The great bird debate

[amanda143]

What do you say to people who think that keeping birds as pets is an abhorrent practice and is inhumane?

[catschair]

My birds are almost all rehomed, and all were born in captivity; they could not make it in the wild!

[Eliza]

Originally Posted by amanda143

What do you say to people who think that keeping birds as pets is an abhorrent practice and is inhumane?

If someone saying that owns other species of pets, eats animals or wears animals, I'd say that they were a hypocrite... but that's just me

Honestly? I just try to avoid conversations like that. There is no reasoning with people on either side of issue.

[KimM]

The way I respond is. "Yes, it would certainly be ideal if all of these beautiful animals could live in the wild, however the reality is many of them would already be extinct by now due to deforestation and poaching if it were not for responsible bird owners."

If they want to continue to banter, just say. "I understand how you feel, however I guess we'll just have to agree to disagree."

Leave it at that!

Look at how many animals are in zoos that would be extinct if man had not intervened. Of course, man is the reason so many of them are on the endangered species list, but there are responsible people everywhere working to make a difference in the lives of many animals.

[Monica]

If humans have not taken in animals as pets, cared for them, and loved them, would we be worried about deforestation and the effects it has on the native animals? If we hadn't had them as pets, would we really care at all about the wild animals?

I agree, to someone who is adamant about the subject, there is no way to reason with them one way or the other... And if the person saying this has other pets, then they are just hypocrites.

[amanda143]

Great points all, I just had someone tell me it is wrong to put a bird in a cage. While I can see their point, don't all domesticated animals such as horses, cats, dogs, etc have the right to be free? That obviously wouldn't be realistic. This argument is a circular one and not an issue that is really black and white.

[Kevin]

Just checking in to this thread....

[SDavid]

My attitude is that you have to accept the realities of the world and try to start making changes from there rather than pointlessly argue what the "ideal" should be. I do think the state of captivity as a whole for parrots has been, and continues to be, terrible. Sure, there's us (on this forum), we're here because were dedicated to continually learning about them and how to improve their lives. Unfortunately I think we're outnumbered. Many parrots suffer because birds are misunderstood as pets.

Parrots in captivity exist. That's not gonna change. But I do share the attitude of both sides of the issue to some extent. I believe that parrots/birds should not be considered "pets" because they are not domesticated and don't fit as neatly into human lives as lets say, cats or dogs. They require special care and understanding which the average person or household cannot provide. They are "exotic" animals in our care. Parrots are for special people. And yet, the market is flooded with them.

I think that education on the realities of parrot ownership will go a long way to helping matters on both sides of the issue.

[NaniOokami]

I think SDavid said it pretty well.

Keeping parrots its NOT the same as keeping dogs/cats/horses. These animals have long ago been domesticated by human beings, and their lives have adapted to coincide with ours. Parrots have not - they are very few generations lifted from the wild, with most of our birds' parents being wild-caught. They are, in essence, wild animals. Parrots definitely are for special people. Not everyone has the time, money, desire, and education to properly care for a bird. Even some of us who have most of those qualities, do not have all. There are many things about my parrot-keeping I would love to improve (including the addition of an outdoor aviary, which I can't afford).

I can't say that I'm for OR against the idea that keeping parrots is cruel - but at least these people are thinking of the birds' welfare. So many people don't.

[Astrid660]

Good thread. I agree with all the points made..