Most of MA & NH have been paralyzed by a nasty ice storm so getting bird supplies is limited. I went to a small pet shop up the street that I never usually go to. I wanted to pick up a little finch house but I was horrified at how filthy the cages were in this shop. I asked the shop owner who was in charge of caring for the birds because the cages were appallingly filthy. In this one cockatoos cage there was a slice of pizza at the bottom of cage covered with $%^*! The bird had one rotten looking chain toy.He told me that they were "boarders" staying there because of the ice storm. HUH? What the %$^&!?! They don't clean the boarders cages?!?!
I told him I was concerned with the welfare of the birds because it was disgusting and he had better clean those cages up. He appeared to be embarrassed.
I don't get it?!?! I board birds in my house!. (?)
The first thing I do for the boarder is do a complete cleaning of the cage. Twice a day I change their paper, wipe their perches and change their water/food. It takes me less effort for me to do this rather than take a chisel to scrape all the hard food and crap off the perches and floor.Plus all that dried up crap,food and feather dust is a bloody health hazard!!!!!!!
Yes, I charge more for boarding than the pet shop and I require a vet check. I don't just keep the birds in their cages the entire time either. I let the birds out for exercise and make them bird muffins with veggies.
I am just amazed ,and appalled that people would allow their birds to be subject to those conditions!!!
ARGGGGGHH!
thank you for letting me sound off!!!!!!!!
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