A World Without Companion Birds???

[FairLight]

I understand the seriousness of over breeding, birds that need rescuing,
ignorant and abusive bird owners, bird mills, ect., but I do not understand the thinking that all bird ownership should stop. This is a radical view probably held by a small percentage of bird people.
I found a site that does provide good information, but they seem to be in favor of no more companion birds. I feel awful that I registered there, and plan never to go there again.
It just made me sick to read a thread about which "birds are the worst to breed and should not be bred ever again" I was shocked to see the replies.

Big Parrots have their quirks. Education is definately needed so that these birds receive the best care and homes.
But to totally stop breeding them?
I don't know what the answer is, but I cannot imagine a world without
companion birds.
Along with the large 'Toos, Amazons, Conures, Macaws and African Grays were mentioned as unsuitable for breeding for companion birds.
This was just too much for me,really makes me ill.Kind of an eco-terrorist mind set.
Education is the answer-perhaps pamphlets in all bird shops/pet stores with links to better bird care? Lots of public exposure?
School district budgets are always under funded, but companion animal/birdcare would be a wonderful science module in each grade.
We don't live in a perfect world, but denying companion birds isn't the answer.
Linda In CA

[Vankarhi]

I cannot imagine living without a companion bird. I can live without a cat (although I do like them, but do not own one any more). I possibly could live without a dog, but I do love having one around. But I LOVE fids very much and always would have one in my life.

[The Outlaw]

I think my signature quote says it all. It came to me one night while listening to my macaws talking in the birdroom.

"A bird is the ONLY pet that will ever tell you I Love You".

[Tiki]

I have only had companion birds for a little over 4 years but I can't imagine not having them in my life. Their cheerful chirps in the morning, the chorus of wolf whistles, the sweet birdie kisses, and the soft feather faces rubbing on my cheek when they sit on my shoulder......they are such a treasured part of my life!

[Peregrine Harlequin]

No more companion birds? Then we'd all be bird watchers and falconers! Instead of talking about cage size and building aviaries, we'd be discussing mews and the best spots to fly our birds. On weekends we'd go out a-huntin' with local BirdBoard members, either with our raptors or binoculars and cameras. And the Bird Watching forum would be much more active. Parrots? Who wants one of those? :icon_mrgr

Maybe it was morally wrong to catch them to begin with, but birds have become such a big part of so many people's lives that taking them away would be a crime. Sure, we'd all be fitter and healthier if we had to walk around outside to get our bird fix. And maybe more people would prefer raptors to parrots. I know I sure do.

But I'm equally sure that my world will be turned upside-down when I finally get one of those unsuitably bred companion birds that Linda mentioned. All the time, money, effort, and worrying rewarded with love, joy and companionship..... How could anyone want to put an end to that?

[yehudasf]

BS"D

Take away my companions ? Quite literally over my (and several of those attempting) dead body. Better one should eat white poison that attempt to come between me & those that I love.

[kensbuns]

Well said. The only way they would get mine would be to pry them from my cold dead arms!!!!

[Monica]

Would it be better to require that breeders only breed a given ammount (not breeding say more than 35-50% of the flock a year or only breeding certain years), or require a license to keep an animal (as long as the person is educated in caring for the animal and does not abuse the animal, no matter if its a pet owner, breeder, store-owner, sanctuary, etc, and mainly that they know the basics in caring for the animals and keeping them happy % healthy)... In this would be hopes to reduce the amount of animals in the pet trade or ones going into the sanctuaries, as remove the bad petstores/breeders/pet keepers if they do not improve the animals living conditions????

This is something that I have been wondering about....

[Tiki]

Originally Posted by yehudasf

BS"D

Take away my companions ? Quite literally over my (and several of those attempting) dead body. Better one should eat white poison that attempt to come between me & those that I love.

DITTO!!!! Totally agree!

[FairLight]

You have all shown so much love and devotion to your birds.
We have birds to enrich our lives. Our care and compassion and love for them
improves the human condition.
It's a huge responsibility, granted.
I believe as intellegent and caring bird owners (owned by birds people!)
we can make a difference and keep educationg others to the joy of our avian friends.
There are no gaurantees in this world for any one.
However, this world is definatly a better place with all birds, and stopping the species will not make a bit of difference.
This was just such a bizarre message board (where I read this) Just made no sense. Where is the beauty and joy in life with thinking along those lines. If no companion birds are allowed, where do they stop???
I used to subscribe to the old Earth First! Journal, and they seem tame compared to this group! :o)
I have always been intrigued with Falconry. There again, the avian intellegence and beauty.We lived in Ventura County for over 30 years before moving here. I remember seeing a young man walking up into the hills with a Falcon many times. It was so awesome to see this bird with it's hood, and
tether and the arm guard that the man wore. Lifts the spirit to see an ancient "sport" (for lack of a better word..) in such hectic times. I always saw him walking under a freeway overpass to the local hills.. It would have made a terrific photograph.
I'm done rambling now!
:o)

"I'll be good." Grandpa Simpson 1996