There is no such animal as a “cage bird.” All caged birds were either captured or captive-bred. No bird was born to be in a cage. In the wild, these beautiful beings are never alone, and if they are separated for even a moment, they call wildly to their flockmates. Many bird species mate for life and share parenting tasks.
Unfortunately, the brilliant colors, speech capabilities, and intelligence of these animals has made them the third-most popular animal companion, with an estimated 10 million birds confined to cages in homes across the country. As a result, many birds do not get the mental stimulation or companionship that they need, and normal bird behaviors—such as flock-calling, biting, chewing, and throwing food—are often unwelcome to unprepared human guardians. The result may be abandoned or isolated birds...
Most birds live in small cages, surrounded by the frightening sounds of many unfamiliar birds. A bird who cannot choose his or her own mate may become depressed, especially if separated from a previous partner. Birds forced to live in small quarters with a “mate” who is not of their choosing may also become aggressive. The frustration and confusion that they experience after being thrust into a cramped environment with a “stranger” is often displayed as “mate aggression,” in which the male mutilates or even kills his female companion.
Birds are meant to fly and be with others of their own kind. Considering that some parrots fly 30 miles per day in the wild, it’s no wonder that confinement can cause birds to have temper tantrums and mood swings.
Hand-raised birds crave affection and companionship, human or nonhuman, and sometimes do not like to let their human companions out of their sight. They don’t understand the separation that occurs when their human companions out of their sight. They don’t understand the separation that occurs when their humans go to work or, worse, on vacation. These fears can compromise birds’ immune systems, and they may succumb to sickness or death.
1 comment:
phew... never thought so much abt caged birds!! your article will make people understand the INDIVIDUALITY that such small creatures have just like humans and will also help people understand that birds too have mood swings and all.. it was very informative really.. well, it has definitely helped me understand the above said things cause i was not much into thinkin about caged birds...
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