Barb, this is so true. As we have owned several pet birds and helped maintain an aviary for my brother, we have seen the abuse. I think this is why I am now just feed the wild birds. We raised birds at one time and there are so many predators, that it broke my heart to lose one. We had chickens, ducks, geese, parrots, and a pet starling. It was a wonderful experience but I don't think I could do it now. My 2 very favorite birds flew away. It was my fault, I had neglected to check and see that Quipper's wings had grown out enough for him to fly. The other little blue love bird named Pete was in Wilson's care when he put him on the porch, forgetting that Pete could open his cage door. He could open it and he would close it behind him when he went back inside. I have written a story about that little wonderful Love Bird. Quipper was a Quaker, then we had a Mustached parakeet named Alex and a couple of parakeets. We raised cockatiels as I have told you. They were so loving. We had a starling named Jake, wonderful experience. I never really approved of the way my brother raised his exotic birds but he did pretty good with them and he loved them dearly. It was a good sideline of his accounting business. So many people are excited about getting a pet bird and then realize they are like taking care of a child and become disillusioned. Also, we make stupid mistakes with birds especially. I guess I just hate cages now. It is the same with a dog or cat. Don't get one unless you are equipped to take care of them. I do not like it when people drop them off here. We can take dogs to the city pound but they will not take cats - that is if you could catch them. We have 2 males hanging around now. We did find a home for the kitty that took up here and the one we called Cat. At least Cat will get fed but I think the kitty is going to be a housecat. :-) Guess you hit me at the right time to talk but I have to go for now. Thank you for all your support and love for these animals. Hugs, Sara
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