Guidelines for Pet Shops

Guidelines for Pet Shops: Birds

From the Avian Protection Society

Birds are very complex animals that are not domesticated. They require very specific care in order to remain healthy and happy. Pet Shop Staff needs to be trained regarding the care of parrots in order to provide customers with healthy birds and accurate information regarding birds. Customers are more likely to purchase healthy birds, who appear well-cared for and happy. Birds will soon be facing euthanasia due to overpopulation. It is irresponsible for pet shops to sell birds to people who are unfit to care for them. It is irresponsible and can be illegal to keep birds in unsanitary and unsafe conditions. Please refer to these guidelines when dealing with birds in your shop.

Housing

*Large birds should be housed in cages at least two to two and a half their wingspan. Smaller birds need much more space to fly. Birds are very active and need the space to get adequate exercise. By housing your birds in large cages, the pet shop encourages the bird buyer to purchase a large cage for his/her bird. Large cages will also promote healthy feathers, which is attractive to customers.

*Birds should not be housed with birds of other species. Birds should also not be housed with other aggressive birds, even those of the same species.

*Bar spacing of cages should not be wide enough for birds to poke their heads through. Besides potential injury to the birds, large beaks can also injure customers.

*Cages should be made of safe materials, contain no harmful metals or rust, and not have any sharp or protruding parts that could injure a bird. No paint should be chipping.

*Cages should never be placed on the floor or stacked on top of one another. Cages should not be close enough so that birds in neighboring cages can reach each other. Pet shops should never have so many birds that they cannot be housed safely.

*Birds should be provided appropriate toys at all times. There should be some chewing toys, and they should always be inspected for safety. Birds are very intelligent and will not thrive without appropriate toys. Placing toys in birds' cages will encourage customers to purchase toys from the pet store for their own birds.

Cleanliness

*Cages should be cleaned daily. This includes changing tray papers and wiping down all cage surfaces. Cages need to be thoroughly disinfected at least monthly, or whenever a new bird will be placed in a cage. This will reduce the chance of disease transmission. Nearly all avian diseases are airborne, meaning if one of your birds has a disease, it's likely that all of your birds have the disease. Staff should also be aware that Psittacosis is a disease many birds can carry without showing outward signs. Psittacosis can be transmitted to humans easily, causing severe flu-like symptoms. The young and elderly can be extremely affected by Psittacosis. Customers are more likely to purchase birds who appear healthy and in good feather.

*Any areas where the bird has access to, such as a playgym, should be cleaned daily.

*All food dishes and cups should be cleaned at least daily with a soap and water solution, and disinfected at least monthly.

*Water dishes may need to be cleaned a few times a day, if soiled with food, droppings, or toy parts. Water should never have any bits of food in it, which will quickly breed bacteria.

*Any customers wishing to handle birds should wash their hands first. This will help to reduce the chance of disease transmission between birds, whether it is the shop's birds or your customer's birds.

Diet and Health

*Birds should always have food available.

*Birds should not be fed a diet consisting of seeds only. Ideally, birds should be fed an organic pelleted diet supplemented by healthy fresh foods and vegetables.

* Baby chicks should be fed only by those familiar with hand-feeding techniques. Hand feeding is a serious task, and doing it wrong can seriously injure or kill a chick. Chicks should never be routinely gavage fed. This can lead to severe feeding and socialization problems. Gavage feeding should only be used in emergency situations.

*Birds should have access to full-spectrum lighting, as they require natural sunlight in order to properly metabolize calcium.

*Birds should have access to daily exercise, such as a play area.

*Birds should be examined by a Board Certified Avian Veterinarian upon entry to the pet shop. These birds should be quarantined from the rest of the birds for at least 60 days. Ideally, a Vet should also oversee the diet and housing selections.

*Any birds who are ill should be quarantined to avoid infecting other birds.

*Signs of illness can include but are not limited to: fluffed feathers, discharge from nares or eyes, birds who appear sleepy, birds sitting on the bottom of the cage, irritated eye membranes, beak deformities, crusted vent feathers, etc. These birds need veterinary care immediately.

*Ideally, all birds should be behind glass. This will protect the birds from well-meaning customers trying to pet them, who may carry diseases from their own birds. Young birds, especially, should be protected from customers and other unfamiliar birds, as the immune system is still immature.

Socialization

*Socialization is the process of teaching a wild parrot how to live happily with humans. This will help to insure the birds you sell will stay in one home and not be given up to a rescue organization or other owner later in life. Socialization involves having skilled and compassionate people handle the birds gently. Birds should be accustomed to the "step up" command from an early age.

*Birds should never be punished. They will not understand it and punishment will always cause more harm than good. Remember that parrots have very long life spans, and that you are responsible for early training.

*Birds should be taught behavioral guidelines by the pet shop staff. Staff should handle birds gently on a daily basis.

*There should be no birds in the pet shop who display signs of behavioral distress. Signs will include but are not limited to: repetitive motions such as head bobbing or beak rubbing, constant screaming, extreme fear of humans, or feather destructive behaviors.

Client Education

*All staff should be trained as to the unique needs of parrots. Ideally, staff working with parrots should have birds of their own. Staff should truly care about parrots and their welfare. Staff should work with local Bird Clubs to provide educational material to clients. Clients are more likely to purchase birds if they feel they will be given resources by the pet shop regarding their bird.

*Pet shops should always attempt to educate their clientele as to the demanding needs of parrots. Parrots are generally loud, very messy, and very dependent on humans for social interaction. Parrots should never be sold to clients who do not understand the commitment involved. Staff should know general life expectancies of all species sold, and clients should be informed of this. All potential bird buyers should be questioned extensively to determine if they are ready to handle the commitment of owning a bird. This will not only protect the parrot's well being, but will attract a parrot-oriented customer who is happy and who returns to the store frequently. Staff should never neglect providing essential information to clients, such as the noise level of cockatoos and other large parrots, in order to make a sale. This is inhumane and unethical. The Gabriel Foundation, a non-profit rescue organization for parrots, estimates that only about one percent of the population is physically, emotionally, and financially able to properly care for a parrot. Are your clients part of this percentage?

*Potential bird buyers should be made aware of the fact that there are many birds available for adoption at sanctuaries and rescues nationwide. Due to problems of overcrowding, many if not all sanctuaries will have to begin wide-spread euthanasia of unwanted parrots in the near future.

*Clients should be referred to sources of information regarding the care of parrots. Books and magazines on parrot care should be sold in the pet shop. Staff should be available to answer questions honestly and accurately should clients have problems with their new birds. Staff should be able to provide references to Avian Vets and Behavioral Consultants. Staff should be able to refer clients to local Bird Clubs.

By providing all of these standards to customers, the pet shop will increase profits by gaining the trust of the bird buying public. Customers are more likely to purchase goods and services from a pet shop that provides healthy, happy birds in clean and sanitary conditions. Customers are more likely to trust staff who can comfortably interact with birds and who appear knowledgeable regarding the birds they sell. Customers are more likely to spend money in pet shops they believe to be ethical and responsible.

For more information:

Avian Protection Society