January Is Adopt-a-Rescued-Bird Month

[Christi]

Need A Tweetheart? Adopt A Rescued Bird!

(NEW YORK) December 26, 2002 - The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is celebrating January 2003 as the second annual Adopt-a-Rescued-Bird Month. Shelters and bird placement groups across the country are seeing an increase in the number of birds that are in need of permanent homes. Instead of purchasing a bird, the ASPCA encourages Americans to let a rescued bird fly into their heart!


"As with any companion animal, potential bird adopters should be ready to invest money for regular veterinary care, a varied diet, appropriately-sized cages and toys," says Jacque Schultz, ASPCA director of special projects. "Birds are social creatures. Those in the parrot family depend on human contact for their happiness and well-being. Owners must be prepared to spend time playing with and talking to their feathered friends."

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[Crittercall]

As a bird owner (and lover) I have to disagree on a couple of points they make in this article.

Small birds are much messier than big ones - in my experience.

As far as talking ability goes, the order is usually Grays, Eclectus, then Amazons. "Parrot" is a general term for the birds. And ask Dena about her Parrotlet talking!

Biting? My parrotlet will bite the crap out of me anytime I get him out of the cage. But we're working on that! The smaller (seed eating) birds with the small, sharp beaks break the skin and pinch; the larger birds will usually put their beak on you with very little pressure at first - unless you frighten them - to warn you that they have a lot of strength if they decide to use it. I've seen a macaw go through a Brazil nut in no time; imagine what it could do to a finger if it wanted to!

I'll be checking out their links tomorrow - since I'm thinking about another bird in February (considering that this cockatiel is weaned by then!)

Birds are great company. Henry and I talk to each other all day, even yelling from one end of the house to the other. He has such a good vocabulary and loves to give kisses.