Parrots Make Lousy Pets

Today’s post has absolutely nothing to do with writing or editing. I considered making up some excuse about not wanting you to think I am a one-dimensional person whose eyes are always glued to either a computer screen or grammar book. Truth is, I just wanted to share some things I learned over the weekend.

I love birds. Some people think I am a little nuts about birds. I go out looking for them, even in bad weather. I spend hours playing with my stamp collection that focuses on birds. I currently have two bird calendars, two bird mobiles hanging from my ceiling, bird books, magazines, pictures, figurines … As I said, some people think I am nuts; I, however, think I have a healthy interest in some truly fascinating creatures.

In pursuit of new bird experiences, this weekend I went to an open house at a place called the Garuda Aviary (www.garudaaviary.org). This is a bird sanctuary located at a Buddhist center near Poolesville, Maryland. They take in captive exotic birds—parrots and the like—that have been abused or neglected.

The birds are beautiful, but they have problems. Many of them pluck their own feathers in response to the boredom and stress of being in captivity. Imagine a macaw with a gorgeous head, tail, and wings, but absolutely no feathers on his breast, belly, or legs. One cockatoo has to wear an E-collar (like the stylish but uncomfortable collar your dog wears after surgery) nearly all the time because she goes beyond plucking her feathers—she tears off bits of her skin.

See, parrots make lousy pets. They are large, loud, and very social. They want to be around others of their own kind. They are remarkably long-lived (living to 80, 90, even 100 years). Imagine having two-year-old who will outlive you and who never grows up. Many of the birds at Garuda Aviary have had four or five owners in as many years, because those owners had no idea what they were getting into when they acquired their new lovely bird.

By now you’re probably wishing I would shut up and go back to editing. You may even know some pet parrots who seem quite happy. But if you’re thinking of getting a pet parrot or cockatoo, please don’t. They’re not meant to live in cages, and the average human isn’t equipped to deal with them. Instead, put up a bird feeder and/or bath in your yard and enjoy the wild birds who will benefit from your generosity.

And now, back to editing …