This information I found out while surfing internet and I was not aware of such day which is dedicated to birds.I found out interesting and happy to share with others who love birds.
In order to draw attention to the exploitation of other countries’ native birds by the pet industry in the United States and to call on activists to take action on behalf of captive birds, National Bird Day (January 5) has been instituted by two United States organizations: Born Free USA United with Animal Protection Institute (the union of two recently united animal protection groups) and the Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC). These organizations seek as well to educate the public about the difficulty of being a good caretaker of pet birds, the damage done to wild bird populations by the pet industry, and the importance of keeping birds wild. This week, to mark National Bird Day, Advocacy for Animals presents an article, written by bird expert Monica Engebretson of Born Free USA, on the effects of captivity on exotic birds.
Wild at Heart :Whether captive bred or wild caught, birds are not domesticated animals. Domestic animals are animals that have been bred for hundreds of years to live in the care of humans and are distinct from their wild ancestors. Birds commonly kept as pets are no different than their wild relatives—they are the native species of other countries.
Those who acquire birds as companion animals soon discover that parrots, including lovebirds, budgies (parakeets), and cockatiels, are noisy and messy, and they can be destructive. Vocalizing (squawking, chirping, talking) is an important part of any parrot’s social communication; birds eat continually throughout the day, dropping and discarding bits of food everywhere; birds are instinctively programmed to chew and shred wood, whether it is a perch, toy, picture frame, or furniture. Birds will also chew electrical cords, paper, and curtains.
Parrots are also extremely intelligent and social—they have been compared to human toddlers in the needs of their emotional and social lives, but, unlike children, they never grow up. Birds are meant to fly and to be with other birds. Confinement in cages can lead to neurotic behavior, excessive screaming, feather plucking, self-mutilation and other destructive habits. As a result, very few people are capable of caring for the special needs of exotic birds or comprehend the seriousness of the commitment for the birds’ life span—20 to 70 years or more depending on species. Each year thousands of birds are sold into the pet trade to individuals who are under the mistaken impression that a bird will make a “cool” pet. Eventually, whether due to frustration, disinterest, or concern, many people attempt to rid themselves of the responsibility of caring for their birds. Unfortunately, few of these birds will find a loving home, and most will spend their days isolated and confined to their cages. Others will bounce from home to home as “owners” tire of them, and some may be abandoned at local shelters and birds rescues, or set free to fend for themselves.
Those who acquire birds as companion animals soon discover that parrots, including lovebirds, budgies (parakeets), and cockatiels, are noisy and messy, and they can be destructive. Vocalizing (squawking, chirping, talking) is an important part of any parrot’s social communication; birds eat continually throughout the day, dropping and discarding bits of food everywhere; birds are instinctively programmed to chew and shred wood, whether it is a perch, toy, picture frame, or furniture. Birds will also chew electrical cords, paper, and curtains.
Parrots are also extremely intelligent and social—they have been compared to human toddlers in the needs of their emotional and social lives, but, unlike children, they never grow up. Birds are meant to fly and to be with other birds. Confinement in cages can lead to neurotic behavior, excessive screaming, feather plucking, self-mutilation and other destructive habits. As a result, very few people are capable of caring for the special needs of exotic birds or comprehend the seriousness of the commitment for the birds’ life span—20 to 70 years or more depending on species. Each year thousands of birds are sold into the pet trade to individuals who are under the mistaken impression that a bird will make a “cool” pet. Eventually, whether due to frustration, disinterest, or concern, many people attempt to rid themselves of the responsibility of caring for their birds. Unfortunately, few of these birds will find a loving home, and most will spend their days isolated and confined to their cages. Others will bounce from home to home as “owners” tire of them, and some may be abandoned at local shelters and birds rescues, or set free to fend for themselves.
How Many Caged Birds?
According to a 1998 article printed in the Journal of the American Veterinarian Medical Association deemed the most extensive demographic study of pet birds conducted to that date, the US pet bird population has been estimated between 35 million and 40 million. While this estimate of “pet” birds is lower than estimates for companion dogs and cats, the population of dogs and cats has remained relatively stable over time while “pet” bird populations have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), there were 60.8 million cats in 1990 and 66.15 million in 1996, with dogs numbering 52.1 million and 58.2 million respectively. According to the same industry document, there were 11.6 million “pet” birds in 1990, and by 1996 there were 40 million—a 244.8% increase!
The growing problem of unwanted exotic birds is very much a hidden crisis because most humane societies do not accept birds, and unlike abandoned cats and dogs, abandoned birds generally do not roam the streets as strays or establish feral colonies.
According to a 1998 article printed in the Journal of the American Veterinarian Medical Association deemed the most extensive demographic study of pet birds conducted to that date, the US pet bird population has been estimated between 35 million and 40 million. While this estimate of “pet” birds is lower than estimates for companion dogs and cats, the population of dogs and cats has remained relatively stable over time while “pet” bird populations have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (PIJAC), there were 60.8 million cats in 1990 and 66.15 million in 1996, with dogs numbering 52.1 million and 58.2 million respectively. According to the same industry document, there were 11.6 million “pet” birds in 1990, and by 1996 there were 40 million—a 244.8% increase!
The growing problem of unwanted exotic birds is very much a hidden crisis because most humane societies do not accept birds, and unlike abandoned cats and dogs, abandoned birds generally do not roam the streets as strays or establish feral colonies.
Captive Breeding:One of the most common assertions made by breeders is that captive breeding is necessary to keep parrots from becoming endangered. Breeding parrots in captivity is not going to save the species in the wild. Most birds are bred outside of an official conservation program, as such the vast majority of birds bred in captivity are bred for purely commercial purposes. Captive breeding fails to address the leading causes of wild bird population decline: habitat loss, pollution, and the pet trade. Moreover, captive release programs are nonexistent for most species and are largely unsuccessful in practice.
Breeding contributes to overpopulation since it results in breeding more baby birds for the pet trade. Breeding facilities often resemble nothing more than warehouses of birds for production purposes. Breeder birds are routinely placed with a mate in small cages with nothing more than water, food, and a nest box.
A misconception perpetuated by the bird industry is that only “baby birds” will bond with people. This is untrue. Building a nurturing relationship with a parrot begins when the bird learns to trust—no matter what his or her age. The main reason that the pet industry encourages hand-weaning is that taking “baby birds” from their parents encourages them to produce more young. Keeping young parrots with their parents slows production and is less profitable for breeders.
Many breeders and stores will sell unweaned baby birds, claiming that finishing the weaning process by the purchaser will “guarantee” a hand-tame bird. Nothing could be further from the truth. The reality is that many birds who have not successfully completed weaning may not learn to eat on their own and can actually starve to death. Many baby birds die or suffer from physical injuries such as burned or punctured crops (stomachs) and infections from inexperienced hand-feeders. Unweaned chicks are sold because hand-feeding is labor intensive; it is far more profitable to sell the chicks quickly despite the risks to the young bird.
Homeless Birds :
Since finding a qualified caretaker can be difficult and many bird rescues are overburdened with an influx of unwanted birds, those wishing to give up their birds are encouraged to consider other alternatives before making a final decision. Avian behaviorist or specialist, local bird club or avian rescues can be helpful in providing educational materials, advice, and referrals on bird care, housing, diet, behavior, and veterinary services. Sometimes a change in environment, diet, or behavior modification can make all the difference in creating a happier living situation for a bird and his or her caretaker.
If the reality is that care can no longer be provided, it is imperative that the bird is placed in a stable, responsible, and loving home. A hasty decision can result in the bird ending up in the wrong hands, or being bounced from home to home, or being neglected, abused, or abandoned.
If you must find a new home for a bird:
Do not place an ad in the newspaper or on the Internet. There are many unscrupulous people who look to buy or adopt free birds so they can turn around and sell them.
Write an agreement for the adopter to sign. If for any reason they don’t live up to their obligation, include a provision that the bird will be returned to you.
Never place a bird with a breeder or anyone who wants to breed birds. Ask for the assistance of an avian adoption service, local bird club, or avian rescue organization.
Since finding a qualified caretaker can be difficult and many bird rescues are overburdened with an influx of unwanted birds, those wishing to give up their birds are encouraged to consider other alternatives before making a final decision. Avian behaviorist or specialist, local bird club or avian rescues can be helpful in providing educational materials, advice, and referrals on bird care, housing, diet, behavior, and veterinary services. Sometimes a change in environment, diet, or behavior modification can make all the difference in creating a happier living situation for a bird and his or her caretaker.
If the reality is that care can no longer be provided, it is imperative that the bird is placed in a stable, responsible, and loving home. A hasty decision can result in the bird ending up in the wrong hands, or being bounced from home to home, or being neglected, abused, or abandoned.
If you must find a new home for a bird:
Do not place an ad in the newspaper or on the Internet. There are many unscrupulous people who look to buy or adopt free birds so they can turn around and sell them.
Write an agreement for the adopter to sign. If for any reason they don’t live up to their obligation, include a provision that the bird will be returned to you.
Never place a bird with a breeder or anyone who wants to breed birds. Ask for the assistance of an avian adoption service, local bird club, or avian rescue organization.
Sanctuaries and Rescues :There are currently over 90 self-described bird rescues or sanctuaries in the United States, many of which have come into existence in just the last few years. Some of these facilities are non-profit organizations, while others are merely caring individuals who have opened their homes to unwanted birds. Due to the large number of birds in need, most rescues or sanctuaries are unable to accept every bird they are offered. However, be wary of rescue organizations that will not accept smaller birds. They may simply be looking to acquire larger birds to sell or adopt out at higher fees. Before giving a bird to any rescue, check them out thoroughly. A true rescue organization does not profit from animals that have been rescued nor do they contribute to the overpopulation problem by breeding more birds for the pet market.
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