I have been checking on to a variety of the bird sections on computer bird bulletin boards for several years now, including Prodigy, AOL, Compuserve, and several on the Internet). More recently there are thousands of privately owned lists where people converse back and forth about companion birds and breeding parrots. Add to that species-specific lists where people share information about the species of parrot they are interested in.

There are even lists formed by people who seem to be sick of others disagreeing with them on the other lists. Never before have so many parrot-interested people had access to sharing information, ideas, and opinions with so many others. These interactive boards often present some intriguing human dynamics. Some are monitored and supervised while others allow a totally free exchange of opinion.

The opinions given by individuals can contain excellent to atrocious information with most messages somewhere in between. There is no doubt, computer boards are a chance to be "published" (to see one's opinions in print) without the restrictions of an editor, publisher or any kind of immediate censorship. Most people just use their e-mail addresses and although on some boards people use their actual names, the majority of the writers still remain faceless. This degree of anonymity and lack of personal accountability can lead to some pretty interesting exchanges.

While there are many wonderful people on the computer boards giving excellent information, the lack of accountability will attract some genuine 'wackos.' The computer boards may also bring out strong opinions and argumentative personality tendencies in otherwise more genteel people. Occasionally tempers flare and the dramas can become quite exciting to read. Some people with little actual experience express their opinions freely with great authority. It is left up to the reader to figure out whether a writer is truly knowledgeable or full of baloney, giving bad information, telling lies and/or making up their experiences. Look at it this way - you know the type of person who would return your wallet (cash intact) if he or she found it - they could be on the Internet. But computers seem to give people the same sense of security as the automobile and the kind of person who cuts you off in traffic and then gives you an obscene gesture because you were in their way also populates the boards. The computer message boards are just another cross-section of humanity.

Over the years, I have noticed that each board seems to end up with a few resident "experts" who come on frequently and respond to a large number of messages. This, by itself, is not a problem especially if the information they give is generally good and there are usually quite a few posters providing excellent advice. What becomes a problem is when some people presume omniscience and give opinions on anything and everything, never presenting other reliable resources or references. Like an out-of-control parrot, some seem to take "their territory" far too seriously. Of course, the more someone answers messages with a sense of authority, the more likely others, especially novices, are to believe their information even if it is not always accurate or even logical.

Then there are the trouble makers and the drama "addicts" (who says people aren't like parrots) who get bored with civilities and just like to poke at people for the reactions. A few consider "flaming" to be an art and the ideal way to deal with people who either do not know much about birds or have the 'unmitigated gall' to disagree with them. Too many "flamers" resort to name calling, IQ bashing, and petty remarks such as criticizing another's grammar or punctuation instead of sticking to the point. This always makes me wonder if the person really has enough knowledge to stay on target and make their point intelligently. All of this can be really difficult for novices looking for good information, especially if they state an 'ignorant' belief or ask a "stupid" question. Ignorance should be a temporary condition with the cure being education. Insulting someone is not generally a successful way to educate them.

Taking Sides

On one group a few years ago, a man established himself as the resident "expert." He appeared to be quite charming and actually developed a following of ladies, many of whom doted on his every word. From my understanding, the man had owned a cockatiel for a year or so but once he purchased his first "big bird" he became an "instant expert" on ALL aspects of bird care, behavior, and breeding. Even so, his information was fairly decent most of the time. However, as his territorial megalomania increased, anyone who dared to question him or disagree in any way with one of his statements was greeted with one of his "sarcaustic" replies.

Wars would ensue. His "fans" would jump to his defense. E-mail (private mail transmitted to a person's computer "address") would be written back and forth creating even more animosity. After all, you were either on his side or you were out to get him. The board would become polarized and many people would quit because in reality all they were looking for was information to help them with a problem or a chance to swap stories about their birds. I've seen this happen over and over on some level on just about all of the computer bulletin boards almost as predictably as day and night. Perhaps it is just human nature.

My Personal Situation

I would occasionally give advice on one board or another but found if I was on the same computer board too frequently, one of two things would happen. The first was that some people would assume I had the time and energy to solve all of their particular parrot problems. Most people asked nicely but some demanded my response as if I was only on the face of the earth to give them information. Unfortunately, with the Pet Bird Report taking most of my life, I do not have the time to help every one on a personal level - that is one of the main reasons I created the Pet Bird Report. Not being able to give an in-depth reply would make some people angry with me.

Believe it or not, I have had more than one person accuse me of not really loving birds because I couldn't take the time to help them individually - or because I charge for my in-depth advice. Since I have written many articles dealing with the most common parrot problems, I would often refer people to something I had previously written. Most people appreciated this but there were always those who would criticize me for being too self-promotional or money-hungry. The questions I receive are almost always about the same basic problems and it certainly makes sense to me to refer people to something I have already written rather than write out the same thing over and over and over and over and . . .

The Gunfighter Syndrome

The second problem was what I refer to as the "gunfighter syndrome." The better known an individual is in their field, the more likely there will be those who will want to establish their own "fame" by shooting down the "expert." So while it was fun to come on the boards to answer questions and refer people to helpful articles, I was always taking chances of becoming embroiled in petty arguments that had nothing to do with the proper care of birds.

I still read messages from time to time because it gives me ideas for future articles. It also lets me know what good advice is being given and what misconceptions are still rampant. I read some messages that make me want to pull my hair out (If I was a parrot I would pluck my feathers!) - luckily most boards have some knowledgeable people on them who will add corrections if information is misleading or very bad. Of course, on some boards it leaves them open to being "flamed" or being attacked by someone threatened by their response. It is amazing how many letters, phone calls, and e-mails I have received over the years from people who state that they are afraid to participate on certain boards because they do not like the idea of being attacked either for their knowledge or lack of knowledge if they are asking questions.

Certified Avian Specialists

There are two things that particularly disturb me. One is what I consider the misleading terminology of Certified Avian Specialists (C.A.S.). I've talked to several bird owners by E-mail or on the phone and asked them what they thought the initials C.A.S. meant when they were placed after a person's name. Several replied that it meant the person was either a veterinarian or someone who worked for a veterinarian. They added that they were more likely to believe something someone wrote who had these initials than someone who had no initials after their name. This is particularly upsetting since so many avian veterinarians have worked diligently to become a 'Board Certified Specialist In Avian Practice'. It seems too confusing to me.

The requirements to become a Certified Avian Specialist and use the initials C.A.S. after ones' name are pretty basic. This program is sponsored by P.I.J.A.C. (Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council) and the four hour seminar includes information about parrot species, disease prevention, hygiene, housing, and husbandry. After the class, there is an open book test. I personally think it is a wonderful idea for people to learn as much as possible from as many sources as possible.

I have absolutely no problem with the course and encourage people to take it to learn as much as possible about the birds in their lives. However, I am concerned about the use of the initials C.A.S. by people who are trying to establish "instant credibility" in all aspects related to birds.

Is there really such a thing as 'instant credibility'? There is a tremendous potential for misunderstanding about what these credentials actually signify. One person who uses these initials has given advice that, in my opinion, should be coming only from a qualified avian veterinarian. This is one of the reasons I believe it is very important to keep my readers informed that the designation CAS after a person's name does not signify any veterinary credentials. The class also provides no information about behavior and therefore does not, in itself, qualify someone to give behavioral information. I believe it would have made more sense for P.I.J.A.C. to have provided the classes and given attendees a well-deserved certificate without awarding the privilege of using confusing initials after their name.

What Are Avian Credentials?

Another aspect I find disturbing is the self-appointed watchdogs who challenge the "credentials" of anyone who gives parrot advice, especially when the challenger may have no particular "credentials" themselves in the field.

This is a very interesting point -- what are "credentials" in the field of pet parrot behavior and care? What makes someone an "expert"? Who is to say what makes sense and what doesn't? There have actually been people on the Internet who have never even lived with a parrot giving advice to bird owners about all aspects of bird care and behavior. I've read far too many messages from people who become "instant experts" shortly after they purchased one bird. Should they be given the credibility of an 'expert'?

If someone has a higher academic degree in biology, zoology, ornithology, childhood development, teaching, psychology, nutrition, veterinary medicine, or animal behavior, does that make them more qualified as an expert on the Internet or as a companion parrot behavioral consultant? It certainly will help because at least some of the knowledge gained in these fields can be applied to the behavior of parrots in a home situation.

If someone has trained parrots for bird shows for several years, does that qualify them to give advice to companion parrot owners? It may be helpful to have worked with trick trained parrots but the relationship bird owners have with their pets is most often far different than that of a trainer and his or her performing parrots.

If a person has owned or bred parrots for 10 or 20 years does that make them more qualified to give advice about behavior? Maybe, but only if they have been truly perceptive and are aware that the behavior of breeding parrots is quite different from that of pets. Many breeders do not own pet birds and have no idea what it is like to live day in and day out with a companion parrot.

If a person has written articles or even a book, does that make them an "expert"? Certainly one would hope that at least some basic knowledge is a criteria for being published but there is some very bad information in many of the books commonly sold in pet shops.

Does working with hundreds of parrots in a pet shop or working as a vet tech qualify someone to give advice about companion parrot behavior? How about if a person has worked successfully with hundreds of people and their companion parrots over many years?

Any experience can be helpful in understanding the complexities of parrot behavior and all of these aspects have merit if the person is perceptive and has a solid sense of logic. Yet, I know of people with an assortment of what could be valid experiences who still come up with out-of-date, inaccurate, quick fix, off-the-wall information about parrots. The common sense thinking is just not there and/or the person is influenced by hidden agendas. The major criteria must be that a person's advice is working consistently with many companion parrots in a high percentage of the situations he or she has worked with.

Discussion And Disagreement

Discussion and disagreement are intellectually invigorating and absolutely essential but it is often the attitude with which it is presented which creates the problems. Does a person need to have some in-depth, long-term association with birds to make friendly observations on a computer board without being pounced on? Can someone share their acquired knowledge to help another with a similar problem without having "academic or professional credentials?" Shouldn't there be a place where bird lovers can simply share their bird stories with each other just for fun? Is it important for novices trying to learn more about their birds to be able to access decent information without being made to feel stupid?

People whose birds have flown away are in need of good information on how to go about getting their parrot back. While they probably have made a stupid mistake, they are usually already aware of this and are in need of solid information and perhaps even a little compassion. Haven't we all made some sort of mistake at one time or another? Instead on the computer boards, there is usually someone who verbally harasses people for their stupidity rather than providing helpful information.

The computer boards can be a wonderful place for interaction about avian issues and of course, everyone has a right to state their opinion and relate their experiences with birds. Problems occur when an individual has little common sense and perpetuates inaccurate information or decides what they have learned from experiences with their own birds must apply to everyone and every bird. I remember several years ago when I used to distribute quality bird products, there was one bird shop owner who based all of her orders on whether or not her one Amazon parrot would immediately play with the toy or eat the new food. Her "logic" was quite clear -- if her parrot didn't like it, no parrot would like it. Unfortunately, her Amazon was a "seed junkie" and she never ordered any healthy foods to sell in her shop.

If someone has a macaw and never puts it in a cage because that "works for them" does that give them the expertise to adamantly insist that no one should buy a macaw if they can not do the same? Or if someone always allows his parrot on his shoulder (and has only experienced a few facial bites) can he legitimately advise others that putting their parrot on their shoulders will never cause a problem? If one person's experience with a few African greys has been negative, do they have a right to state with authority that "all greys are neurotic biting feather pluckers?"

Some of the stereotypical generalizations are just plain atrocious. One writer, trying to give herself credibility, said she has done a lot of research on parrot nutrition and has come up with a wonderful recipe which ends up being a mixture of several poor quality grocery store parrot seed mixes.

Another person states that the way they deal with their parrot screaming is by spraying it in the face with (what I consider to be a useless product) Bitter Apple for Birds. I certainly pity her poor bird but also find it quite frustrating that she has a forum to present this type of deplorable information.

Again, luckily there are usually knowledgeable people who will come on and correct these blatant misconceptions - hopefully before too many people read them. It is extremely important for readers to consider the fact that just about everything they read is someone's opinion and to seriously evaluate all the information they read to know if it makes sense or even applies to their situation. We have lots of articles in the Pet Bird Report that relate individual experiences with parrots but we try to be very careful that they do not give the impression that the same information will always apply to every bird.

According to some of my detractors (you can't make everyone happy all the time), I have little credibility because I have "no academic credentials." However, many avian veterinarians, ethologists (animal behaviorists with a college degree), parrot breeders, and most importantly, companion parrot owners confer with me for help in understanding the behavior of companion parrots despite the fact that I have no academic degree in companion parrot behavior. My credentials are in art and teaching. Of course, there is no such thing as credentials in this pioneer field.

Some time ago I was e-mailed a quote off of the Internet: "Behaviorists are cropping up all over the place. Why not? It's an easy opportunity to make lots of money preying on naive people and their innocent birds. Until they have to be licensed and educated and are regulated, I would give serious thought about using behaviorists." This, of course, is a massive stereotypical generalization, most likely with a hidden agenda. The message was placed during a heated discussion by someone who frequently gives advice on the computer boards (most of it generally acceptable) but yet has no particular professional "credentials in the field." I personally know of several people (some very competent - others questionable) who work as "companion parrot behavioral consultants" and don't know a single one who makes "lots of money" whether they provide excellent advice or "prey on naive people and their innocent birds." Many of the consultants I know also help some people without financial compensation because they care deeply about parrots. The big question remains -- who is going to license, educate, and regulate people working with companion parrot behavior? The humane societies? The pet industry?? The same way they regulate the quality of too many atrocious pet shops that sell birds?

Enjoy Yourself, But Be Careful Out There

This is not a negative article about the computer boards. Please do not interpret it as such. As I read through messages and look at various WEB sites, I see and learn an incredible amount of good information about parrots. I have researched several highly informative PBR articles from perusing the computer boards. One very positive aspect of the computer boards is how quickly and freely people exchange information in an emergency or if they want to share warnings about dangerous products and situations for birds. When breeding parrots were stolen from an aviary in Tennessee, within hours people all over the country (world) had a list of the birds which were stolen. I have seen many wonderful exchanges where parrot owners, breeders, avian veterinarians, and behavioral consultants provide accurate and up-to-date information for others to read and learn

But I also see some really bad advice. Much of it is obviously too bad for most people to believe but some information may be harder to figure out. Use common sense and stop to think carefully if the information you read has any merit. There is one important criteria to judge parrot behavioral information - does it provide a non-threatening, non-aggressive way to improve your relationship with your parrot? Quick-fix, punitive information that does not respect the intelligence of the parrot may actually damage a parrot's trust in their caretaker. Good behavioral advice has one common goal - to gain and maintain trust in the parrot/human bond. Check questionable information with reliable sources before you make the mistake of using it.

My advice if you are going to "surf the net" or any of the other computer boards -- just have a good time. Don't get "burned" by the "politics." Take time to decide whether you really have the energy and emotional strength to become involved in more than just enjoying the friendly interchange. Don't take personal attacks too seriously - consider the source and remember, it is easier for someone who has an element of anonymity to say whatever they want to perhaps simply to bolster their own ego.

It probably won't take you long to identify the frequent flamers and those who enjoy creating drama. Maybe they will demand your "credentials" when you state an opinion, make you feel stupid if you ask a question, or "flame" you if you give "too much" information on "their" board. If they ask you first, ask them about their "credentials" - you may actually have better ones than they do.

Don't let them ruin your potential to learn from the computer boards. Then just ignore them and relate to the people you enjoy. Seek out the caring, knowledgeable bird people and enjoy the many fun stories about parrots on the bird bulletin boards.

If this article helped you and you appreciated the information, The Companion Parrot Quarterly continues to have in-depth, practical articles such as this one. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE