At a loss...

[SDavid]

"I'm saying that she may not be know how to properly take care of this bird. The cage was very messy and the food and water looked unhygienic."

My guess is that when this woman drinks water it's clean and when she eats her food it's also clean and fresh. My point is that most likely this woman doesn't care enough about her bird because common sense dictates what dirty conditions are-you don't need someone to teach you that. If this is the case getting her to take better care of this bird is gonna be hard. Hopefully she doesn't have an "old school" attitude that birds are dumb animals who don't know or deserve any better. If so it's more a question of her learning that the bird is more than just an ornament or decoration. That she needs to provide more than the bare minimum effort it takes to keep it alive. I applaud you for trying and I wish you luck.

[lyoness]

Thanks to all who replied, I really appreciate the feedback.
Unfortunately it's a little more complicated than just going in when my dad gets a haircut and handing out a few freebees and some info. You see, when I brought my concern up with my father it actually started a fight between us, the likes of which has not been seen in a long, long time. It got pretty bad, so I'm really torn. My dad is a good man, he just wants to believe that the woman was telling the truth when she said that the bird came home with her because I'm pretty sure I embarrassed him by asking the woman what I did. It's... hard to explain. He just wants me to forget about it and be quiet, and I know that it's wrong of him to try and silence me when I'm trying to do what in my heart is right. It's just a sore subject right now. I haven't spoken to him in a week. Like I said, he's not the monster that one would assume he is from this fight, he just doesn't understand.
To be honest, this is the first fight we've had in which I actually feel as though I've been wronged and was yelled at for no reason. I wouldn't say anyone "deserves" to be yelled at, but usually there's a reason that sets off his temper. I know I once was an instigator, but I've come a long way since then and am saddened and shocked at the things he said.
BUT... this is besides the point. The point is, this guy needs help and fast.

Originally Posted by SDavid

"I'm saying that she may not be know how to properly take care of this bird. The cage was very messy and the food and water looked unhygienic."

My guess is that when this woman drinks water it's clean and when she eats her food it's also clean and fresh. My point is that most likely this woman doesn't care enough about her bird because common sense dictates what dirty conditions are-you don't need someone to teach you that. If this is the case getting her to take better care of this bird is gonna be hard. Hopefully she doesn't have an "old school" attitude that birds are dumb animals who don't know or deserve any better. If so it's more a question of her learning that the bird is more than just an ornament or decoration. That she needs to provide more than the bare minimum effort it takes to keep it alive. I applaud you for trying and I wish you luck.

Excellent point about the food. And I'm afraid you're right: from what I gather, she DOES have an "old school" attitude towards birds. I mentioned that she is quite old, which can sometimes be a problem in a situation such as this.
She is Asian, but I have no idea where she could be from. In the DC area the population is EXTREMELY diverse so there's really no telling.
So... what I'm gathering is that there really isn't anywhere I could call?
Oh, boy. This is very upsetting. I had hoped that, for my father's sake, I could keep myself out of it and let the professionals handle this dilemma. But, since I can't, I guess it's up to me.
(Don't worry: I'm far from giving up.)
I suppose I could convince my pseudo-hubby (also a bird lover) to go get a haircut and do some snooping, but it seems so deceitful. Then again, what's a lie to save a life from neglect?
I'll think of something.
Again, thanks everyone.

[lyoness]

Damn... just remembred that my guy just got a haircut. I really don't want to just show up and obsess over her bird without a reason to be there...

[MicahEspudo]

Maybe you could offer to buy her bird... IDK?
I think that if she really didn't care about him, then she would be willing to sell him.
Even if you don't want him, you could do an R&R (rescue and rehome).
But the downside to this is that people like this love to overprice their birds.

[New Ekkie Mom]

Can you call the local SPCA or Humane Society? If the bird is truly in cruel conditions (as opposed to just less than ideal conditions), they can educate her or remove the bird, as necessary. You said it's in a conure-size cage. How big is that? I don't have a conure, so I don't know. :( How does the bird itself look? If you think it's a bad enough situation to report to authorities, it would be a lot better to contact the SPCA or the Humane Society than trying to get involved yourself.

[SDavid]

As far as all the talk of reporting her, my question and concern is that WE all know that this bird deserves better but does the law? Do you know if the law in your area defines what cruel conditions are when it comes to birds? I'd be curious to know myself because if not then "cruelty" or "neglect" is just a matter of one opinion vs. another. In which case you probably can't do anything (I hate to say it).

Sorry to hear you got into a big argument with your father. Have you tried to talk things out calmly since? I'm thinking he might be embarassed by you trying to get involved because he's a regular customer and knows everyone there. Maybe just try to explain to him that those are considered neglectfull conditons for that type of bird. And, that it's hard to just sit by and let a helpless animal be treated that way. Especially when it wouldn't take much more effort on the womans part to do more for the bird. Just a suggestion. If that fails just point out that the woman probably had no clue what you were saying to her anyway.