FINCHforum

Today I went to a specialist bird store here in Ontario. I went to look at the zebra finches, and I was really shocked to see how plucked some of them were. Some were plucked so bad that they were almost totally bald I brought a little society home and she has no tail feathers at all on her butt, (which is also all pecked), and her wings are almost bald as well. There were at least 50 or 60 societies in one cage. The zebras had at least 40 or 50 in one cage. There was a red throated parrot finch that was honestly almost unrecognizable it was so plucked. I had to stand back and try to figure out what kind of finch it was.

I really don't know what to do. What have others done in this kind of situation? I feel so bad for those helpless birds that are all crammed into the cages My instinct was to try to buy all of the ones that were bald and bring them home.

Not sure about Canada but in the US you can report them.

Call the corporate office, or if it's a private business, animal welfare can be contacted.

awww so sad............its all money making, at the expense of these little birds. I hope u can find out what to do with this person/petshop. keep us informed


Sandy

To report suspected animal abuse call the Ontario SPCA at 1-888-ONT-SPCA (668-7722) ext. 327

Shantel is right - contact the manager and threaten to go the next authority. hold them accountable for the health of their animals.

unfortunately, buying the birds just gives the store the $$ to cram more into those cages...it's always a sad situation to see animals in that condition.

Thanks for the advice everyone

hi
i would report them to any pets official place you can,in my country we have the rspca,and i have reported pet stores a few times i have been in pet shops where there were dead birds on the floor of the cages,no water in the drinkers and in some cases no seed.i dont hesitate to report them to the appropiate people.i would not feel guilty about it either because thats what they are there for if you think they are not being looked after to your standards then report them!
ken

Amy, you make them threats and get those birds proper care!! Sometimes talkijg to the mamager kindly may help, I have heard of people who got the birds in the worst condition for free and nursed them back to health

I would like to say that you can't beat yourself up over the ignorance of others. We can't save every one of them.

Went to a popular retail pet store (which shall remain nameless), and looked at the zebras. They all looked too small, and famished. It was a sad sight. Not sure if you bought them at a store or not, but I usually buy mine from reputable breeders. They know how to take care of their birds, and give them constant care and round the clock attention imho.

Flight Tail wrote:Went to a popular retail pet store (which shall remain nameless), and looked at the zebras. They all looked too small, and famished. It was a sad sight. Not sure if you bought them at a store or not, but I usually buy mine from reputable breeders. They know how to take care of their birds, and give them constant care and round the clock attention imho.

This is a tough one, as some of the very good breeders that I know who take excellent care of their birds sell to this store. So the sad thing is that the birds are in excellent condition going into the store, and then it seems that the quality of care diminishes at the store level.

well, if you personally know the breeders, maybe you should let them know about the store's lack of respect toward the babies/birds that they receive. and still follow up on the store!! it speaks volumes that the store's lack of proper care is ruining birds that were so good to begin with! if those breeders care about their stock, they can find other places to sell to.

I agree. Make sure you advocate for those poor finches!! They need someone to look out for their health and welfare. I'd tell the manager, the breeders you know, the local news station and the SPCA or their equivalent in Canada. Keep us posted on any response or changes.

Which store is this happening at? I see you are from mississauga, we are very close, i am.often in mississauga, as this is where my family is, and i live just outside. I have been searching for a new zebra to add to mine, and often feel sorry for these guys and take them in also. The last cfw i took in is doing well, but never seemed to grow much, he is very petit despite being active and healthy looking. What type of finches do you have? I would.have to agree with the others here, go to the manager, and also a report to the spca. I can also help amd speak to the manager of tje store as well if when i go i see the birds in these poor conditions. Its so cruel and unfair, they deserve a quality life. The pet industry is such a shameful business, too many just do it for profit with no regard for the animals.