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jhay

Nov 8, 2003, 7:44 PM

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pet birds in mexico

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Can anyone tell me how popular pet birds are in Mexico? I heard everyone had a pet bird in Mexico but I haven't found any statistics to prove it. Or can anyone point me to a web site that might have the information I'm looking for. I just want to know about how many people in Mexico own a pet bird. I know it sounds strange but I need it for a college research paper. I'd appreciate any help I can get.

Rolly

Nov 8, 2003, 8:01 PM

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Re: [jhay] pet birds in mexico

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I can't answer your question about how many pet birds there are in Mexico -- I'll bet no one can -- but every Mexican family in my social circle has one or more birds. They seem to be far more common than dogs or cats where I live. There are a couple of stores near the plaza that sell nothing but birds, cages and supplies.

Personally, I don't care for the noisy things.

Rolly Pirate

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Carol Schmidt

Nov 9, 2003, 8:39 AM

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Re: [jhay] pet birds in mexico

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My art teacher who has lived in San Miguel de Allende 20 years says most Mexican families have birds of some sort--she had three parrots which have since died, and she says birds are treated much better than dogs or cats, and she could always find someone to take care of her birds but not her dog when she had to leave town.

In the complex where I live there are only two Mexican families and one has about 50 birds. He lives right below me, and he complains about my barking dog but I never complain about his chirping birds. He does wash out their cages on the patio below my bedroom window too early in the morning.

I pass two outdoor aviaries with four macaws each when I walk out to the street, and I see dozens of stores which have parrots as pets in neat cages. The Tuesday Market usually has several stalls with birds for sale (the pet kind in addition to the live chickens and turkeys). Off the topic, I don't think all the birds get the right sized cages--I see them cramped up in boring little spaces, and I see white bread being fed to them, not the proper food at all. I bring fresh fruit to the macaws I pass each morning to supplement the sunflower seeds and pecans they get daily--parrots need fruit and veggies!

I can't help with any overall statistics, just these personal examples. Hope they help.

Carol Schmidt

jhay

Nov 9, 2003, 1:00 PM

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Re: [Rolly] pet birds in mexico

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Thanks Rolly for taking the time to respond. Believe it or not that does help quite a bit. Have a great day!!

jhay

Nov 9, 2003, 1:05 PM

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Re: [Carol Schmidt] pet birds in mexico

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Thanks Carol, If you don't mind I'd like to use your personal story in my paper. I can keep you anonomous if you like; no one will really read the paper except my instructor and my self. I've had such a hard time finding actual data that your story will really help. let me know. thanks again.

Judy in Ags

Nov 10, 2003, 6:28 PM

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Re: [jhay] pet birds in mexico

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I was really surprised to read the responses of several posted who stated that so many Mexicans have pet birds. We have lived in Aguascalientes since March and visited here several times. We have not been in a large number of homes, but have been in several and have driven extensively throughout the city. I have never seen a pet bird. Maybe it's more of a regional thing.

(This post was edited by Judy in Ags on Nov 10, 2003, 6:45 PM)

jennifer rose

Nov 10, 2003, 6:40 PM

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Re: [Judy in Ags] pet birds in mexico

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I've been in countless Mexican homes in Morelia -- and I can count on one hand the number of pet birds I've seen in them. Definitely, it's got to be a regional thing.

Ed and Fran

Nov 11, 2003, 7:53 AM

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Re: [jennifer rose] pet birds in mexico

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It's jmho, but my impression in northern Veracruz is that while it is common to have birds as pets, it doesn't seem like most homes have them. In my very unscientific sampling (based mostly on the homes in our family) I'd venture a guess at about 20% of the homes having pet birds. I know there are several families in the neighborhood with them. Local pet shops and vets seem to always have a new supply. Bird feed, cages, and other paraphernalia seem readily available. Mostly parakeets, a few canaries (or canary-like birds), a few small loros.

We do have friends in Tamico who I'd guess have about 30-40 birds, probably about 8-9 different species, including parrots, macaws, toucans, and some I don't even recognize.

I don't suppose our chickens count in this?

E&F

jhay

Nov 11, 2003, 6:41 PM

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Re: [Ed and Fran] pet birds in mexico

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I too am amazed at the diversity of replies. A friend of lived in Mexico (what region I'm not sure) and he told me bird were for sale everywhere. He said that peddlers would carry them on their back 6 or 7 cages high to sell. He said they were so popular because of their low maintenance compared with a dog and such. I bought a bird for my parents one year and it lived a really long time. It was somewhat fun to have around, although I though the bird was messy. Wow, this has turned out to be quite interesting. Thanks so much for sharing your experience.

Marlene

Nov 13, 2003, 6:19 PM

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Birds as pets in Mexico

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I feel that it is more a "pet person" thing than a "regional" thing...but that is just a guess. Birds are easier to take care of here - less food - less attention - no vaccinations, etc. Many of my Mexican neighbors have conures or little parrots. Many do not. Many have dogs instead, or no pets at all, just like north of the border.

As an aside, I have a regular size Amazon parrot (Amazon Autumnalis) as a result of my volunteer work with reviving the smuggled birds, after the truck driver smuggler were apprehended. Ochita is now totally blind from infections contracted as a result of the horrible treatment received while in captivity of the smugglers. There are many more like her. She is the warmest most adorable pet anyone could ask for. Because she can't see she takes great pleasure in immitating baby's and childrens crys and laughter. My suegra (mother-in-law) who owns a small parrot of her own, wondered why I wanted to keep Ochita alive. After all, she says, how can she enjoy her life with no sight? Ahhh....I point out.....she enjoys the sounds and the smells and the cuddles, especially the cuddles! Suegra looks at me questioningly. I respect the cultural differences and leave it at that. Our dog isn't allowed to call her Grandma, either!