birds humanely.
• The facility is clean and offers all of the essential elements to maintain the emotional and physical well being of the birds.
  

If you have made the painful decision to surrender your bird, we urge you to please read the following before you take the next step:

You are not alone. Each year millions of bird guardians are led to believe that birds make wonderful animal companions, only to later discover that birds require more care than most people are willing or able to provide.

You may believe that your situation is hopeless and that your only option is to surrender your bird, for you and your bird’s best interest. However, it is estimated that most people who surrender their birds are unaware of the potential and perhaps even simple solutions to correct their bird’s behavior or the problematic situation causing it. Unfortunately, it’s not uncommon for some people to surrender one “difficult” bird and replace him with another bird, thinking that their new or baby bird will be better behaved, less noisy, less messy, will require less care, etc., only to discover that their new bird exhibits the same “bad” behavior as their former bird.

Birds are highly intelligent, sensitive creatures, and in many instances, a bird’s problematic behavior isn’t his problem but rather the result of his environment and how he’s being handled. With proper training and correct handling, a bird’s bad behavior can often be reversed. By reading books, consulting with an avian behaviorist, or seeking advice from knowledgeable veterinarians, you can create a positive relationship with your bird. Attending bird club meetings, sharing your bird stories, or having a “bird support group” when bird troubles arise may be all that you need to mend the relationship between you and your bird. Let’s face it: even the best human relationships require nurturing, and counseling may even occasionally be necessary to keep them healthy and strong. The relationship between you and your feathered friend is no different.

Here are just a few behavioral problems, dynamics, or environmental issues that can be potentially corrected:

• Screaming
• Chewing
• Biting
• Plucking
• Messy cages
• Aggression
• Your schedule and available time
• And many more………….

It’s important to emphasize that each time a bird is surrendered, bought or sold, an existing homeless bird will potentially lose his opportunity for a loving, permanent home. Even if you find a home for your unwanted bird, you’ve taken away another bird’s chance for a home and his future security. Due to the escalating rise in homeless, unwanted “pet” birds, we strongly encourage caring and responsible bird guardians to try the alternatives listed above before surrendering their birds.

However, we realize that some bird guardians may be subject to circumstances beyond their control and therefore don’t have the ability to consider these other options. Or, for some, keeping their bird may not be in the bird’s best interest. It could even be detrimental or dangerous for their bird to stay in his present home, in which case, we support and encourage surrender.

If you decide you must surrender your bird, please consult the How To information on the following websites, which include guidelines for screening potential bird guardians, printable application forms, and general information that will help you find the perfect home for your bird so you can ensure his safe and happy future.

If you want to surrender your bird, or if you want to adopt a bird, please visit the following websites: 

• http://www.parrotconnection.org/programs_and_services/animal_programs/surrender_options.html
  
  
• http://www.fosterparrots.com/adoption.html
  
  
• http://www.lilysanctuary.org/adoptions.htm
  
  
• http://www.avianwelfare.com/links/organizations.htm
  
  
• http://www.mickaboo.com/findhome.html

Sample Letter

Dear (pet retailer),

As a consumer, I am writing to express my concerns regarding the plight of unwanted, homeless parrots. Myself, and parrot rescue sanctuaries across the nation share the belief that selling birds and treating them like merchandise is contributing to the dramatic rise in unwanted, homeless birds and their suffering. 

The proper care and housing of exotic birds is complicated and time consuming. Pet stores cannot ensure that the birds they sale will be purchased by knowledgeable, responsible individuals. Many consumers are ill-prepared and unable to handle the wild traits that most birds exhibit. Screaming and chewing are natural behaviors that most parrots demonstrate. Even hand fed babies can learn to bite due to untrained handling and they frequently become aggressive during hormonal swings once they mature. Captive birds often suffer in captivity and demonstrate psychological and physical stress, leading them to illness and unstable behaviors such as: self mutilation, aggression, excessive screaming, neurotic pacing, or extreme introversion. These behaviors often leave their caretakers feeling frustrated, angry, or distraught, and reasons that many people want to rid themselves of their responsibility and want to surrender their birds. In spite of these facts, most pet stores rarely, if ever, tell consumers the whole truth. Instead, the birds are included in promotions and they are advertised as though they will make “the perfect pet” resulting in impulse purchasing. 

There are a limited number of credible sanctuaries in the nation and they are filled to capacity. I believe it is incredibly cruel to keep marketing birds to unsuspecting consumers, and when the rise in homeless birds continues to escalate. Birds should not be treated like objects and merchandise. They have inherent needs that most consumers cannot provide. 

Please promote adoption and rescue… and stop selling live animals. Direct your focus on selling high quality pet supplies instead. In doing so, you will appeal to the many consumers who, like me, want to patronize compassionate, responsible companies who care about the plight of companion birds.

Sincerely,