Flap Over ‘Cockateels’ and the Dark Side of Birds

Lynn Simross’ article might convey the wrong message to your readers--that birds are ideal pets for apartment and condominium dwelling.

It is important to know that these animals, like any other pets, require a great deal of care and attention. Many of the larger species are sometimes difficult to handle if not treated properly, and they can be quite noisy, which would be inappropriate for a condominium or apartment environment. Unlike dogs and cats, they have an extremely long life span.

Many beautiful birds caught in their natural habitat are being exploited for financial gain. We should not buy tropical wildlife such as parrots and macaws unless they were captive-bred, since these animals, like many others, are disappearing rapidly from their natural habitats. Every effort should be made to preserve the fragile biological resources for generations to come.

DALIA DIERKS

Glendale