What's the general concensus on using our pet birds to introduce/entice non-bird people into our world?

I'm very leery of doing so, afraid the brief exposure a visiting non-birder has with my birds can't get across the full gamut of living with hookbills. For some reason both my birds seem to be on their very best behaviors when I have people over. It's hard to explain to them no matter how perfect the pet an individual bird appears each bird does have its moments; content to sit on a shoulder only to suddenly decide, for no reason, your ear is now a chew toy fit to sink a beak into. Or just as suddenly to decide a ringing telephone is the signal to launch into an extended session of screaming bloody murder.

I understand what you are saying. It is also frustrating when every time you meet a non-birder they ask if your birds talk and you say excessively. You then introduce them into your birds sanctuary and your Blue and Gold sits so still and quiet they think he is stuffed. Let's not forget my beloved Cockatoo that only knows how to honk very loudly at strangers and as soon as they leave the room he begins to laugh and say stupid people.

Or how about an African Grey who will be playing telephone as long as everyone is outside, but let them come into the house and he just sits there and stares at you! Every once in a while you might get a word out of him, while there is company here, but as soon as they leave he is so very talkative! Going through his whole repertoire. Sometimes you feel like making bird soup, when he makes you look stupid!

Hugs,

The ubiquitous talking question doesn't bother me. I don't care that my conures don't talk, never tried to teach them. Though the one phrase handy for a talking parrot for responding to The Question would be 'Can you fly?'

I was thinking more along the lines of the unintentional showing off of our birds to the non-birders out there. When our birds are being so unbearably cute the impulse purchase reflex is triggered in the uninitiated. After all, if your friend's bird is perfect any bird you buy will be just as perfect. And just how hard can it be to take care of a bird? A little seed, a little water and the bird is content to sit pretty in a cage until you can spare a few minutes? Yeah, right.

John

John,

You're right, the impulse purchaser can be a problem! But sometimes the impulse purchaser can be a quick learner too! At least I hope so, because in a way I was an impulse purchaser and I've now had John Lennon since he was a month old in October of 1998. I was totally green, and had to learn how to hand feed.

But you're right birds are a lot of work and require more than a little seed and water, every now and then. Especially the larger parrots who have a long life expectancy.

Hugs,

Today I had the opportunity to spend some time at Becky's house and meet her family and extended bird family. They showed me a cockatoo (sp?) that they received from a rescue in Houston. The condition of the bird was frightful. It had been picking at it's own chest until it had a very large wound and was almost completely barron of feathers.

They told me that this bird was once a much loved pet in a good home. The pet of a young girl who, as she got older, was spending less and less time at time. Becky explained that this breed in particular developes close bonds and requires a huge amount of attention.

The girl didn't do anything wrong per se. In highschool it was soccer, followed by dances, and spending most of the weekend away. Once college age struck she spent very little time at home at all. The poor bird was obviously suffering from some sort of seperation anxiety. It was litterally in self destruct mode when "rescued."

Becky's husband was being held tighly on the arm as he was sending the bird through what I would describe as simulated summersaults. I was scared for the bird, thinking this seemed way too rough for such a delicate animal. But as he was explaining the birds need for affection I started to notice how "happy" the bird seemed. It really wanted to play, right then, and it would take all he could give it. It was almost like watching someone play with a dog. Something I just wouldn't expect when looking at what seemed like such a delicate creature. It really need that kind of attention.

I'm sure the previous owner, expecially at the young age she received the bird, hadn't any idea what would happen in the future. I don't know how anyone could look at such a breathtakingly beautiful animal and anticipate the self inflicted horrors it would do to itself when circumstances change. Yet I don't tell this story to discourage a potential pet owner.


Guess the point to this post, if there is one, is that if you're going to own exotic pets, it would really be a good idea to plug into a support system like the Triangle Bird Club early on. I suspect that just about any member with the TBC could have told this young lady what she was in store for as she spent less time at home. Bet should could have found some answers in this company of enthusiasts too.

The self-mutilating cockatoo goes beyond an impulse purchase. It goes to buying such a high maintenance bird for a child.

Here is a picture of the bird that Todd mentioned in his post. Pico is getting much better. The wound in her chest is beginning to heal and she has pinfeathers all over her chest.

I took this picture this weekend while at Becky's home. As Todd mentioned, Pico is a rescued bird, she is beginning to respond to the attention that is being given to her.

We need to make people aware of the attention and care that these birds do require.

Hugs,

Becky told me Pico was doing better she wasn't joking. From the last time I saw Pico to this photo a tremendous difference. Becky keep up the good work.