News
Raising Awareness of Exotic Bird Adoptions
January 21, 2009, 11:20AM MT
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ASPCA and Avian Welfare Coalition team up in recognition of National Bird Day
ASPCA and Avian Welfare Coalition team up in recognition of National Bird Day
By Barbara J. Koll, Best Friends Network Volunteer
In recognition of National Bird Day on January 5, 2009, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals announced it’s partnership with the Avian Welfare Coalition to improve the life of birds at shelters nationwide and raise awareness of the plight of captive exotic birds.
The two organizations are working to increase the resources available to shelter organizations so that they can better provide the special care and life time placement needs of birds. They want to make sure shelters have all of the information they need to care for exotic birds within a shelter setting.
Many people who adopt exotic birds are not aware of the level of commitment required to care for their new pets. They think all the bird will require is a cage and some bird seed and don’t take into account the noise and the mess (dust and dander). Caring for birds takes much more time than caring for dogs and cats – and they require almost constant attention and don’t do well with small children. The failure to understand the commitment required when adopting a bird (which may outlive it’s owner) leads to a large number of birds being surrendered to shelters or rescue organizations.
The ASPCA has a guide entitled “Captive Exotic Bird Care: A Guide for Shelters” The AWC offers a workshop for shelter staff and volunteers on the care of exotic birds. The AWC Shelter Outreach Program page on the website provides more information on the shelter guide and the workshop program. Contact AWC to schedule a workshop for your shelter. Click here for more resources available from the AWC.
For more information:
• National Bird Day
• Feathered Friends Forever
• Wild Friends at Best Friends
• Parrot Garden (Best Friends Network Community
• ASPCA’s Top Ten Ways to Keep Your Bird Safe from Kitchen Dangers
• ASPCA General Bird Care Tips
Photo courtesy of MorgueFile.com.