Although they are found in lots of households, pet birds often remind people of how being caged or trapped feels like. It seems such a cruelty on the side of men to make pet birds spend so much of their lives confined to a small space. They should be singing in trees and flying up in the sky, not decorate your kitchen or greenhouse. Yet, we keep them indoors because they look colorful, they say some witty words or they sing nicely.

Pet birds are different from this perspective from any other types of pets. Birds cannot turn into man’s companions the way cats and dogs do. It happens so often that pet shop visitors get impressed by a parrot’s ‘hello’ and take it home with them. Yet, such decisions are not in the least based on valid information. Some parrot species can live up to 100 years, and you won’t be there to provide for it. What will happen then?

Can you imagine what it would be like to stay caged for that long? It’s sad, it’s appalling and inhumane. And you are incredibly selfish or ignorant if you think otherwise. We should not have pet birds at all. Let them fly out in the open! Let them charm our lives with chirrups from tree branches. There’s no room for pet birds in a family kitchen. Think again of what you teach your children when you buy them a caged bird. You’re setting a clear example of limitations and captivity.

No flying creature makes good pets. You can’t play or have fun with pet birds. People usually buy them as decorative ’staff’. Instead of taking pet birds, you should go and admire them in the wild where they belong.

The tone of this article has certainly been cynical and critical, but take it as a wake up call. Environmental awareness may start precisely in your family kitchen. Teach your children respect for nature and all God’s creatures. If more people started thinking like this, there would be fewer environment problems and more balance in this world. May you have a wonderful and natural life!