So, I'm in petsmart yesturday, browsing for some toys while I was doing my laundry down the street. I ran into a couple I knew from when I used to manage the Blockbuster in town. They were buying fish. When they saw me with bird toys in my hand, the girl proceded to tell me what "disgusting creatures" birds were and the guy tells me he only likes it when they say dirty words... I swear they went on for 15 minutes before I gave up on trying to convince them otherwise. How can people be so closed-minded? and rude for that matter.

Sight unseen, I am going to like an animal better than a person. Sometimes I am pleasantly surprised by being wrong!

Sounds like it is a good thing that they were buying fish, about the only "hands off" pet. Kinda makes you wonder though if the tank is
ever cleaned or if they let it get real nasty.

I think it takes a special person to appreciate birds. Parrots will never be controlled and only a
special person will be content with having an "equal" relationship with them.

Pay them no mind. Anyone who can comment on ANY creature like that is closed minded. Their loss.......

well there's one less person we have to worry about getting a bird and then not wanting it.

It is frustrating that people don't understand. I remember when we first got Jerry the first thing out of my sister in law's mouth was, "You better be careful, birds carry so many diseases and I know someone who knows someone who handled a bird and is now BLIND!" The birds are the cleanest animals/humans in my house!!

i don't even bother.... a lesson that i learned from other situations as well (let me only mention that a lot of austrians are very, very closed minded). just let them be if you can tell that there's no point in trying to explain yourself, and maybe you can even feel sorry for them for missing out on the wonderful experience of living with fids....

yes this is a plus.

this intrigues me, when I hear silly things like this I always ask what disease, which science journal has it been recorded in etc. I think people talk out of fear not knowledge.

this intrigues me, when I hear silly things like this I always ask what disease, which science journal has it been recorded in etc. I think people talk out of fear not knowledge.[/quote]


Its Poopyitis! It scares lots of people away...

Smile politely and be on your way when dealing those kinds of people. People like that aren't going to listen to reason, but someday they might learn by your example. If they see you very often, they're likely to eventually see the care and love you lavish on your birds, and you may eventually be able to teach them, without seeming to do so, that all creatures, including the birds we love so well, have a value other than the entertainment they can provide us with their words and actions. You could talk them to death with your reasons for why they're incorrect in their assumptions, and they won't listen, probably. Most people, however, watch. When they watch, they sometimes pay attention, and they can learn a lot. If they're interested in what you're up to, they'll pay attention. The key is to get them interested, and that's something you will probably only be able to accomplish by setting a good example.