Arguments for why it is acceptable to keep parrots as pets

[Michael]

Once again their needs for a flock are for protection from predation rather than pure entertainment. We can certainly debate if they require a mate and other birds in their life, however, similar to flying for food, the flock becomes somewhat obsolete in the home environment.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I think the answer is really the same answer as to why it is acceptable to keep animals in captivity, period. I don't see any need to argue the point, really. There will always be people who think you are doing something wrong when you have an animal in your life... and in truth, while bmsweb was being rather harsh, we do keep them because WE get something out of it. I think often we become better people because of the non-human creatures in our lives, and wouldn't that alone "justify" it?

IMO the best argument is to look at the bird, or cat, or dog, or horse, or rat, or ferret, or whatever in question. Are they healthy? Do they display normal behaviors, free from known stress-related behaviors? Do they interact cheerfully and willingly with the humans in their lives? Do they appear to be happy? When compared with their less-restricted relatives, do they seem as, or more, happy and content?

I don't think the average parrot would scream "Freedom!!!!" while being drawn and quartered. If their needs are met, I don't think they sit around worrying about having done it themselves. And they inherently possess integrity, so I don't think they worry about having compromised that in order to achieve a cushy life.

I think our heart of hearts, we know when our pets are happy. If another person won't take our word for it... does that really matter?

[Nathaniel]

Well said

[Rue]

The nice thing about animals is that they, unlike people, don't overthink things...

So if you provide a decent environment for your pet, it should be content and 'happy' (scared to anthropomorphize too much)...

That's why I don't have issues with keeping pets...esp. if they are domestically bred by a knowlegable breeder. I do have an issue with wild caught pets...that's just wrong on so many fronts...

[Azure Hanyo]

I think the answer is really the same answer as to why it is acceptable to keep animals in captivity, period. I don't see any need to argue the point, really....

I think our heart of hearts, we know when our pets are happy. If another person won't take our word for it... does that really matter?

Excellent point!!!!

[pchela]

I think the answer is really the same answer as to why it is acceptable to keep animals in captivity, period. I don't see any need to argue the point, really. There will always be people who think you are doing something wrong when you have an animal in your life... and in truth, while bmsweb was being rather harsh, we do keep them because WE get something out of it. I think often we become better people because of the non-human creatures in our lives, and wouldn't that alone "justify" it?

IMO the best argument is to look at the bird, or cat, or dog, or horse, or rat, or ferret, or whatever in question. Are they healthy? Do they display normal behaviors, free from known stress-related behaviors? Do they interact cheerfully and willingly with the humans in their lives? Do they appear to be happy? When compared with their less-restricted relatives, do they seem as, or more, happy and content?

I don't think the average parrot would scream "Freedom!!!!" while being drawn and quartered. If their needs are met, I don't think they sit around worrying about having done it themselves. And they inherently possess integrity, so I don't think they worry about having compromised that in order to achieve a cushy life.

I think our heart of hearts, we know when our pets are happy. If another person won't take our word for it... does that really matter?

LOL

Well, when I drew and quartered Pippin the other day he did yell "Freeeeeedom!" but he's probably a special case.