Birds as Companions: An Important Conversation Rooted in Compassion and Understanding
At Totally Feline, our commitment extends to thoughtful, ethical care for all animals—because every creature deserves respect, understanding, and advocacy. Some conversations in animal welfare are wonderfully straightforward, while others invite us into more nuanced territory. The question of birds as companion animals is certainly one of the latter.
**Understanding the Complexity**
Current research reveals fascinating insights into public sentiment:
For many years, I stood firmly in that 47% group. The image of magnificent creatures designed for flight confined to cages troubled me deeply, and I believed birds simply didn't belong in domestic settings.
Then life—as it often does—had other plans. Enter Simon Simone.
**When Rescue Chooses You**
Simon Simone wasn't a planned addition to the Totally Feline Clowder Family. There was no visit to a breeder, no deliberate trip to a pet store or rescue organization. Instead, I exhausted every avenue trying to locate her original guardian, hoping to reunite them. When those efforts proved unsuccessful, Simon Simone joined what has become a beautiful pattern in my life: animals arriving not by design, but by destiny. Like so many of my rescue companions, she was simply meant to be here.
**The Educational Journey**
In the time we've shared, Simon Simone has become an unexpected but invaluable teacher. She's opened my eyes to the realities, challenges, and possibilities within avian care and advocacy. Her presence has deepened my understanding in ways I never anticipated.
Here's something many people don't realize: an estimated one-third or more of companion birds are rescues or have been rehomed—often multiple times. Importantly, these situations frequently arise not from neglect or lack of love, but from a gap in education about the extraordinary commitment birds require. Many well-intentioned people simply don't understand what they're taking on when they welcome a bird into their lives.
**The Reality of Responsible Bird Guardianship**
Let's be clear: birds are decidedly not low-maintenance companions. Providing safe, enriching, supervised out-of-cage flight time demands patience, careful planning, and unwavering dedication. But here's what I've learned—it's not just important; it's absolutely essential.
Flight isn't merely exercise for birds; it's fundamental to their physical health, emotional well-being, and psychological balance. At Totally Feline, we've come to view enrichment not as an optional extra, but as a cornerstone of responsible guardianship for any animal in our care.
**Acknowledging Difficult Truths**
Simon Simone was believed to be bred domestically here in Florida, USA. However the conditions in which she was bred is unknown.The bird trade continues to employ devastating practices: bird mill breeding, birds captured through cruel methods, used as bait, trafficked across borders illegally, and sold for staggering sums—sometimes thousands of dollars. These magnificent beings often endure profound trauma and stress long before they ever see a cage. Any honest conversation about birds as companions must acknowledge this heartbreaking reality.
**Finding the Path Forward**
That said—and this is crucial—recognizing these systemic problems doesn't mean that all bird guardianship is inherently harmful. There absolutely are knowledgeable, deeply compassionate bird parents who prioritize daily flight opportunities, species-appropriate enrichment, meaningful social connection, and comprehensive care tailored to their bird's unique needs. These dedicated individuals understand something vital: birds are remarkably intelligent, emotionally sophisticated beings with complex needs—not living decorations or impulse purchases.
The difference lies in education, commitment, and a willingness to put the bird's needs first, always.
**Expanding Our Mission**
While our name is Totally Feline, our heart has always been bigger than any single species. Our mission is anchored in advocacy, education, and profound respect for all animals. Simon Simone didn't just add feathers to our household—she expanded our perspective, deepened our empathy, and strengthened our resolve to champion ethical care across species lines.
**An Invitation to Grow Together**
Sometimes the most transformative teachers arrive unannounced. The animals who come into our lives unexpectedly often become our greatest catalysts for growth—inviting us to advocate more thoughtfully and speak more clearly for those whose voices society doesn't always hear.
At Totally Feline, we believe that informed, compassionate, species-appropriate care has genuine power to transform lives—both human and animal. If Simon Simone's story resonates with you, sparks questions about ethical guardianship, or inspires curiosity about enrichment and advocacy that crosses species boundaries, we warmly invite you to continue this journey with us.
Explore our blog, educational resources, and ongoing conversations about what it truly means to honor the animals who share our world—whether they have paws, claws, wings, or fins.
**Learn more and join our community:**www.totallyfeline.com
*Because every animal has a story worth hearing, and every guardian has the capacity to grow.*