Here are some interesting Bird owner statistics!

[Omar]

6% Of American Households own a bird as a pet.

1996-2000 Bird ownership rose by 1 million during that time frame...

2000-2004 Bird ownership dropped by half a millon.

Bird owners have an avg of 2.6 birds.

52% have 1 bird.

48% have two or more birds.

53% own medium sized birds. (conures /cockatiels / love birds)

18% own large birds (parrots, cockatoos / macaws)

Source: APPMA

[raddaughter]

Wow, that is pretty interesting! I would have thought that bird ownership would have grown in 00-04...

[Valo's Moirana]

it would be interesting to see these numbers in conjunction with the increase in understanding of parrot needs.... the realization of how much time a pet parrot actually needs is fairly recent, and if information like this makes it to the people, i can understand the drop between 2000 and 2004
just my 2 cents on this...

thanks for the post - found it interesting

My guess is a part of the drop from the 1 million in growth, people realized that parrots / birds are not to be taken lightly, properly educating themself before they dive in, the responsibility it comes with, and time they need and should put in. Other things I would consider would be pets in general have fad like growthes... when it comes to interest into general pet areas ie dogs, cats, ferrets, sugar gliders, etc... other I would maybe guess is the avian flu at the time being in the news.. I think it was during that time which could also be attributed to it becuase of peoples lack of knowledge on the topic.

Again this is just my 2 cents...

[habs71]

Originally Posted by {raddaughter}

Wow, that is pretty interesting! I would have thought that bird ownership would have grown in 00-04...

I think part of the reason for the drop is due to new import regulations. Also the increased point of entry security post 9-11 probably put a big dent in the illegal imports..at least I hope so!


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[Monica]

Importation of parrots has been illegal since '92....

[habs71]

Originally Posted by Monica

Importation of parrots has been illegal since '92....

They can be imported under certain guidelines..

The WBCA was enacted in October 23, 1992, to ensure that exotic bird species are not harmed by international trade. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (FWS) may issue permits to allow import of listed birds for scientific research, zoological breeding or display, or personal pet purposes when the applicant meets certain criteria. The FWS may approve cooperative breeding programs of WBCA-protected birds, and subsequent import permits under such breeding programs. The WBCA also encourages wild bird conservation programs in countries of origin. For example, wild-caught birds may be imported into the United States if they come from FWS-approved management plans for sustainable use of the species.

For more information..http://www.fws.gov/international/per...ist%20wbca.htm


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[Monica]

True.... mainly what I've seen/heard though, is that any new importation of birds, other than pets (i.e. people moving to/back to the states mainly), is mainly for breeding porpuses only, and that is to try and conserve a parrot species...

But in recent years, I don't really think that importation of rare birds for breeding would have anything to do with the drop as a general pet population of birds commonly kept...

[ROYJOY]

lets see 53-18=35 so i guess 35% have small (budgies/keets/ and tiny little finches like mine)?

[Vega]

Hmmm....I wonder how many parrot rescues were devleoped between 2000-2004 to take in the 1/2 million birds that are no longer kept as pets....