Im probably opening a can of big ugly worms here. If you knew someone or simply chatted with someone who you just knew, should not own a bird, would you tell them? What would you say? And then theres the person you kinda know, who displays obvious reasons to raise concern, you try to delicately talk them down, and they still get a bird. And deep down you're thinking, "oh that poor bird". How does one handle this firmly, yet delicately enough to get the point across? It is our job kinda, as experienced bird owners to educate those who know no better right? We have to be the voice for the bird who will end up in the sanctuary, rescue or another bad home. How do we stop the madness?

explains the info about the particular type of bird. how long they live. some of the habits they can take on due to change.show them a book on the particular type of bird. it explains a lot of the good and bad stuff... and just plain ask them i f they are ready for that.

I am new to all this and only have budgies but if they want a bird that bad talk them into starting with a budgie first.... thats the only thing i can think of..
i wish i could be of more help

I don't think the madness will ever stop Leigh . I can see that just by having been a member of these Boards for a few yrs..... Most of these people who are purchasing/getting birds that they prolly or definitely should not be getting - for various reasons are even spurred on by many of the rest of us (I try to stay out of that myself) to just go ahead and get them. Some of us say things like: "Congratulations" or "send/post pics when your new baby/bird gets home" or "How cute" or etc. etc. etc. rather than just being honest & straightforward (for the bird's benefit) by saying something like: "it is NOT a good idea for you to bring home this or that bird in this or that stage of your life". And if one of us who wants to say that does, then we are chastised for doing so by the prospective owner or other Board members (especially if we don't take the time to sugar-coat our words), so we don't bother anymore. People IME rarily listen to good, proven, experienced advice but go with their whims of the moment.

Are you going to talk me out a macaw Leigh? or will you be a bird pusher? It is coming round to our breeding season again, I just may find my baby.

I hear you Joel sometimes I have thought "oh no", I see this bird thrown out real quick. For my own babies I really try screen but I guess pet shops need to stay in business. On 2 occasions on this board I have thought was not such a good idea, and really tried to sway the species etc, did not help much but in the one instance at least not the original cockatoo.

Ill never be a bird pusher! I just worry about the babies and some things I read. People have all the good intention in the world or so they think. The truth is its obvious they can barely care for themselves. But Joel summed it up nicely.

I think all you can do is give people good info. Hopefully if they hear it enough they will take it to heart and use it. I also think it depends on why you don't think they should have a bird. Is it just because they haven't done their research or is because you think they would neglect the bird or possibly abuse it? Everyone was a beginner at one point, maybe people just need encouragement and good examples to follow. When everything is said and done you can't stop someone from getting a bird so I think the best thing to do is give real advice.

We also have to remember that most of us really don't "know" each other at all - I think it can be very hard to tell over the internet what a situation is really like, good or bad. So even if people do give real and honest advice, if the person really wants a bird, or more birds, then they'll most likely not base their entire decision off of what other people online tell them. All we can do is try and supply support and advice either way but no one can make anyone change their mind if they are bound and determined.

i'd have to agree with doyle's mom. the best we can do is pass on information, and hope that others use it. tell them "this is what you are getting into, i hope you are prepared." people will do what they will do. all you can do is guide them along.

plus, it really is hard to say if someone would be a "bad" or "good" owner, even if you know that person very well. that person that you think would be a bad owner may surprise you.

Angie.... I am going to say something openly that I haven't said for a long time (with what I said in my previous post, in mind), regarding MaCaws in general this time. Not directing this at you specifically but to everyone here equally.

First of all, I respect and I have a lot of warm feelings in my heart towards most of the MaCaw lovers/keepers/members here on this Board. Having said that, I want to further say that I don't think anyone that currently owns a MaCaw or wants to own a MaCaw in the future should have or purchase same unless they keep the bird fully flighted with daily adequate flight exercise (the best type of exercise) in a huge enough enclosure (be that inside a safety proofed good-sized room in one's house or better yet, outside in a 20-40ft. or better yet, longer flight). I think they, along with all birds, should get the all important benefits from natural direct sunshine outdoors or from the quality type F.S. Lighting indoors..... I also do not feel anyone should own a loud "noisey" type of bird like that (certain 'TOOS also) and by doing so subject one's neighbors to bird calls/screams that they may be sensitive to. Never IMO should an apt. dweller or even attached condo-dweller own these types of birds. Again JMO.

yes, very much so.