I happened across this poem today, and it brought tears to my eyes. How wonderful it would be if mankind held all life to be precious and valuable, regardless of market value. Thought I'd offer it here by way of tribute, for all the "cheap birds".

A Cheap Bird's Plea
by Joyce Glass

What is it that my life is worth
How much will you pay
To what extent would you go
If I get ill today?

I know I'm not an expensive bird
My cost is fairly cheap
But what is the price you put on life
For something that you keep?

My wings still spread out the same
My heart still has a beat
So why is it that my cousins
Are the ones you hold so sweet?

I cannot help that I was born
Without a golden egg
Will you still take care of me
Or make me plead and beg?

I rely on you to help me
As I can't do it for myself
Will you take the steps needed
Or just put me on the shelf?

So when you walk by me
Please look me in the eye
If it would come down to it
Would I live or die?

This reminds me of all the poor little budgies and canaries I see in the chain stores when I go to get cat food! I always stand there chatting with the little ones and end up getting a manager and telling them a few things!

cheap birds? Heck, they all cost the same!!!


Thats a good poem.

That's so sad!

Great poem. There are no cheap birds they all steal our hearts.It's too bad more people don't realize that. $19.98 or $10,000 they are all God's creatures and our companions and deserve our love and the best care we can give them.

i wish everybody would everybirdie see the way it simply is - they are ALL precious, independent of the initial purchasing costs.... love the poem though it makes me incredibly sad every time i read it

Same here. Everytime I see a cage full of budgies or finches or canaries I hope and pray that they go to loving homes where they are cherished. It's so sad to think that most will be tossed aside or not properly cared for.

My found little yellow parakeet friend comes to mind at this moment. Makes me sad to think people can be like that.

Yes it does, Sally. I'm so glad you found the little fellow and were able to get him the help he needed.

Everyone is treated the same at our home, price has nothing to with the love we have for our birds.