Consider the source before printing story

The recent article, "When that doggie is too expensive... you might try these cheaper, more colorful pets" crossed the line, is unethical and did a huge disservice to the many people in this area that put in countless hours of volunteer time in sanctuaries/shelters/foster homes caring for all those "cheap, colorful" pets after people who bought them found they were anything but. It is also a tragedy that this reporter has shortchanged the intelligence of some highly complex creatures, many of which are considered exotic and should not even be pets.

Unlike dogs and cats that have been domesticated for hundreds of years, for example, most species of parrots are only so many generations removed from the wild. What this means is that these highly intelligent creatures prove a challenge to the humans that own them. They act out in ways that are natural to them, but the owners may not know how to interpret them.

Cheap/inexpensive? Birds are not so. Good cages (with no zinc or lead) can cost hundreds of dollars. Food is expensive. Toys must be replaced frequently. Relatively easy to care for? Ever had a three year old in the house? Try food splattered on the walls, seeds and feathers all over the house, droppings here and there. Even the most meticulous, loving owner can be tested by all this. If a bird becomes ill, the time it takes to administer medication/make accommodations for the bird can be exhausting and the quite high.

Much of the information contained in the article is inappropriate, and the sources quoted unacceptable. Why would you go to pet stores and ask the owners, whose only concern is to make a profit, what is considered an "easy" pet? There are a good many pet store owners who have no clue about the birds they sell; they just want to be sure they are "colorful" and talk so people buy them on impulse.

Pat Prichard

Palatine