re: the starling ad

Grand Rapids MI

Description

There was a post advertising starlings for sale, for $100 each. The post states the birds are imprinted on humans and cannot be released to the wild. If you are thinking of responding to this post, please be advised: These are wild birds. They are not domesticated. They will be very fond of you and attached to humans until they reach a certain level of maturity--in a few weeks--and then they will not be interested in being with humans any more. They can be released into the wild, even after being raised by humans. There are safe and reliable methods for doing so. I raise orphaned birds for a wildlife rehab and do it all the time. I am raising some now and they will be released in a few weeks. I released some the other day. Because Starlings are an invasive species, they are not protected by the usual laws and it is permitted to own one. This is true of starlings, sparrows, and pigeons. However, for all other wild bird species, it is illegal to keep them as pets. If you are thinking of keeping a starling, just be forewarned that about a week after you pay $100 for one of these affectionate starlings, it will rather suddenly decide it wants nothing to do with you. And the bird will not be happy living a life in captivity. This poster acquired some orphaned babies in the wild and is now offering them for sale. Consider if you want to support that. Please feel free to contact West Michigan Wildlife Rehab Center for more information, or to have this confirmed. To the poster of the ad, if you want to release these birds, please contact us or another wildlife rehabilitator for information on providing a 'soft' release for these birds so they can successfully live free.