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AIBU?

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Original poster

Birds in cages?

50 replies

pomdownunder1 · 02/09/2020 22:16

I'm currently nannying for a family that have two birds as 'pets' in a cage in their kitchen. Yeh it has a few sticks in, a swing, a mirror and some other bits, but I just can't help looking at them thinking 'you poor things'. Surely birds aren't meant to be caged up? What makes it worse is they can see all the other birds outside flying about. I asked if they ever let them out and they said 'no, they're scared they won't be able to get them back in'.

Thoughts? Is there such an animal as a 'cage bird'? 😢

OP posts:
TheHappyHerbivore · 02/09/2020 22:19

No, that’s very cruel. It’s totally abnormal behaviour for a bird - it prevents them from being able to engage in one of the most natural behaviours to them Sad

Original poster
pomdownunder1 · 02/09/2020 22:22

@TheHappyHerbivore

No, that’s very cruel. It’s totally abnormal behaviour for a bird - it prevents them from being able to engage in one of the most natural behaviours to them Sad
My thoughts exactly. So cruel but it does seem to be common, especially here in Australia 😢
OP posts:
AlternativePerspective · 02/09/2020 22:23

I used to own an African grey parrot.

While he had a cage he spent very little time in it. However when I fell ill four years ago I could no longer give him the freedom he needed partly because I was in and out of hospital etc on a regular basis.

So I reluctantly rehomed him but not to a domestic home, he now lives in the Lincolnshire wildlife park, in an aviary with hundreds of other parrots.

If you’re going to keep birds they should have as much freedom as you can provide for them, and if you can’t then you shouldn’t have them. IMO.

Original poster
pomdownunder1 · 02/09/2020 22:25

That's very thoughtful of you, I'm sure he's enjoying his time with his new mates!

OP posts:
greybuttons11 · 02/09/2020 22:25

Very cruel

WhatILoved · 02/09/2020 22:27

I thought most people who owned birds let them out every day for an hour or so at least. Longer for parrots. I would if I owned them. However speaking to a lady at local pet shop, she said parrots don't actually fly for great distances at a time in the wild.

You could say the same thing for hamsters, rabbits, rats and house cats.

Ohyesohyeah · 02/09/2020 22:27

Don't go to Bali Sad

Original poster
pomdownunder1 · 02/09/2020 22:33

@Ohyesohyeah

Don't go to Bali Sad
I have been Sad will never forget those poor horses on Gili T, will never understand the tourists who make them carry their bags and their families around the island
OP posts:
ChickensMightFly · 02/09/2020 22:38

I had a budgie who was hardly ever in his cage, spent all his time flying and chatting with us on our shoulders etc. He was so happy. If we went out for the day he couldn't wait to get out... Can't imagine how sad a bird would be permanently caged. 😢
Do they buy free range hens eggs?

MsWonderful · 02/09/2020 22:39

Tbh I don’t think people should keep birds as pets. The bird having its birthright of freedom flying around in a tropical paradise taken away is just 🤯

ChickensMightFly · 02/09/2020 22:42

I think any pet owner had a duty to provide a good quality life for their animal. If you are going to deprive a creature of its freedom and ability to care for itself you should give it a decent life. Our snake likes his regular outings, we let him explore the stream, field and bask in the sun. He is a healthy happy snake, able to use his body and express his instincts in as natural a way as you could imagine (but without the risk of predators).

Leaannb · 02/09/2020 22:42

@MsWonderful

Tbh I don’t think people should keep birds as pets. The bird having its birthright of freedom flying around in a tropical paradise taken away is just 🤯
Most pet birds were born in captivity. No way in the world they could survive by themselves
Shizzlestix · 02/09/2020 22:44

I hate it. Poor birds. There are parakeets here and it’s amazing to see them flying round.

somm · 02/09/2020 22:47

I don't think any bird should ever be caged. They have wings for a reason. Animals born and living in captivity won't survive in the wild, but that doesn't make it right for birds to live out their lives in cages.

WhatILoved · 02/09/2020 22:51

Interested to know if people who think it's cruel also feel same about hamsters, rabbits etc, surely it's the same? I know people who keep budgies and they are out of cage when someone is in the house. I thought this was the norm?

NotEverythingIsBlackandWhite · 02/09/2020 22:52

Surely birds aren't meant to be caged up?
Neither are animals but we cage them in zoos and safari parks in the name of education.

I used to have budgies who I would allow to fly around the lounge. On nice summer days they would be in their cage on the patio. Obviously you can't let them out outside as other birds will attack them. Mine went to live in an aviary in a garden centre because we had a dog (a gundog 😂) who used to sit in wait for them. We used to go and see them at the garden centre and they were very happy flying in the large aviary with other birds.

If they are kept safe and have plenty of room then I think it's okay but if they are just locked in a cage, I don't think that would be a happy life for them.

Original poster
pomdownunder1 · 02/09/2020 22:53

@ChickensMightFly yes they do buy free range! They also have a dog that they never walk either. I've just started taking it out. Also seems to be quite a common thing here 😕

OP posts:
userxx · 02/09/2020 22:53

Birds in cages is just wrong. I hate it passionately.

ChickensMightFly · 02/09/2020 23:02

I think many pets are given crap lives. I hate that humans do this. I do think our budgie was truly happy as he was bred in captivity and had a busy lively social life with stacks of exercise and attention. You could see when he was happy and not. I wouldn't have an animal if I couldn't give it a good life. I appreciate the point of view of people who think a caged bird is always bad, I don't agree with the always bit (but often or even usually, definitely), but prefer that than those who think it doesn't matter or don't think at all. Humans are just awful though and do cruel things out of laziness, ignorance and thoughtlessness all the time. I'm ashamed to be human often.

MsWonderful · 02/09/2020 23:03

@Leaannb IMO it’s wrong to create an animal purely to be in captivity and dependent on humans. They still have instincts.

ChickensMightFly · 02/09/2020 23:04

[quote pomdownunder1]@ChickensMightFly yes they do buy free range! They also have a dog that they never walk either. I've just started taking it out. Also seems to be quite a common thing here 😕[/quote]
Their principles aren't even consistent then are they. 🙄

Popfan · 02/09/2020 23:07

I hate birds in cages, it's just so wrong.

GreyShadow · 02/09/2020 23:08

I hate that any animal is caged. Hamsters, birds, snakes. It's just awful. :(

Babyroobs · 02/09/2020 23:12

Absolutely awful. I have a friend who has an African grey parrott, he does come out of his cage but it's so unatural.

thefourgp · 02/09/2020 23:13

It is cruel to keep pets in cages. I got a hamster for my kids a couple of years ago because I had one when I was a child. I never thought of it when I first got him but I’ve realised since it’s not right and when he dies we’ll never get another.

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