 AVIARY SECURITY & THEFT PROTECTION
THE IMPACT OF BIRD THEFT ON AVICULTURE
COMMERCIAL BREEDING FARM
These thefts have the biggest impact on aviculture.
It is a way of life for those whose income is derived solely from the producing and selling of offspring and stock. "Common" species are bred to help support "rare and endangered" species with small gene pools and limited specimens.
Rare offspring , if produced, are not sold or put into the commercial pet trade. "Wild caught founder stock," along with third or fourth generations of birds are removed overnight. For some, thefts have interrupted complete breeding seasons, causing financial hardships. Bereavement is high, with years of dedicated work and livelihoods lost forever.
HOBBYISTS
Hobbyists may have other sources of income. They may trade or sell some offspring, sometimes not even enough to cover the cost of feed or veterinarian services. Hobbyists have provided valuable information on husbandry and specialization of certain species to aviculture.
PET SHOPS
Pet shops also derive income from the sale of birds, and have been victims of many types of theft.
At one time, when birds were stolen from pet shops, generally only a few birds were taken at a time, commonly three or less. But, recently, when one store experienced the theft of 50 chicks and stock, insurance fell short of compensation. Theft again was responsible for financial hardship.
Competition between shops can be devastating. If a shop buys stolen birds and sells them for less than the going market price, the licensed, tax paying breeding farms may be forced to sell their birds in the highly competitive retail market to cover their expenses. This causes both wholesale and retail prices to drop.
PET BIRD HOUSEHOLDS
The pet bird household may have one bird or many. These birds have become true "family members" with some being kept for over 35 years with the same owners. They are adored pets and some owners consider them "children." Bereavement over a loss of their birds is very high for this group.
When pet birds are stolen, owners are often desperate to find them. This group is often preyed upon with other scams when owners place ads in the lost and found. Birds recovered in pet shops or flea markets are "purchased back" for a second time.
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