Orphaned Parrots Need Good Homes
A Guide for Potential Parrot Owners
| As a
wannabe beach bum and lifelong Buffett fan, I'm typically drawn to tropical places and things, but
parrots
are my real passion. I believe as a Parrot Head and an
avian enthusiast, I have a double responsibility to do
whatever I can to raise awareness in potential
parrot-owners about the realities of "owning" such a
unique and intelligent animal.
Too many of these beautiful, sensitive creatures fall victim to abuse, neglect or abandonment because buyers aren't being told about the true amount of time, energy and money necessary to properly train and care for them until the sale is made. In addition, many people don't know that a parrot may literally be a life-long commitment. The life span of a large parrot can be up to 75 years or more and since local humane societies aren't always equipped to take in birds, many wind up being passed around, neglected or abused. Owners may fall ill, die or realize too late that they have taken on more work than they had been prepared to do. Birds have now become one of the most popular pets sold in the U.S., 2nd in the market only to dogs & cats. The downside of popularity is that it inevitably increases exponentially the number of impulse purchases that occur. As a result, the need for avian specific rescue has become critical. Friends Forever is a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization, located in Appling, GA. that is exclusively dedicated to the rescue and care of unwanted, handicapped and abandoned tropical birds. Currently there are 200 plus birds being nursed, rehabilitated and re-socialized at the small Georgia facility. Some will remain at the refuge for life due to severe disabilities or behavioral problems, others will be adopted out to carefully screened families. Founders, Ron and Tammy, have opened their home and devote themselves full-time to saving as many birds as possible. They also personally retrieve and/or arranging for the transport of adoptees from all over the U.S. whenever necessary. It's heartbreaking to see the condition some of these beautiful birds arrive in. Even worse is knowing that most could have been spared if buyers had only educated themselves prior to making a purchase. |
If you're thinking of buying parrot
or know someone that is, I strongly urge you to be realistic.
These are highly intelligent and social creatures
who need much interaction and supervision akin to
that of a 3 yr old child.
 Birds in distress sometimes pluck their own feathers in frustration Parrots shouldn't be left alone for extended periods of time. You might have to take them with you on vacation or otherwise provide for their care. Your feathered angel with the big beak is precious to you but not every one is comfortable with large birds. My experience has been that good bird-sitters are hard to come by. Please help be part of the solution and weigh the pros and cons carefully. Visit Feathered Friends Forever for more information on parrot care. And if you have done your homework and still think you're up to the challenge, they also have adoption & sponsorship programs, please consider giving an "orphaned" bird a second chance! |
If you're thinking about a dog instead, our friends at Sundance Acres have precious home-reared Chihuahua and other pre-spoiled puppies for sale.