Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!ut-emx!tivoli!lark
From: lark@tivoli.UUCP (Lar Kaufman)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: Behavioral Problems - Macaws
Summary: aversion therapy: abuse or training
Message-ID: <155@tivoli.UUCP>
Date: 1 Nov 90 18:38:52 GMT
References: <1990Oct31.174425.13520@cs.ucla.edu>
Reply-To: lark@tivoli.UUCP (Lar Kaufman)
Distribution: na
Organization: Tivoli Systems Inc., Austin, TX
Lines: 36

Yeah, I bet it _is_ quiet over at that trainer's concentration camp for 
birds.  Several comments.  First, the greater macaws and amazons are very 
intelligent birds.  I guess if such techniques work on, say, Patty Hurst, 
they will work on one of these birds.  But (let me be perfectly clear 
about this) IT WOULD BE WRONG.  A person who is not prepared to accept 
and accomodate the natural behavior of a bird should not have one as a 
pet (or companion).  Sure, you can modify behavior in small matters and 
with respect for the animal's intellect and personality, but if you want 
dog-like behavior, I respectfully submit that you want a dog for a pet.

Second, hyacynth macaws are rare birds.  I consider them a threatened 
species.  It would be wrong to impose behavioral patterns that might 
impair the ability to court and establish a pair bond with a compatible 
mate.  I am aware that the survival of a number of bird species may lie 
with successful captive breeding programs by aviculturists, so I have 
no objection to one's keeping such birds.  However, the "owners" of rare 
and endangered species have a responsibility to propagate them.  If the 
owner of this macaw wants an obedient pet, she should take her bird to 
an experienced, established aviculturist and exchange her for a less-rare 
animal.  Every hyacynth macaw in captivity is too valuable not to be kept
for breeding.

A side note.  Support captive breeding (and limit bird abuse and loss of 
indiginous populations) by buying birds that were hatched in captivity. 
These can be identified by their seamless metal legbands and proper, 
verifiable papers.  Leave the wild stock for professionals.  The captive-
hatched birds are much better adapted for life with humans, anyway.

(Sorry for the preachy tone - I know it's not your bird - but this is 
a very important issue in birdkeeping.)

-lar

PS as a general observation, I can guage the health and happiness of my 
birds by the raucousness of their calls.  Prolonged silence is an 
indication of an unhappy or ill bird.