| At first
glance, this seems to be a nice photo of some parakeets in a cage, but look
closer. Note the scarcity of perches, and the fact that there is at least one
other level of birds sitting above the ones you can easily see. There are no
swings, mirrors, or cuttlebones for exercising legs or beaks. Now, look down at
the filth in the bottom of the cage and the brackish water that obviously
hasn't been changed in days.
Aside from being
very unpleasant to look at and obviously to live in, overcrowded cages stress
the occupants. Birds get less food, and must fight for a perch. The cage
becomes dirtier faster.
In all the
droppings, dirty food, and splashed water, bacteria multiplies rapidly. Birds
can become ill very quickly and still go home with unsuspecting consumers.
Generally, by the time the new pet guardians realize there is a problem, it is
too late for the bird.
Not only does the
family have the heartbreak of losing a new pet, but they may also become ill
from handling it.
 Pet Stores: NOT for the
Birds!
Dr. Bob's All Creatures Site guide to Zoonotic
Diseases
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