From The Squawking Macaw
written by Bob Kaegi
Over the past weeks and even years there has been a battle between us in the Avian Rescue Community and the Bird Breeders who continue to add more to the problem we are already aware of, and that is the overpopulation of parrots in the Pet Trade. A battle I may add which we in the rescue community are losing. Some may ask why we are not reaching them. Why are they not hearing us? Some of the answer is Greed, Selfishness, and simply, choosing not to look around and see the devastation they are causing. But there is another reason, one that is more destructive than the breeders themselves.
What could it be?
The answer can be found in what is happening within our own community. The division caused by one or more of these groups who do something that another group or individual doesn’t agree with. There are too damned many who feel they are the self appointed God’s of the Avian Community. There is no right or wrong way of doing things as long as the basics are followed. Proper diets, clean housing, vetting, safe enrichment, home inspections, education, and happy adoptions. As long as all the proper care is being given, what is really all the damned fighting really about?
I have talked too many of those in the “community” and they all agree the problem is simple….. Egos.
There are also too many who think that their way is the only way, or that their vet is the only proper vet. If you don’t follow their “Godly like advise” they will spew venom, and degrade you in whatever manner they can. Mind you there are those who may deserve some chiding because they are simply cons, who are no better than some of the breeders themselves.
Some perform Rescues, off the radar because of those who think they have to know everything that is going on in the community, or are entitled to know everything. Simply put, if they are not controlling it, they will be out to destroy it, along with anyone who supports or is involved in it. I call this Avian Terrorism. Sadly it has become a very real thing.
THIS IS THE REASON WE ARE LOSING THE WAR AGAINST BREEDERS!!!!!!
Many are so busy fighting WITHIN the Community they can’t focus on what really matters. Who would take anyone seriously if they are talking negatively about their own? Hell I wouldn’t…
It is only when WE can truly come together as a community, quit fighting with each other can we focus on the problem at hand. Hell those who are the paid professionals that don’t have our background with exotic birds look at us as a joke because we are too damned busy cutting each others throats. There isn’t a day I don’t read something negative about someone, by someone else or another group who is doing something wrong according to someone else….
We need to fix what is broken with ourselves, before we can make an effort to fix what is broken with anyone else.
There are so many hard working individuals and groups out there doing the “Good Work” and it pains the rest of us seeing them attacked for what? Doing what others preach about, but yet set on the sidelines and comment negatively about. Yes, that is the way to make friends and influence others in a positive manner.
Is it not enough when those who are trying to learn are jumped on and attacked for asking a simple question? But when someone steps up to help another bird, or birds they are attacked for doing such. It is no wonder they will not reach out for help.
We have no chance at winning the war outside of our own community until we can quit fighting amongst ourselves. We are all different in our making, and thinking. We will not always agree on everything that we do, or even how we do it. But as long as the focus is on the mission (i.e. the birds) and we are following the basics for their proper care, what does any of this matter from within?
I’d rather be focusing on the breeders, and groups who still continue to promote breeding, for the pet trade, instead of conservation, and caring for what already exists in the many Rescues and Sanctuaries. That is the battle worth fighting………..
Nothing else really matters… Or should matter.
Squawking Macaw 2015
Disclaimer: As the author of the Squawking Macaw the sharing of the material is allowed, but by doing so it is NOT a promotion, of any group, person or product. It is to be used for educational purposes only in its entirety. The Squawking Macaw does not endorse any entity other than that in the content for purposes of the article.
Feathered Angels 