Isnt this enough to make you cry

[bekfreak]

If Lisa could get a hold of Madison the Special CAG. The story of the BG and Too are sad. Ben and Sid. :(

[BigBird]

So many times I see adds for people wanting a parrot/bird for their young children. Kid says mum I want a cockatoo, kid is 6 years old and mother is stupid. Mother puts an ad online looking for a pet cockatoo for a six year old! Have really seen that ad! For one a cockatoo is probably bigger than a 6 year old (joking sort of) two a cockatoo would probably scare me as a 40 year old tame or not! and how long do kids stay keen once they have a pet anyway. I hate hearing/seeing people looking for pets because their toddler wants one! How many sad looking budgies do you see in small cages that get left on top of the fridge and only looked at to throw food into the cage once a day if they are lucky that is!

[kateBird]

yeah, that guy has the worst sad story. i think he even had a buddy that went through the same thing.

we (mickaboo) gets daily calls about birds. its amazing - there are 148 birds needing homes, just with this rescue organization alone!

i agree! education on how to take care of birds is paramount, preferably BEFORE one purchases a bird. i believe this is why mickaboo offers bird info classes for free all over the sf bay area. it cover many things about taking care of birds - the hand out is almost 6 pages long. i will also try to incorporate bird behavior consultation sessions into mickaboo's offerings.

[Ginich]

I'm just glad that Micaboo shelter is in CA and far away from me! Those pictures and stories could break your heart. I have no business reading stories about two macaws who were abandoned together in a field or the B&G whose owner had died and was moved to a foster home in the country by the local Fire Chief in a firetruck... I have to keep talking myself out of acquiring more pets, I have my hands full with all my fur babies and FIDS now.

[Hootie'sMom]

This is why I have probably talked more people out of buying a bird, than I have sold. I have people show up almost every week with a budgie or a cockatiel that they have grown tired of. I always take them even if I have to buy them back. I make sure they are healthy and find new (hopefully permanent) homes for them. There is just no excuse for doing what these people did. I once came in to open the store one morning and found a box sitting by the front door. Written on the box was "Open carefully, we can fly!"
inside was two budgies. I guess the person was too ashamed to bring them to me when the store was open. I also had a lady walk in with a 14 yr old Hahn's Macaw, she said it had belonged to her Mother and she had died, leaving the bird to her. She said it was a hateful bird and not one she wanted She was wrong, He is a little grouchy sometimes but most of the time he is really sweet. I know this because he came home with me!

[Monica]

I joined a forum that seems as if it has quite a few members, some in particular are in their early teens, who have macaws, among other large birds... To me, that scares me! Even if these kids are quite knowledgeable and do provide their birds with food, toys, etc, it still scares me!

Of course, I do believe I met a 14 year old child in chat one night... he worked hard to buy a blue and gold, as well as supplies, and has worked diligently to get this bird to be tame and sweet with him. I have no doubt in my mind he will go far!

As for these other kids though, I haven't read anything as of yet indicating that they bought their own birds... (actually, it's leaning towards parents were buying the birds for the kids) Now that might be a bit hypocritical, saying that out of my current birds the only ones I've boughten (discluding Casey) were the two female budgies. However, even at that, none of these birds were boughten by my mother; for me. Most have been rehomes (9 out of 13). Last bird my mother bought for me was about 4 years ago maybe? My mother has never said "No" to me bringing in more birds, but I KNOW my limit, and I'm at it now.

[Irish]

That budgie needs Sarah! Little Jerry Seinfeld is the most appreciated budgie on the planet. If anyone could give that sad little yellow fellow the perfect forever home, she could!

[Tiki]

I just can't believe how sick some people are! Poor little guy!

[hengeton]

That's terrible Can't find the words.. Poor little Buttercup

[MiniMama]

I'm trying to get the gist of Buttercup's story without looking at the article... Im too sensitive for that... I'll check back tomorrow to see if posters will give any more clues....