I am asking the experenced bird keepers.
2006-10-16 23:40:57 · 11 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Nothing!!!
2006-10-17 00:30:37 · answer #1 · answered by rocker_girl 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
They gain safety and lose freedom, ethically. But pet birds are not taken from the wild--they are bred in captivity.
Birds shouldn't have been made into pets in the first place.
I do have 2 birds, and have had pet birds for most of my life. I don't buy them from pet stores or breeders--I will not support that. My birds were/are rescues. Although they are housed in a large cage, I keep the door open most of the time so they can fly around as they like.
But--nothing replaces the natural habitat.
2006-10-17 04:41:23 · answer #2 · answered by draws_with_crayons 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If properly cared for, they have longer lifespans in captivity then in the wild, whether they would consider that an asset or not, i dont know. But I think one thing they can gain in companionship and love between bird and human. Some birds such as parrots have the ability of giving alot of love! I have seen a few birds that seemed completley happy with a human friend fussing over them. Some smaller birds such as canaries of finches are very timid, so I would say they would be more happy to be flying freely.
2006-10-17 01:25:10 · answer #3 · answered by jungle_leah 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Interesting question!
I would be quite interested to see this question posted to other sections of the Pet Questions: Dogs, Cats, etc, as well.
I think it depends on how you train them and how commited the human is in taking care of them and making sure their life is an interesting and stable one. Not unlike human children, I guess.
Personally, I think that if mankind had it to do all over again, we never should have begun the practice of keeping companion birds. But it is this way and has been for thousands of years.
Working as a Consultant in the industry, I have seen both ends of the spectrum: from the most miserable conditions to the most amazing and plush bird set-ups. It all depends on the humans who keep them.
Companion parrots only know the life they lead with their human flock and just like any family, it can be a strong unit or a dysfunctional one.
I would describe my 3 parrots' lives as fun, interesting and full of variety and learning.
Last weekend, I took my parrots to visit some friends -about a two hour drive away, and we stayed for 4 days. They got to hang with other birds, and intereact with another family. They spent time out on a sunny screened-in porch by a pool and watched 4-foot tall cranes walk into the yard to feed.
They are regularly taught behaviors and spend the majority of the day on tree-like play gym stands, with lots of toys and puzzles to play with. They have friendships with many people who visit them regularly to play and give them attention. They are showered regularly, are on a wonderful diet, and enjoy showing their behaviors or "tricks" to people to earn treats.
Their lives are varied, interesting and they are very healthy. They are not biters and will step up to anyone if they are introduced.
My birds also occasionally make appearances at local schools and after-school programs.
They have a full, happy and interesting life.
This is not so for many birds, but it should be that way for all of them.
Since they have no survival skills, companion parrots cannot be set free. I loathe the idea of poaching wild birds for the pet trade, and I would rather see all the birds available for adoption be placed before breeding any more.
But I feel that there are so many human children that need homes as well. However, this is not going to stop the desire for babies of either species.
All in all, I believe the way to a better life for companion birds is through educating the humans: Both in the care and training of companion birds, as well as the realities of keeping them.
Despite the fact that I am a huge advocate for placing rescued and relinquished parrots in adopting homes, I spend a lot of time talking people out of acquiring a parrot if I don't think they realize what an enormous responsibility and massive challenge it is.
Keeping companion parrots is not for everyone. But if you are commited, and are willing to educate yourself, the life of a companion parrot can be an enjoyable, full and interesting one.
2006-10-17 01:37:39 · answer #4 · answered by Phoenix 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
An Easy life. I am a falconer, and falconry only works because birds of prey are lazy. They live with us in a circumstance that they don't have to hunt every day and if they do hunt and don't kill they still get fed, if they are sick we treat them if they are injured we help them heal, in the wild such complaints would result in a dead bird.
Like we get stupid people we get stupid animals. If a bird is a bit slow on the uptake we can work with them till they get it right, if they don't learn to hunt straight away in the wild they starve.
When falconry began we took birds from the wild and "tamed" them and they still returned once they had killed, and it still works today.
If i offered you double your wage for less hours in an easier job you would take it up immediately, this is what we do with the birds.
It is more like a business partnership than hawk and master.
2006-10-17 12:09:52 · answer #5 · answered by Aquila 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Safety from predators like raccoons and cats.
Shelter from the extremes of outdoor weather.
Food and Water that they don't have to search for.
Vet visits for sick birds (how many vets make house calls to the third pine tree to the left nowadays?).
Care in their old age. Old age comes much quicker in the wilds than in a home.
Human Love and companionship (though I don't know as birds care about that).
2006-10-17 05:24:58 · answer #6 · answered by donamarie_1 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
A stable food supply, safety from predators, socialization, and a long and happy life.
Kept birds live much longer than wild birds (It varies by species) and all of mine were very happy birds.
2006-10-17 06:58:50 · answer #7 · answered by Robin D 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do dogs, cats, horses, reptiles, hamsters, mice, and every other animal kept in captivity gain from being kept. Its not a one way street, all animals gain diffferent things from being kept in the home, but to their knowledge they don't know any better for the most part.
2006-10-19 00:34:06 · answer #8 · answered by acekingsuited83 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If they are treated good and kept entertained with toys and companionship then we become their mates, but to lock them away in a cage, they gain nothing.
2006-10-17 02:12:35 · answer #9 · answered by DDav 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I don't know, my sister in law has two canaries, I think birds belong outside
all they gain in a cage is food, water & a clean home
2006-10-17 00:00:46 · answer #10 · answered by start 6-22-06 summer time Mom 6 · 0⤊ 3⤋
food, water, saftey, family, a home.
2006-10-17 02:24:03 · answer #11 · answered by Perth-beachbabe15 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋