Excessive growth of the beak and claws due to lack of activity and natural stimuli are some of the consequences of captivity in parrots, parakeets and budgies.
In their natural habitat, these animals use tree bark and abrasive surfaces to wear down and maintain these structures in optimal condition. However, in a confined environment, the absence of these elements causes painful deformities that affect their ability to feed and move normally.
This year, around 635 parrots, parakeets and budgies have arrived at the CAVR wildlife centre. The most common species are the yellow-fronted parrots, the royal parakeets and the yellow-chinned parrots. They are recognised as one of the most intelligent groups of birds.
“We are finding metabolic diseases due to the diet that the animals have when they are in captivity: chocolate, panela water, cookies and rice, which for these birds, are not the necessary nutrients,” said Andrés Gómez Higuita, supervisor of the CAVR of wildlife of the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley.
Unfortunately, 37% of these birds arrive because they were in captivity and have various conditions that deteriorate their health and go against their ecological roles and functions.
In these species we also observed feather pecking, a self-destructive behaviour caused by chronic stress and anxiety in captivity. This is an act in which birds pluck their feathers one by one, leaving exposed areas on their body. This results in skin lesions, haemorrhages and, in severe cases, infections.
From the Metropolitan Area of the Aburrá Valley we call on citizens to report the trafficking and illegal possession of wild fauna. Parrots, parakeets, parakeets and macaws are social birds, conditions such as bird-pecking can lead to isolation and exclusion by other members of their group.
This further aggravates stress and can make it difficult for them to reintegrate into their natural habitat, since social interaction is essential for adaptation and survival.
The Metropolitan Area Wildlife Care, Assessment and Rehabilitation Center is a project developed in partnership with CES University.
2024-08-27 19:00:00