The Parrot Man Part VIII
Private Parrot Whisperer
When asked if he had a Facebook or My Space page, Christopher replied, “Absolutely not.” He is a pretty private person and is known as somewhat of a recluse. “I have an e-mail address, I’ve had it for about four months, and it’s the very first in my life. And I give it to no one, because chances are they will try to contact me.” When he had business cards printed when he was doing massage work, there was no phone number on them!
Dear Parrot Whisperer, I Have This Parrot That…
Christopher says, “Many people haven’t done research before they bought their parrot. They find themselves at the end of their rope with an animal they can barely take care of. In that case, I try to give advice that might make that situation easier. But my preference would be to talk with them before they bought a parrot, and hopefully dissuade them from doing so.”
He adds, “If people really feel that they absolutely need to buy a parrot, there are lots of people out there who need to get rid of perfectly good parrots. And unfortunately, for years to come parrots will be juggled from home to home here in America. At this aviary, we try to educate people that parrots do not make good pets; they should be left in the wild. Dogs and cats have had centuries of selective breeding so that we can have those animals that are best with people. Parrots do not have the benefit of that breeding. They are basically wild animals brought right into our living rooms.”
Even hand-hatched parrots have the instincts of a wild animal. What is Christopher’s advice for someone who wants a parrot? “Look for another animal. Probably 90% of people who get a parrot will want to get rid of it within three years. That is why parrots get juggled around from house to house so much. And every time that happens, it takes a huge emotional toll on the bird. What you end up with are birds that are considered unhandleable. That is where this aviary finds its niche; birds that cannot be handled by anybody else find a home here.”
Stay until tomorrow as the story continues…
To find out more about parrots or to make a donation, please visit the Garuda Aviary website.
Tags: abused parrots, Garuda Aviary, Jetsunma Akhon Lhamo, KPC, Kunzang Palyul Choling, parrot man, parrot sanctuary
