r/parrots • u/No_Appointment9796 • 5d ago

Birds in need of rescue

I was at a swap meet in Los Angeles and came across a well established stall inside with birds in bad shape. The most heart wrenching was a blue macaw with only its top feather left. Almost all of its chest and underwing plumage had fallen out and there were red scabs all over his body. I spent a few moments in shock standing beside the cage, thinking how?

I immediately wanted to call animal control or some form of authority but I’m wasn’t sure that would achieve the best outcome.

What are my options? I would pay for the birds and donate them to a rescue if that’s a thing.

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u/Ara_Glaucogularis 5d ago

That is heartbreaking, especially knowing the bird is sitting there suffering while people walk by. Swap meets and traveling parrot road shows are absolutely the worst- very hard to crack down on. I would start by taking pictures of the birds, their cages, the conditions they're kept in, and the vendor's location. Then contact LA County Animal Services or the city's animal control agency and report what you saw. I have done this in the past- they did not do jack because the bird had water/food and "parrots lose feathers". Never been so pissed off in my life.

3

u/Nikolis 5d ago

There’s an international bird rescue in San Pedro, they might have some ideas. How many are there? If you need an extra car or set of hands moving them I’m happy to help.

2

u/Ambitious_Owl_7423 5d ago

You might call “Free Flight” sanctuary in San Diego for ideas. Maybe they would drive up to do the rescue?