Millions of "pet" birds are bred annually for the billion dollar pet industry. Only a small percentage of those birds will survive the grueling shipping process from breeder to retailer, and for the birds that survive this first stage, it is the beginning of a shaky, uncertain and mostly painful future. More often than not, our symbol of freedom lives a life that is far removed from a free or happy life.

All species of birds are emotionally complex and sensitive to their surroundings. Research has shown that many species of birds have the intelligence of a five-year old child.

Although the average life span for larger parrots such as Amazons and Macaws is seventy-five years of age and older, it is estimated that a large percentage of these birds die before their fifth year. It is estimated that smaller birds such as budgies, lovebirds, and canaries, suffer and/or die within their first year of life.

In the USA we have laws protecting birds that are native to the United States, yet none preventing us from caging "exotic" birds from other countries.

Martha Stewart, being in the position to help alleviate this senseless suffering is instead, promoting it.

This is Martha's website

http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/goodthings/love-birds

Wild birds that are caged and kept in captivity, suffer from emotional disturbances such as self-mutilation, obsessive compulsive behaviors, uncontrollable screaming, severe inhibition, and even insanity. Malnutrition from inadequate diet (for example seed and water only) is extremely prevalent.

Although these facts are common knowledge to retailers and breeders, they continue to breed birds at an alarming rate.