With the economy in dire straits, the Tampa Bay SPCA is seeing an increase in exotic birds being surrendered because people are having to relocate to a smaller living situation and/or can’t afford their bird any longer. Last month alone, an estimated 15 parrots were turned over to the SPCA, who then turns to specific bird rescue groups for help in housing these birds. Also on the rise is the use of anti-psychotic drugs to stop birds from behavioral problems such as feather plucking or extreme vocalization.

So what is the problem? People lack knowledge about birds before buying one. Birds are wild animals, and when housed in tiny cages for long periods of time, are no better off than a dog in a puppy mill. Sure we feed them, say we love them, and let them out of their cage when we can, but is it enough? The answer, is no. Most parrots do live for a very long time, up to 60+ years in captivity for the larger species. Birds do not belong in a cage for the majority of their life, if at all. Being a cage-bound animal often leads to behavioral problems such as excessive vocalizing, feather plucking, and aggression. And instead of focusing on the root of their problems, people are turning their veterinarians for drugs that will subdue their wild animal’s instincts. And as Matt Smith, bird rescuer who operates ‘Project Perry, Inc.’ in Virginia was quoted saying:

“What would be best for parrots is if they never became pets.”

So now comes the other problem: Where do these exotic birds come from?

You may be surprised to know that most exotic birds come from Bird Mills and have the same set up as puppy mills: rows and rows of wire cages, poor nutrition, lack of any stimulation and enrichment, and birds are forced to breed over and over like machines. Just as bad as puppy mills, but since people are accustomed to seeing birds in cages, many people turn a blind eye to the situation. So, yes, that bird you bought at the pet store-probably came from a bird mill.

According to HSUS, when wild-caught animals are kept as pets, their suffering may begin with capture—every year millions of birds and reptiles suffer and die on the journey to the pet store. Even after purchase, their lives are likely to be filled with misery. If they survive, they may languish in a cramped backyard cage or circle endlessly in a cat carrier or aquarium. More commonly, they become sick or die because their owners are unable to care for them properly. And not only that, the global wild pet trade continues to threaten the existence of some species in their native habitats.

I encourage everyone to look at this website, and watch the video’s on bird mills. Just as word is spreading about the horrors of puppy mills, we can get word out about other types of Pet Mills and put a stop to them as well.

Read my next article to see what you can do to stop Pet Mills. 

 Bird Mills Exposed-Part 1

 Bird Mills Exposed-Part 2

OK, I usually don't get involvel with this sort of thing as I am far to busy! My husband and I run a bird rescue. (moderator deleted link:  sorry, we do not support the pet industry)  If you only knew how so many of these intelligent creatures suffer, you may have different opinions. First, let me say that I have pet birds of my own. I can't imagine life without them. But you should know that I have placed some of my OWN pet birds to better homes. I know I will turn some folks off when I say " God created them to fly free".. Unfortunately, we have bred them and put them in cages and the captive birds could not survive in the wild. Thus, there is a NEED for rescue and/or sanctuary. These birds could NEVER survive in the wild. The only way they recognize food is in a cup. We have done them a grave injustice! If you consider the life span of an exotic bird, you realize they are a LIFETIME commitment! It is too easy to aquire a bird. We need legislation requiring EDUCATION prior to purchase... We are so full now,as is every rescue I know, I could go on and on... We actually have a waiting list for birds to be surrendered. The key is EDUCATION!!!!! I'm so sick of hearing how much a bird is LOVED but, circumstances make it impossible to keep a bird. Would people surrender a CHILD so easily? If folks were educated they would know that cockatoos, for instance, have the intellegence of a 5 to 7 year old child. They can have temper tantrums like a 2 year old and can live for 80 years....EDUCATION is the answer. They should know these facts BEFORE purchasing a bird. We need legislature to enforce this.