Nate - wonderful poem. Do you know how many calls we get - "my parakeet is on the bottom of the cage - what should I do?" Of course, I tell them they need to get the bird to a vet. I see red when I hear "I only paid $19.95 for him." Perhaps I will keep this poem by the phone to politely read to the unknown caller.

Kathie, I can imagine. How do you respond to that? In my case, not very diplomatically I'm afraid. However, I think we need to lay some of the blame at the feet of the chain stores that sell birds so cheaply, and the factory breeders that turn untamed Budgies out in such numbers. I can feel some sympathy for the struggling family that buys a Budgie knowing nothing of the possible costs beyond that initial affordable $20. Not saying they should be sold for more money, but if they are going to sell them at all, they should be willing to educate potential buyers about what needs to happen if the baby gets sick, and how much it could cost. If it were up to me, I'd be even tougher on those factory breeders. I'd shut 'em down! Then we wouldn't have $20 "disposable" Budgies.