Editor – I read with interest and, dare I admit, absolute delight about the Indian ringneck parrots visiting a garden in Bedfordview.
Although I do understand the implications of these noisy and destructive birds being in the wild, I cannot help but be so happy for them.
You see, these birds and many alien species like them are specifically bred for the pet trade, for one reason only, money.
Parrots are bought because they can sit on your shoulder and they can talk.
These creatures are highly social, highly intelligent and are capable of the most amazing and beautiful thing, the freedom of flight.
The sad reality is that a huge percentage of pet birds end up sitting in a room on their own, or covered with a blanket, or in a garage.
They are jailed for life in cages so small that they will never be able to stretch out both their wings and over time, won’t even know they can fly.
Unfortunately, the novelty of a bird in a cage wears off quickly.
They are noisy, messy and bite.
Too many birds spend their days alone, in dirty cages with no interaction, toys or even sunlight.
They are fed sunflower seed when someone remembers and are shouted at regularly because the noise never stops.
Many owners hold on to these unwanted pet birds purely because of the money they paid for them and only the lucky ones get out one day and escape.
Until the breeding of exotic birds for money stops, this problem will not go away.
The few parrot sanctuaries that exist are bursting at the seams with unwanted and abused birds due to the pet trade.
I cannot help but smile when I hear the noisy flock of Indian ringnecks fly past my house each afternoon, because they are free.
They are the ones that got away.
Please don’t ever buy a pet bird.
Bird Lover.
