Would you say it is cruel to keep reptiles/birds as pets?

Question

Do you think they should stay in the wild? Is it cruel to take them away from their natural environment?
Or Is it a good thing to keep them as pets to protect them in your care, away from the predators or danger that they would encounter in the wild?
After all at least as a pet they would always have food, rather than go without as they would have to in the wild if they couldn't hunt or find any.
And as a pet they would get that extra something - love.
What are your views?

I myself think its cruel to keep any bird in a cage as they are born to fly free. Unless of course you have a big enclosure for them and lots of love.
Reptiles on the other hand, well i own 3 and they all have big enough enclosures, that are full of plants/logs etc as i try to imitate thier natural environments in the best way i can.

Feng ning, I am 18 years old and a very responsible pet owner and for your information i already do have a dog, and a cat for that matter. And do you not think fish are wild animals? In your oppionion aren't they intended to live in lakes, oceans, not aquariums, huh? You need to think more before you speak.

I am against animals being SNATCHED from the wild and then threw into captivity. But being bred is different (as one of you stated), they do not know what is is like to be in the wild, so they would not be missing anything because they haven't experianced anything to miss. They would not be able to fend for themselves in the wild Etc...
Thanks for all the feedback so far, some good answers. :]

Answer 1

A lot of birds and reptiels come from a pet store and those animals are not use to taking care of themselves at all, if you threw them outside they would die. So for the ones who are breed to be pets then no its not cruel. But if you where to go outside and take a bird or mouse and try to keep as a pet then yes that is very cruel. I work for an animal hospital and some of these animals could not make it on their own ever. I use to have 4 cockatiel birds and we would let them fly around the house sometimes and most people with big birds like Mcaws and pariots let them sit outside of their cages on perches and they love just to do that. So not its not cruel as long as they where breeded to be pets.

Answer 2

most of the animals in pet stores and the ones being distributed are captive breed and have never stepped foot in the wild. yes in the begining it was cruel but these birds and reptiles have been breed in captivity for years, if you take one home study the country first and replicate that habitat.

Answer 3

Keeping reptiles as pets is not cruel if you have done your homework, where they come from is... captive bred pets are ok but many reptiles are still taken from the wild. If you love reptiles only purchase them from an approved supplier who can show documentation to prove the pet you are purchasing has been bred in captivity otherwise you are funding the extinction of the animals you love.

Answer 4

ok, here's my slant on this.
I'm a zookeeper. I work with birds.
Firstly, almost all pets you buy are bred in this or other European countries. They have never seen "the wild". Nowadays, it is illegal to take animals from "the wild".
Secondly, you must understand why birds fly. Birds do not fly for the thrill of flying, or for the sheer enjoyment of being free. They fly because they have to. It takes a lot of energy to fly, and birds would rather not do it if they didn't have to.
So, keeping a bird in a cage is not cruel. As long as it is cared for, has plenty of food and water, and some stimulation, then it is quite happy to sit on a perch and not fly. Boredom is a higher intelligence phenomenon. Most birds do not get bored, and will just sit happily sit still when there is nothing to do.

Answer 5

I own a Ducorps Cockatoo. He and I share the same love that you would find with a cat, dog, or other domestic animal. He's got a nice size cage, but spends the majority of his time out of it. When I am home, his door gets opened and he's out. He doesn't cruise around the house, although he is free to do so. Whenever I put on my fuzzy robe, he thinks it's snuggle time - which he gets plenty of! I think both of our lives are better with each other in it. There's a difference between having a pet that you interact with and something that's just a showpiece not to be touched. A Ducorps is a very rare, expensive bird. But to me, he's just Beaker.

Answer 6

If the animal originated from the "wild", then it should be returned to the "wild". It is cruel to keep a truly "wild" animal as a pet - and it is against the law in most places.

However, if the animal has been breed by a responsible breeder, then the animal will be a wonderful pet. Turning loose this type of animal would be cruel, as it does not know how to "fend" for itself.

Regards, SuzieQ

Answer 7

I think it is cruel, I hate to see birds in cage.,Better to be free and take your chance as nature intended.

Answer 8

i think its fine as long as you can provide the right care and environment, make it as similar to the wild as you can. Otherwise don't bother its cruel

Answer 9

I think its cruel to keep anything in a cage especially birds. They should be free to fly! How would you like it if someone kept you in a cage? ya wouldnt, would ya?
:( sorry! :(

Answer 10

i don`t think it is cruel,just not right to have a living thing caged up.. same as people that get big dogs and chain them to a post on a short chain !!!! not right at all....