[SDavid]

Do any of you ever feel anything like this? Should I? Should I not?

Well, I'd say maybe we all should "a little" because its normal and it makes us better bird keepers. I mean, who wouldn't doubt whether we should keep wild animals? But don't let it consume you. I agree with alot of what has already been said. As far as what people think maybe it's more about the the image. Let's say, a bird on a leash as opposed to a dog. It just looks a little more cruel to people because a bird is the very symbol of freedom to most. We use expressions like "free as a bird," etc.

"I really wouldnt worry about it, the birds we have are raised in captivity and couldnt survive in the wild, "

Releasing them is a complicated issue and hardly possible but, to be fair, there are flocks of wild parrots (the ones I know of are love birds, macaws, conures, quacker parrots) thriving in many states throughout the country many of which are either escaped or have been released. We've even done them the favor of importing decorative trees native to their own habitat. And depending on the species (since there are so many kept as pets) some can survive and blend into flocks of their own kind.

"so it is not like you went out in the rainforest and stole your birds from their flock"

Mass demand for them as pets is what causes trapping, bird-mills, illegal smuggling and trading, rescues filled to capacity, and has caused bird species as a whole so much cruelty and has brought many to near extinction. When I take my bird out with me I wonder if I'm encouraging someone to consider a macaw as a pet because I look so happy with mine. People who may not consider the bigger picture. I wonder if I might be contributing to a bird having a bad life so stick to quieter places with less people around.

"While I believe birds were never meant to be in captivity, we are a long way removed from fixing that, and I feel that outside of the wild I am providing the best home that I can for them. "

That summs it up for me too. Although there is logic to the point of view that birds lives are not compatible with ours and they don't belong with us.