IN RESPONSE TO: "Bird Hoarding" & "Please Save These Birds"

[Young]

I have tried to remain neutral, tried not to respond to comments regarding the threads listed above, but I can't. As lovers of birds, we need to understand, not judge, and we need to help, not criticize.

I personally do not know John, only know him by the posts on this forum. But I have read the addimant defense of this man by members of this forum that have known him for years as a lover, caregiver, and rescuer of our beloved feathered friends. I respect their opinions.

I understand that he has suffered an injury which, has prevented him from caring for his birds, as he would normally have done. He has tried to care for his birds alone.

I understand that Animal Control has taken his birds citing some were under poor health, the home was unclean, and all the birds were living in filthy conditions. They also said that many of the birds, though living in this home, looked healthy. They must have felt it was for safety of the birds, to take the birds. In their defense, how many times have we criticized them for not being there to save animals in need.

None of us know the what the outcome will be, for the birds now being held in the "shelter", and how they will eventually be re-homed.

Now, please be patient as I explain my opinions and feelings on this sad incident.

Over the past years, I have not "rescued", like John, but purchased birds from stores that were unable to find a human for years. Most I purchased at regular price, a couple at a discount. Either way, I took them in and love them dearly. I did this with the best of intentions, concerned about whether I would be able to handle the load, and be fair to the babies I already had. They are my rescues. To most of you out there, my flock of 9 is really an inconsequential number but to me, it's 4-6 hours of solid work a day, cleaning, washing, cooking, feeding, etc. I adore my babies.

However, if I suffered an injury so great as to impair my ability to care for my babies properly, I would not hope, but believe that someone who cared about me, my birds, or even my situation would step in and help.. no matter how small the support or how "long distance" the support might be.

I would be hurt with comments like "in over her head", "seemed opinionated, and unfriendly", "psycho".

I would hope that the members of this forum, knowing that another member, with completely "good" intentions, would lend verbal support, even if they could not be there physically to help. Shame on us!

Certainly, the conditions of the home, as reported in the articles and in the news, were not ideal. But where were all of us when John needed help? How dare we sit back and judge him now.

I think with the birds in the shelter awaiting their fate, it's time to stop pointing and judging and start pooling our efforts to help the birds in custody.

Somehow, we keep losing what should be the main focus to go back to name calling. Lets just all use that energy and help the birds, as John originally intended.

[odhinn]

Well put.