Ronald Reid said that his company does not feed more than 10 percent to 15 percent fresh fruits and vegetables to breeder birds. Dr Harrison said recent studies indicate that wild-bird diets cannot match formulated diets for captive birds. The wild-bird diet changes according to food availability and season. Dr. Harrison has compiled data that show that birds are often malnourished in the wild. Differences in the conditions and physical activity of wild birds play an important role.
People become more aware of wild places on earth because they have exotic-type birds in their homes.
Elderly and terminally ill people who take care of birds have been known to live longer. Marshall Meyers said people need to take a hard look at finding a way to prevent impulse sales of birds. Dr Greg Harrison said that birds bred in captivity would not want to live in the wild. He suggests that veterinarians offer classes to the public on how to select a pet bird. Dr David Graham agreed that people should not have hyacinth macaws if they do not understand those birds' needs.