The Squawk About Parrots

Kudos to Mira Tweti for a well-researched, accurate expose of the underside of the exotic bird trade (“Plenty to Squawk About,� July 20). The article correctly reflects both currently known biological and behavioral facts about the inherent difficulties of owning parrots, as well as the exceedingly poor treatment that many, if not most, exotic birds suffer at the hands of well-meaning but naive pet purchasers.

Evet Loewen

Mountain View

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It was not unfair of Tweti to emphasize the role played by retailers and breeders in producing emotionally crippled pet parrots through poor handling and feeding techniques. However, I feel very strongly that the situation will not change for the better unless more of the onus is put on the buyer.

Far too many buyers make impulse purchases of these complicated animals. They do so without any research into whether they can live with a parrot for many years. There is no anticipation of compatibility, the investment of time and money or, most of all, the love and attention that these birds crave and cannot live without. The result is thousands of young parrots that are emotionally dysfunctional. The blame is ours. We must ask ourselves if these needy animals are compatible with our lifestyles and, if so, are we willing or do we have the commitment to love and care for them.

Glenn Helm

La Habra