Freedom

 In New Delhi, India, a high court acknowledged that birds have the fundamental right to live with dignity and to fly freely without being trapped in a cage and subjected to cruelty.
1The decision was made regarding a case in which a number of birds were rescued from a man who was keeping them in small cages and selling them for profit.
Justice Manmohan Singh expressed that instead of being allowed to fly free, they were “exported illegally to foreign countries without availability of proper food, water or medical aid. I am clear in mind that all the birds have fundamental rights to fly in the sky and all human beings have no right to keep them in small cages for the purposes of their business or otherwise,” the judge said.
(Photo by Jim Bendon)
Jim BendonAs much as I adore my budgies and love their companionship, I would prefer that they lived in a world where they were free. I know that with me they are free from hunger, drought and predators, yet when Cooper looks out the window, I can’t help but feel guilty that she will never know what it is like to take to the sky. This is one of the reasons why we no longer buy from breeders or pet shops, and now adopt.
I know there are  many bird owners out there who adore, pamper and give their birds the very best of care. But there are just too many who mistreat, neglect and abandon their pets. Perhaps someday all birds will no longer be born in captivity and will be able to fly freely. Wouldn’t that be lovely…
(Photo by Jim Bendon)
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Free Flight

We visited the Free Flight Bird Sanctuary on Saturday. Here are just some of their beautiful birds (most of whom only wanted to be photographed from their right side).

African GreyagYellow Naped AmazonynCockatoocockatooMacawssm1bmacm2mIf you’re considering adding a big (or tiny) bird to your family, please adopt! There are so many wonderful birds out there who need loving homes.

…bring May flowers.

                                                          Sakura Chihayasakurachihaya                                                      Laurence Philomene4f3826a141554ae5e21802e5063404cb                                                                     lay-ra47c0fa056555a61373471b5cdbaeea8                                                                   Kevinsbirds90b00a5c7f61c7c4ee14bda6bd94bd57                                                             Quim Granellquimgranell                                                              Total Worldtotal world                                                     Apronhead – Lillyapronheadlily

April showers…

                                                                sataikasiasataikasia                                                                      ?bird-Parakeet-Shower                                                                      ?shower                                                                    ?e0bc9a0100a0149b729acde4c8127e64                                                     Bahti the Budgiebahti

#SkipTheGift #Easter

Every Spring hundreds of pets such as birds, rabbits, hamsters, chicks, and more, are abandoned by families who tire of them after the thrill of Easter Sunday is over. Cooper is helping NUBS (www.houseofnubs.org) to spread the word to “skip the gift” of pets as Easter presents.skipthegiftcooperBy posting the hashtags #skipthegift and #Easter into your facebook newsfeed today (March 29) between 4:00 – 8:00pm CST, you can join with hundreds of others to get the word out to thousands, and maybe even millions, of Facebook users.cooperskipthegift1It’s easy – just type #SkipTheGift  #Easter in your facebook newsfeed today, and help to spread the word!

Thanks, from Cooper and Nubs : ).

Free Flight Flock

Last Sunday we attended the Free Flight Bird Sanctuary holiday sale. It’s always nice to visit with the birds.

Eclectus parrot – male,eand female.feA very friendly Sulfur Crested Cockatoo.cA case of feather plucking. c2I wish that birds were not kept as pets. In a perfect world…

These sun conures were adorable.conureAnother case of feather plucking. In the cage next door was this bird’s mirror image. It’s heartbreaking to see. I’m glad that these birds found their way to Free Flight. I hope that they will be adopted by someone who will give them the love and care they deserve.fpBlue and Gold and Scarlet Macaws.mEnjoying a walnut.nutGoffin cockatoo – Let me out!gofWhite Bellied Caique.wbcAfrican Grey.agMexican Red-headed Amazon.mrhYellow-crowned Amazon. Wouldn’t it be lovely if he/she were flying free?ycaI fell in love with the cockatiels. Wanted to take this one home…tielSome weird looking birds…koiI always walk away from Free Flight with mixed feelings. I’m glad a refuge like this exists. I hate to think of where these beautiful birds would end up without it. Taking care of a bird is quite an undertaking and ownership should not be taken lightly. Birds need love and attention, exercise and entertainment. They should not be stuck alone in a cage all day with no companionship or toys to play with. I hope that anyone who would like a bird as a pet first considers adopting an abandoned bird in need of a loving home.

My budgies bring me great joy. And I know there are many devoted bird owners out there. People who love, spoil and cherish their birds. But I would rather there be no pet stores or breeding at all if it would cease the mistreatment and neglect of these wonderful, intelligent creatures.

What do you think? bgm