A Chance To Make A Difference

People have been keeping parrots as pets for many many years. The way we care for them has improved considerably as our knowledge and appreciation of their high intelligence has come into play. Most of us know that these guys need an enriching environment that satisfies the parrot's intelligence, curiosity, emotional and psychological needs. There are still some parrots out there that are kept in the "old way." Probably out of habit and not knowing any better. I think of the Victorian parlor with the small brass birdcage where a parrot would be kept (as part of the decor). Or, I think of how birds are kept in other countries in small hanging cages and no thought given to their needs. This little grey has lived in this tiny cage for 15 years. She has a bell and a chain. She eats seeds. Her cage is hung from the ceiling. She gets ambient attention from the people in her life. She has come to know this way of life and has accepted it as normal. While the "parents" are on a trip, the daughter is "babysitting." The daughter realizes that there is plenty of room for improvement. I am so glad that she called me. She will soon acquire a larger cage and I am working with her to help this little grey girl adapt to a wider world. She is cage bound and toy shy so the changes will have to come slowly. Truly an opportunity to improve the life of this bird. I do not judge people...I just try to make a difference. This appears to be a wild caught grey which gives her a better sense of who she is. Sad? Yes, but stay tuned. Good things are going t0 happen!