by Athena&beepbeep'smom » Thu Jun 24, 2010 10:52 am
I agree that it can be a hard line to draw. Yes parrots are supposed to fly, but they're also supposed to live in the wilds of South America and Africa, mate, raise young, make autonomous decisions about diet and activities etc. None of our parrots get to do all of that. That's true. Maybe it's true that none of us have a right to own them at all. Maybe its good that responsible parrot owners do have parrots because our parrots are safer than the ones left to their own devices in the natural habitats that we're destroying. That's really a different argument. Here's what it comes down to to me.
I decided to get a parrot even though it's more than just having another type of pet. No one forced me to get one. I own a basically wild, complex, intelligent animal of my own free will. It is therefore my responsibility to do everything reasonably in my power to provide for her needs and mimic what she would receive in the wild. Can she choose all her own food? No, but it's my responsiblity to offer food that meets her needs and offer her a variety so that she can make some of her own choices. Can she live with her flock? No, but it's my responsibility to put aside my desires and social needs to be her flock and help her socialize. Does she live in a cage and not the South America? Yes, but it's my responsibility to provide as large a cage as possible and take her out of that cage and even out of the house whenever possible. Similarly, with flight it is necessary to keep her safe so I can't let her fly free outside, but I can bird proof my house and be vigilant and use a set list of procedures to ensure her safe indoor free flight. Since it is possible to do it, I must do it. It would be easier not to, sure. But it would be easier to have a cat too. It is possible to keep your bird safe and allow free flight. I've had birds off and on my whole life and have never had so much as a close call. It can be done, so it must be done. They can't breath right, or respond to threats right, or exercise their muscles right without it. And if you can't work with, bond with, or train a bird that's flighted, only one that's totally dependent on you, then it may be time to do more research about training and taming methods, not start clipping feathers.