What determines a “bird mill”? I actually got asked how many pairs I had the other day as the potential pet “adopter” did not want to perpetuate a “bird mill”.
This was a first for me personally and once I informed the formerly potential “adopter” that I keep 30 pairs of Pacifics I have not heard from them so I assume….So, I have thirty pairs of Pacifics. They have their own custom built building, climate controlled, timed lighting, bug proof and rodent proof. My pairs all have larger than most pet flights averaging 24×24x30. They have perching to include grape, maple, hazelnut, sandy perches, and circular swings in each flight. They have two feeders and fresh water dish in each flight-one feed station for their quality seed mix, one for cooked or fresh food stuffs, a millet clip and a cuttle bone hanger. Toys designed for parrotlets are rotated as eaten or at least twice annually. Trays are changed regularly, flight cages are cleaned twice annually with a power washer. The pairs are as a general rule not allowed more than three clutches per year and I use only the top quality Eaglecreek boxes which can actually be cleaned properly. I hand feed all of my chicks my self and never sell unweaned Parrotlets (I do sell unweaned Amazons to a couple of trusted individuals each year but on a much much smaller scale). I work 7 days a week 365 day per year at this task for well under minimum wage. I work hard to perpetuate the normal “clean green” bloodlines and educate every chance I get on the same subject. So what am I, bad nasty breeder, bird mill, or a conservationist, breeder, lover of the species or please fill in the blank______________? Then tell me for my own edification what are you? DO YOU meet my standards of care? Do you practice appropriate animal husbandry? Tell me, enquiring minds want to know! Bob Wheeler 