Land of the misfit pets

[MustardMan]

It always makes me sad and a little angry when I read the pets section on craigslist. I usually go looking for good deals on stuff like aquariums, but without fail I see some people getting rid of their unwanted pets every time I look.

I saw three new listings just today for birds that were no longer wanted - two of these were birds I myself considered getting, when I was still thinking of getting a bird - a yellow nape macaw and an eclectus. It takes a lot of willpower to keep myself from emailing these folks to ask for more info on their birds and why they are rehoming them. Unfortunately, people on craigslist aren't exactly known for being forthcoming in the honesty department when it comes to pets with a history of issues.

As I said, sad and a little angry.

[Conure & Macaw Mom]

It does make you sad & angry. If you do email just be careful & get all details on why they are rehoming them. Crystal

[kristy29]

I got a new parrotlet two days ago, and I got him through an ad on craigslist. The woman is a breeder, and he is a former breeder who lost his mate. The woman has breast cancer, and can't care for all the birds she has, so she is rehoming some of them. If you are careful and make sure to ask lots of questions, it can turn out good.

[leighrivera161]

I agree! Too many unwanted pets, people just throw away. Would you throw your kid away because he broke things or had problems potty training!? I dont think so. Our local Pet Smart has adoption day on Saturdays, and I cry every time I go. Especially for the Greyhound rescue. Those poor dogs run until their little foot pads are worn down, and then they get tossed. But I find myself going out of my way for bird postings, even though I know that for me 4 is enough for me. But Im sure at some point, another one will come along into my flock : ) and Ill spoil it rotten like the rest of them!!

[MiniMama]

I feel the same way about ads on Craigslist. However, i also see quite a few ads that say 'must be interviewed by bird and myself...must have proof of previous parrot owning experience... good homes only!...' These are usually the folks that are divorcing or moving and can't provide the parrot a home anymore. I feel very sorry for them because it seems liek they are very upset about finding the bird a new home. These are the people that I hope benefit from a source like craigslist. But there a lot of stinkers out there, for sure!!!

[MrRick]

I know exactly how you feel! I've been getting lots of emails lately from people wanting to rehome their birds. For some (as was the case with Kermit) people it has been a difficult but logical reason to rehome their bird. On the other hand, a lot of people just got tired of the bird (as was the case with Mickie).

I blame it all on improper education before the bird is even purchased. Fortunately, their are a lot of breeders and some pet shops that do educate perspective parronts. For all the rest, there are good bird clubs out there!

Rick

[The Outlaw]

The problem with birds, for so many people, it that they DO live so long. They get used to figuring 15 years and get totally shocked when the actual life span is decades. I agree, education is key.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by MrRick

I know exactly how you feel! I've been getting lots of emails lately from people wanting to rehome their birds. For some (as was the case with Kermit) people it has been a difficult but logical reason to rehome their bird. On the other hand, a lot of people just got tired of the bird (as was the case with Mickie).

I blame it all on improper education before the bird is even purchased. Fortunately, their are a lot of breeders and some pet shops that do educate perspective parronts. For all the rest, there are good bird clubs out there!

Rick

thats what happens with Bird Clubs. you become the avenue of unwanted birds. Cant even begin to tell you the birds I have placed through my club....and that was in the 90's.
Its good clubs exhist. Thats where I often refer people.

[Valo's Moirana]

I'm sometimes confused about people's attitude and shocked by their short-sightedness when it comes to pets. I don't quite understand how you cannot inform yourself and judge the committment you are getting youself into when getting an animal. It frustrates the hell out of me to watch people be all excited about a pet, and a year or two later they give it away - just like that. I've seen that happen with dogs, cats, birds etc.
I understand that changing live circumstances sometimes make it hard to adjust around your pet, but IMO that's your responsibility (exceptions are of course illness, allergies and such).
I know that my life will change a lot in the next 6-8yrs (graduation, find a postdoc in the States, move back to Europe, find a job, and eventually come back to the States), but there is NO discussion at all and ever, that Valo is coming with me wherever I go - he's my little boy, and I took up the responsibilty to care for him; and if that requires sacrifices from my side then that's what I have to do.... I believe that this concept is obvious enough, so everybody should get it?!

[RingneckedPrincess]

Craigslist is a very sad and depressing place to be searching for pets.

I too make a note to check out the parrot/bird ads and e-mail the owners about their options...I try my best to get them to get the bird to a sancturary or an adoption facility.

I got my Aggie off CL...

Dani