Animal Liberation launches Freedom for Birds campaign
THE CAGING OF BIRDS IS CRUEL, ESPECIALLY FOR A COCKATOO WHICH CAN LIVE UP TO 100 YEARS IMPRISONED IN A CAGE.
Caged galahs can live up to 70 years confined to a cage
People buy cockatoos because they are so entertaining. Cockatoos are intelligent and can learn to speak like humans. They also get very attached to one individual. That's what they do in the wild - they bond with one partner for life; but too many end up in solitary confinement for up to 100 years with no mate; lonely and depressed.
Animal Liberation's campaign Freedom for Birds is aiming to free the birds from their cages, especially Australia's most famous bird, the Sulphur-crested Cockatoo.
There is currently no adequate legislation for, or public awareness of, the needs of birds when kept in captivity. All birds deserve humane treatment and the right to fulfilment of their physical and behavioural needs.
TRAPPED FOR LIFE
Nearly all cockatoos and large parrots sold in pet shops have been trapped from the wild. They are extremely difficult to breed in captivity and there is little incentive for aviculturists to attempt to do so, since the birds are so readily available from the wild.
For any bird, life in a cage is unnatural and can cause stress and disease. For the bird trapped from the wild, this stress is greatly increased. Snatched from its life with the flock, the barren cage is indeed a devastating contrast, it is a prison: a convenient method of preventing the escape of an animal that was created for flight. Convenience for the owner overrides the bird's need for biological fulfilment. The result for the bird is a life of boredom, loneliness, sexual frustration and total dependence.
Lack of movement or adequate exercise
Caged cockatoos can live for up to 100 years in an imprisoned existence
Flight is an inbuilt biological function of birds. Cockatoos are strong fliers; Galahs have been recorded as attaining speeds of over 65km per hour and flying distances of over 30km per day in search of food. Yet the standard cockatoo cage is nowhere near the length of a full wing span. The 1997 Animal Welfare Code of Practice No.4, General Requirements 2.1(b) requires freedom of movement and ability to exercise or fly. Any amount of exercise which is less than that normally performed in the wild should be considered inadequate.
Lack of social interaction with other birds
The entire life of most cockatoos and parrots in the wild is spent in the company of their own kind, with all daily activities being carried out in pairs, in small family groups, or in flocks. The pair bond is very strong, with mates remaining together throughout life. In captivity these parrots and cockatoos will usually be kept in solitary confinement, deprived of companionship and the opportunity to form natural relationships and perform natural reproductive functions.
Lack of adequate food and nutrition
Flemington Markets in Sydney
Wild birds eat a variety of foods, including insects and plants. The Sulphur crested Cockatoo has been observed eating over 55 species of plants, including seeds, roots, fruits, berries and flowers. Feeding comprises about one-third of a bird's daily activities. In captivity, the main diet for cockatoos consists of a commercial parrot mix containing only a few seed types.
Lack of natural hygiene
In the wild, birds are subjected to continually changing environmental influences such as sunshine, rain and temperature fluctuations, all of which are essential for proper natural health and hygiene. In captivity a bird may never experience any of these. It may also be subject to dirty perches, food and water troughs.
Lack of adequate protection
In the wild the ability of birds to fly and to seek protection with their flock or amongst vegetation, etc, enable them to escape from predators, unsuitable climatic conditions (rain, heat, cold) or lack of an adequate food source. In a cage a bird is completely helpless and totally at the mercy of its 'owner' for protection.
There can be no doubt that birds in captivity are suffering. This suffering may have to be endured for up to 100 years in the case of a Sulphur-crested Cockatoo, or up to 70 years for a Galah or Corella.
Caging a bird is taking away every freedom. Please help.
Please sign the Animal Liberation petition (download)
Please encourage people not to purchase birds at pet shops or markets.
Please write to your local State Member of Parliament highlighting the problems of selling birds at markets and pet shops. Please highlight that research shows most purchases at pet shops and markets are 'impulsive'. This 'impulse buy' often ends up dumped or ends at the pound. Please also highlight that cockatoos live in their prison-like cages for up to 100 years. Please ask that it be made illegal to purchase wild birds.
If you visit a market where cockatoos are sold - please speak out and complain to the Management.
If you see a bird in a cage at a market or pet shop please contact Animal Liberation on Sydney 9262 3221. Animal Liberation is campaigning to end the sale of birds in cages and animals at markets.
Please write letters to your local newspaper making the point that it is time birds like cockatoos were free and not living a miserable existence for up to 100 years in a small cage; unable to fly or even stretch their wings.
Galahs free to fly
