Pet Birds: Wild or Not So Wild?

January 5 is National Bird Day, so named by a couple of organizations that want the nation’s activists to be sure the nation’s 17 million pet birds are not exploited. I have three pet parrots. I try not to do things that encourage people in other countries to export birds, legally or illegally, or to encourage “parrot mills,” the bird version of breeding without regard for the health and welfare of the animals.

What I prefer doing is spending the day with my feathered companions. My engaging, playful, gorgeous parrots fascinate me. A well-nourished bird, even a “plain green one,” glitters like a gem.

Like all parrots, my companions imitate. Two of my parrots talk. Their comments on our daily life amaze me (and my friends). Watching parrots’ dexterous handling of twigs, leaves, and food causes me to envision life in a treetop, surrounded by these creatures so unlike me. The flexibility and strength of the parrot body is perfectly adapted to life in trees in their native habitat.

In a world in which life often seems commonplace, who wouldn’t want a constant reminder of the extraordinary? Who wouldn’t want to touch wild nature?

National Bird Day organizers’ concern is that the group of birds called parrots is not domesticated. In other words, these birds are not adapted to living with man through hundreds of generations of selective captive breeding. The exception among parrots include budgerigars (incorrectly called parakeets) and cockatiels on the basis they have been domesticated.

Having a wild animal in your home is usually not a good idea. For those who are dedicated to giving a parrot a good home life, the burden is big. So are the rewards, in my opinion. The problem is that most people are well intentioned but do not understand the commitment involved. This leads to lots of birds crowding the available shelters.

Discarding birds solves a problem for the discarder, but what a problem for the birds and the community.

For most people, the best way to have a parrot in your life is to visit these riveting birds at an institution that specializes in animal keeping. Examples in my neighborhood include the Macaw Landing Foundation and Oregon Zoo. Another idea is to volunteer for bird care with the Oregon Humane Society.  (I bet you have similar places in your hometown.)

At Macaw Landing, reserve a place on the 12:00 noon or 2:00 p.m. tour any day. You’ll see 70 macaws in flight cages (after you insert your earplugs). Take your cameras and your recorders. Director Jack Devine formed Macaw Landing Foundation in 1992 to educate people about macaws and their natural environment. You’ll be at capacity for parrot interaction by the time you leave. Volunteer opportunities are available. Talk with Jack after the tour. (http://www.macawlanding.org)

The Oregon Zoo provides exposure to many exotic birds in their natural surroundings. The lorikeet exhibit is fabulous, if you haven’t seen it. Swainson’s Toucans, not parrots but still interesting, can be seen in the Amazon exhibit. Parrots, including an umbrella cockatoo, appear in their summer bird show. (http://www.oregonzoo.com)

The Oregon Humane Society offers an opportunity to work with parrots in their small animal care program after you complete a volunteer orientation. The next class is on January 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (http://www.oregonhumane.org)

For most parrots and people, an occasional visit is an arrangement that can happily last a lifetime. For those of us who choose to share our lives with a parrot every day, the emotional and financial commitment is huge. Many parrots live 30 years. Some live as long as 80 years. Imagine. The parrot you adopted when you were 12 years old may outlive you.

The rewards can be substantial, but the work of providing an interesting and safe life for a wild animal is difficult. After you look, join a local exotic bird group. Mine is Rose City Exotic Bird Club (Rose City Exotic Bird Club). “Bird-sit” for a friend. Be sure. The birds will thank you.

(Tiny parrot voices speak.) Thank you. Have fun!

P.S.: For information about the activist side of National Bird Day, contact The Animal Protection Institute or the Avian Welfare Coalition.