| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| macawdreams |
Posted - 04/28/2006 : 00:57:50
Hi everybirdie,
For those of you who are new to Macaw Dreams let me explain what the Round Table is. This is where we all sit around the table and have a great conversation about a bird related topic. The topics are ones that don't often get discussed in depth but are "deep" enough to have some lengthy discussions on. We encourage everyone to add their opinions whether you agree with the person sitting next to you or not. :) So here we go. Grab your coffee and pull up a comfy chair.
Round Table: Should there be a moratorium on breeding?
About 6 maybe 10 years ago there was a "trend" to own exotic birds. Remember that? Now, as many years later, those birds have matured and some of the owners have either grown tired of them or can't/wont deal with their maturity.
Several people tell me that they turned to their breeder for help only to find the breeder offering little to no support. They know about breeder birds but not necessarily companion birds. What's there answer? I know of one breeder who tells owners that their birds are becoming difficult because they need to breed. She then offers to take the bird back only to turn around and breed it. The cycle continues.
So here's my question. When is enough enough? Do you think we should have a moratorium on breeding, encouraging people to adopt older birds? Would it be fair even though many of us bought chicks ourselves? Is it time for a moratorium or should breeders just continue producing more parrots?.
OK, grab a refill on your coffee, get comfy and chime in.
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
| 15 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Katie and Stanleys Mom |
Posted - 05/18/2006 : 23:17:07
OMG Jamie is this you??????????? I can not believe we are on the same board!!!! GUYS!!!!!!!this is my brother Jaime!!!!!!!!Way too funny!!!! This is almost an impossibility!!!!!! Jaime....EMAIL ME!!!!!!!!! I am Katie and Stanley's mom on this board!!!!!!!!! OMG OMG!!!!!!
Deanna
Love and Scritches, Deanna
Contented wife of 25 years to Mark and Stay at home/homeschooling Mom to
Stella (B&G)
Stanley (DYHA)
Katie (CAG)
Tequila (OWA)
Iris (PBP)
Mouse and Maizy (the wonder Chihuahuas)
Nugget, Neville and Sophie (The poodle pack)and 4 human children: Andrea 22, Jimmy 18, Baxter 15, and Molly 7. |
| Tesselator |
Posted - 05/14/2006 : 02:25:11
Hi Angie,
Thanks for the huge welcome! Kewlness is so
cool! If you know what I mean ;) Yeah, I have
been living in Japan for about 20 years, originally
from Orange County, Ca. in the states there. I
have pretty much domesticated here though and have
only been back to the US a few times. Once a few
months ago and once a few months after I moved
here.
My wife God rest her soul, had allergies to any
animals with fur and a fairly intense phobia of
any and all fowl so it's been hard to choose pets.
I managed to have some kind of love bird for a
number of years but I don't have the heart to
keep any animal in a cage. After 3 years or
so he began to ween himself on the sky. At
first getting the courage to go outside, and
then finding fun in visiting the nearby trees
and pestering the pigeons in the street every
morning.
It was really interesting to watch him form
relationships with the other birds. Sparrows
didn't like him much but he made friends with
a crow and the pigeons seemed to take to him
right off. Weirdest thing I ever saw.
Eventually his trips away from home grew longer
and longer until he was gone more than here. That
lasted a few years and I haven't seen him for years
and years now. I hear the skys in Tokyo are filled
with these birds so maybe he found a girlfriend
and is doing the procreation thing. :D
I have 4 children and I think they should have
animals in their life. I'm just starting to recover
enough (from her passing) to start shopping around
for something.
My only other experience with birds besides a few
Budgerigars, was the hand training of an extremely
willful Cockatiel for my sister.
In short I'm currently birdless but am reading up on
the various natures of the available species in order
make a decision. I was thinking about importing as
the prices here are about 6x US prices and I am not
currently rich. A Cockatiel for example, sells here
for $500 to $800 depending on which shop you go to.
Budgerigars are $75 a pop and a Grey is around $2,500.
I was thinking of a Macaw maybe but I do digress (often
even :p )
So before I hijack your thread completely I better
stop.
Anyway, my point in a nutshell is that if it can be made
advantageous throughout the industry (breeders, retailers,
owners) to form a guild of some kind, and I believe it can
be. Then that would be a much better option than government
regulation if in fact that is what you had in mind when you
brought up a moratorium. It would serve as a long term
solution and I'm a bit anti-government anyway. ;)
--
Jim |
| macawdreams |
Posted - 05/13/2006 : 22:23:20
Hi Jim and a HUGE welcome to you. You make some very good points. So you're from Japan? What type of birds do you own? Are you originally from the US? Again, Welcome!
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
| Tesselator |
Posted - 05/13/2006 : 15:57:53
Sorry, I forgot to sign my post. :D
Jim :p
|
| Tesselator |
Posted - 05/13/2006 : 15:46:20
quote:
Originally posted by Katie and Stanleys Mom
hi Angie!
have you ever been to For the Birds? Do you know Robin? This is my favorite bird store in Vegas...mainly because i love Robin :)
i got Stanley, my DYH there!
Deanna
Love and Scritches, Deanna
Contented wife of 25 years to Mark and Stay at home/homeschooling Mom to
Stella (B&G)
Stanley (DYHA)
Katie (CAG)
Tequila (OWA)
Iris (PBP)
Mouse and Maizy (the wonder Chihuahuas)
Nugget, Neville and Sophie (The poodle pack)and 4 human children: Andrea 22, Jimmy 18, Baxter 15, and Molly 7.
Hi Deanna, Hi all,
Well first let me say I don't think there should be a moratorium
on bird breeding - at least not the type of moratorium that would
suppress further bird breeding for any specific length of time
based on a governmental mandate of any kind. Americans have almost
no freedom as it is now without adding moreh mundane restrictions
to animal breeding than already exist. Using the government to
regulate a failing capitalistic model of business in any segment
of any market is a mistake and a practice already too often utilized.
I do however think that breeders should be made accountable for the
animals they produce. This should be a win win situation where
there is profit taking at each phase. I think it would behoove
breeders to form an international guild (different from a union!)
that could serve to broker both information (logistical, tactical,
and etc.) and product.
For example I happen to know that there's a huge market for mature
birds in Japan. As far as I know foul importation into Japan follows
basically the same set of ethical regulations as the USA.
An adult parrot that is hard to sell in the USA for $200 to $600.00
Sells in Japan for $2,000 to $6,000. Enough to recuperate the costs
of paperwork, shipping, and also make a profit.
But I'm just one man and my access to this kind of information is
very limited. A guild if formed, would have the added benefit of
knowledge sharing among the members of a potentially very large
group. And I'm sure there are many many more opportunities other
than just exporting the animals to a foreign country.
Such a guild if formed, could strengthen its position by not selling
to resellers that refused to support their policies and further
by offering their customers such advantages as the adoption placement
programs that seem to be on everyone's mind here. Additionally,
animal health and care plans could be set up, sold, and/or
distributed though such a guild system where only those animal
hospitals participating in the program would receive the benefits
and business referrals/recommendations from it.
This is the information age. The ease and flexibility of networking
in order to form just the kind of group I'm outlining here has never
required less effort than it does today. Organize, network, make
it a reality. Go in a direction where everyone benefits. Not in the
direction where everyone is hampered, regulated, and disenfranchised
from the few freedoms that Americans have left.
Just my 2 cents. ;)
|
| Suzy |
Posted - 05/11/2006 : 16:37:32
Here is just another reason why breeders should be wary of to whom they place/sell their birds and how much information should be provided to the new bird companion. I took this directly from another chatboard I belong to. Since this message was posted on the "expert" board, I did not feel it was my place to respond. However, I would have responded differently than the moderator did.
hello,cannot somebody help me?my grey is screaming,today even on my shoulder[it was then 9 o'clock pm]and always when
he screams he is trilling and lift his wings to the sides,
i know he wants something,when he looses my sight,
i know he wants me,but when he is with me on my shoulder,
what does he wants then??whatever i do;if i put him in
his cage,walk aruond with him or take him in my arms to cuddle.
he doesent stop screaming!and behave like begging.
like i say,he screams when he looses my sight,and
also in the morning when he hears me,also i wisthle back between he wisthles also but then screaming again.
it keeps going on until i am sitting at table breakfast!
And this is the worstest time,for if my boyfriend still sleeps,
he wakes him up!
my boyfriend said,if it doesent stop soon,
he will give him away!
i want to say;he is now 4 years,i had him since 6 months,
he is screaming since three months,but he is healthy and
gets enough attention,training,and has enough toys wich i
change from time to time.
so, why is he screaming?and what i can do about it???
Please answer quickly,otherwise i maybe loose my baby.
This woman is talking about her boyfriend giving him away. This bird can live longer than the owner and after only 4 years she is allowing a boyfriend to make a decision that will affect the bird for a lifetime and may also have an effect on her for many years--especially if the boyfriend is gone. I think we need to be able to speak out more freely about the responsiblities of bird ownership on these chatboards so that situations like these can be either handled better or avoided.
Thank you Angie for giving this board a forum to speak out without fear of being thrown off the board.
Suzy |
| Sigmundine |
Posted - 05/09/2006 : 08:08:14
Dear Dream Members, I've been in a series of weird accidents and medical emergencies, and have not been able to write lately, but do want to alert you to the fact that I'm making a movie about this very topic! I have submitted questionnaries to some very knowledgeable people in the US, and Angie, appreciate you making a round table discussion about this topic. Anyone who wants to participate please write me at Randi@sweetmarieproductions.com
Marie |
| macawdreams |
Posted - 05/06/2006 : 23:36:02
Thanks Deanna. Next time you come to 'Vegas please give me a call. My schedule is much looser than it was awhile ago when I was busy trying to open up my office. Now I have a lot more time to do bird things. Give me a call, I'd love it if you could stop by to visit the flock and to see their aviaries. :)
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
| Katie and Stanleys Mom |
Posted - 05/06/2006 : 23:09:05
Hi Angie!
I actually live in So. California...in the mountains in a little town called Running Springs but we go to Vegas fairly often...no, not to gamble but to visit bird stores LOL! You really should get over and meet Robin! She is a doll!!! She has a beautiful Catalina Macaw named RIO. I love that guy!!! He is usually there when she is. I might call first before ya venture over there, just to see if she is there. You will love her!
Hugs and scritches, deanna
Love and Scritches, Deanna
Contented wife of 25 years to Mark and Stay at home/homeschooling Mom to
Stella (B&G)
Stanley (DYHA)
Katie (CAG)
Tequila (OWA)
Iris (PBP)
Mouse and Maizy (the wonder Chihuahuas)
Nugget, Neville and Sophie (The poodle pack)and 4 human children: Andrea 22, Jimmy 18, Baxter 15, and Molly 7. |
| macawdreams |
Posted - 05/06/2006 : 01:18:52
Hi Suzy,
There are a couple of small breeders in our group including Phil. I saw him during the bird adoption/pick up and he said it's hard for him to get on line because his eyes are bothering him. :(
Hopefully he will be back soon.
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
| Suzy |
Posted - 05/05/2006 : 23:16:56
Here's another article from the local newspaper. Notice how many birds from the Connecticut group have already been uthanized--this article doesn't detail how many of the Texas birds were "killed" or how. Where do we start? Are there any breeders on this board? I would like to hear from them.
Pesky parakeets triumph
JULIA GLICK; The Associated Press
Published: May 5th, 2006 01:00 AM
Photo1
Enlarge image
DONNA MCWILLIAM/THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Parakeets build a nest at a substation in Dallas last month. It’s not known why they prefer electrical equipment for nests.
DALLAS – Frustrated by parakeets that tirelessly build huge nests on electrical equipment, power companies have tried about everything to stop the cute green birds. They’ve used chemical repellents, lasers and fake predators, and even killed some, to the outrage of bird lovers.
Now a Texas utility is trying a different approach, building a 40-foot platform near electrical towers to lure monk parakeets away from sensitive equipment. TXU Electric Delivery hopes other companies can eventually adopt the idea, but so far the parakeets refuse to leave their original digs.
“They have trees all around them, and now the platform, and yet they prefer the (electrical) switches,” spokeswoman Carol Peters said as about 40 lime-green birds chatted loudly and ignored the new nesting area.
Workers even placed twigs on the platform, but the birds carried the nesting materials back to their old homes.
In Connecticut, the nests have caused as many as 12 power outages and four fires since 1998, said Al Carbone, a spokesman for the power company United Illuminating. Last year, the utility handed about 190 captured birds over to the U.S. Department of Agriculture to be euthanized.
Experts believe the tenacious monk parakeet, a small parrot from South America, entered the U.S. when some birds escaped from shipping crates, probably in the 1960s.
Many states now consider them an invasive species and prohibit people from feeding or caring for the creatures. Colonies have also been found in Illinois, New York, New Jersey, Florida, Virginia, Washington and Louisiana, as well as in Canada.
No one knows for certain why they like to nest at electrical substations and in utility poles. The nests can grow as big as a small car and include multiple compartments for large flocks, said Mattie Sue Athan, a parrot behavior consultant who has written several books on the birds.
But the birds have achieved a loyal following of fans who admire their cleverness and the splash of tropical color they bring to urban areas.
“It is hard to argue with cute, and they are cute and smart and appealing birds,” Peters said. “But they are nesting in equipment that provides an essential service.”
Suzy |
| macawdreams |
Posted - 05/05/2006 : 01:16:55
OMG, Deanna do you live close to 'Vegas? Forgive me if you've already told me. I can't recall my own name sometimes. lol.
YES, I have heard of the store but I have never been there. I asked Donna (Sky the Hy's Momma) and she told me she's been there herself and that it was really nice. I YELLED at her for not sharing! ROTFL.
So now I'm going to go check it out. It's on the other side of town and in a "not so nice" neighborhood but when it comes to birds... "Have bird will travel" so I'm there!
Thank you, thank you, thank you. I'll keep you posted!
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
| Katie and Stanleys Mom |
Posted - 05/04/2006 : 10:51:01
hi Angie!
have you ever been to For the Birds? Do you know Robin? This is my favorite bird store in Vegas...mainly because i love Robin :)
i got Stanley, my DYH there!
Deanna
Love and Scritches, Deanna
Contented wife of 25 years to Mark and Stay at home/homeschooling Mom to
Stella (B&G)
Stanley (DYHA)
Katie (CAG)
Tequila (OWA)
Iris (PBP)
Mouse and Maizy (the wonder Chihuahuas)
Nugget, Neville and Sophie (The poodle pack)and 4 human children: Andrea 22, Jimmy 18, Baxter 15, and Molly 7. |
| MMOXIEE@aol.com |
Posted - 05/03/2006 : 00:59:00
Hi everybody,
Sorry I haven't been around much lately. I was asked to help out at the new TGF aviary. Coincidentally this topic hits very close to home right now, you can read about the birds I am taking care of.
http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/BirdOfTheMonth/
http://www.thegabrielfoundation.org/BirdOfTheMonth/BirdOfTheMonthSingle.aspx?EntryID=569766a9-80ae-4c5a-a666-bde30630ff52
Personally I wont shop at any bird supply stores in my town if they sell birds, I also wont buy supplies online if they breed birds.
take care,
Lindsey |
| macawdreams |
Posted - 05/02/2006 : 15:29:44
Now THAT's a good idea Toy! The one bird store, here in 'Vegas (Perch Pals) that was very reputable is closing. :( The family is retiring. There are a LOT of us who are as sad as can be. Why is it that the good ones close? :(
Suzy, I e-mailed that article to Noelle. That was a REALLY good article. Thank you so much for sharing it!
Angie R.
Macaw Dreams Site Owner
"The future of Macaws starts here" |
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