French mentality concerning owning parrots as pets

[dead-zone02]

I was thinking about creating that thread because as I've already mentionned it in one of my previous posts, there is a very special mentality here in France concerning owning some parrots as pets.

To summarize, here in France, owning some (quite) rare parrots as pets (Scarlet, Blue-Throated, Major Mitchell's, Buffon, Hyacinth, Moluccan...) is REALLY frowned upon ! Owning an hybrid is even worth !

A lot of french people I talk to do not understand why I've chosen a Scarlet as pet and totally disapprove it ! That's precisely one of the reasons why I do not visit french parrots-lovers boards anymore.

When I discovered BirdBoard a few months ago, I've been really positively flabbergasted to see that your mentality here was totally different.

What do you think about it ?

[Jan in MD]

You will find varying opinions on parrot ownership in the US. There is one bird board in particular that does not approve of anyone owning any parrots- though most of the posters do in fact own birds. If anyone mentions clipping wings, the post is removed.

The people here are exceptionally loving and care very deeply for their companion animals.

Now, the subject of hybrids will spark debates on most boards. But, so will breeding on boards that mainly focus on re-homing.

The good thing about this board, opinions are welcomed and discussions are very interesting.

[hollyhawkz]

[QUOTE=dead-zone02;1465906]A lot of french people I talk to do not understand why I've chosen a Scarlet as pet and totally disapprove it ! That's precisely one of the reasons why I do not visit french parrots-lovers boards anymore.QUOTE]

I think I am missing something here. If they are on a bird forum, I am assuming the own birds, so what exactly are their issues with you having a scarlet?

I'm glad you found BirdBoard. I have always found them to be very supportive and educational.

[RockysMom]

I love this place!! These guys on here are very helpful and everyone does have there own opinions, but on here everyone will simply state there side and move on, no fighting or anything!! I have got some great advice from people on here, with being a new bird owner and all! That's strange that the French don't approve of owning certain types of birds! I would love to one day own a Moluccan Cockatoo:)

[Abby]

You'll find cultural difference between the English speaking countries too. I think most of us Aussies are more laid back in our approach to bird keeping and breeding parrots. We don't have quite the number of rehomes that seem to go on in the US. I wonder if living in a country where we do have so many native wild parrots also causes us to be a bit more lassez faire about things.

Certain issues do flair up even on the Aussie boards.

[brdfvr]

I would agree with Abby. From working at a pet store, I realized that many people are enthralled with having a bird, especially a parakeet, (just to look at). Many people do not realize the noise and proper care that it takes to own a bird even one as small as a parakeet. Or they are drawn to the bird case by little kids and say, "well it's for them". Which is probably why so many get rehomed. Since the wild birds are mostly small finches people don't want those as much, just parakeet and larger. Also, every time I go out with my Green Cheeks to the store, kids always point, and say "She's got a bird on her shoulder!" Or try to shoo my beloved pet away!

[usamma]

Welcome! :)

[Lori~D]

So my question is what is the reasoning? If the birds are captive raised?? Why do they feel this way in your eyes. What do they say to you? Im so curious about other cultures this way.

[dead-zone02]

Originally Posted by Jan in MD

The good thing about this board, opinions are welcomed and discussions are very interesting.

That's exactly what I've noticed ! ;)

Originally Posted by Lori~D

So my question is what is the reasoning? If the birds are captive raised?? Why do they feel this way in your eyes. What do they say to you? Im so curious about other cultures this way.

To answer your question, according to them, parrots should not be handraised. They want parrots to stay wild and bred in outdoor aviaries. They reckon that private people shouldn't own parrots as pets and that the only people who should have parrots are breeders.

Here in France 8/10 of the handfed parrots are African Greys or Blue Fronted Amazon. Then, almost all cockatoos are Umbrellas or Galahs. Concerning macaws, more than 9/10 are B&G.

For example, I'm registered on at least 15 french boards and I don't know anyone else who owns a Scarlet as pet, no one ! Owning a hyacinth as pet is unimaginable !

[MissV]

Wait wait...people shouldn't own parrots personally, but a *breeder* can? That's ridiculous! As if parrots are some private collection for someone who "cultivates" them >_>


I LOVE this board. I've tried out a few parrot forums, but only this one holds my interest! The community is active, eclective, and very very friendly (and funny too!)

And the turn around time for answers to questions is great. I've also never seen a forum discuss so calmly controversial issues and not boil down into a huge flame war. (Seriously. NEVER.)


There will always be mixed views and controversies. In the US (Les Etats Unis ;) French class, baby!), there seems to be more of an issue centered around clipping vs free-flighting, handfeeding vs. parent-feeding, and of course breeding vs. rehoming.

However, these don't match anwhere near controversies involving dogs and cats (I am personally not a fan of purebreeding or the extensive amount of breeding we have going on in our country when so many need adopting still).


I could understand if those bird lovers in France were concerned that a vulnerable species may be being imported and forced into capitivity--that's part of what made the Spix Macaw practically extinct--but Scarlets are born and bred all over the world now...as far as domestic go, they're really not in much danger of becoming rare.


Still, I'd like to know more about this mindset in France. So do these peple condemn owning all parrots or is it mainly those they perceive as "rare"? And if they believe they are to be in an aviary and "wild" then, do they just look at them as pretty things to admire, but not to form a relationship with?

At that rate, why not just leave them in their natural habitats?