Why Peck-Man isn't a "pet"

Whenever the “p” word pops up, I always get a bit skittish: please read why. I’ve deliberately held back from posting too much about Peck-Man, because I know I haven’t sufficiently addressed why it isn’t a pet (and never will be). It’s very, very important to me that y’all understand that TC will never be tame or domesticated; it’ll always be a wild effin’ bird.

The only reason why Funny Face is with us is because it would’ve been euthanized if we hadn’t agreed to take full responsibility of care (which, as you’ll read, is comparable to taking care of an autistic toddler that’ll never grow up). I don’t suggest, endorse or recommend cohabiting with any wild creature; it isn’t fair to force something feral to wear the yoke of domestication.

I appreciate that I’m in a very unique position (TC can’t fly, therefore can’t be released in the wild, or kept in an outdoor aviary - we’re now LEGALLY responsible for its well-being), and I fully intend on using this experience as an educational one to help people better understand our corvid neighbours and why it’s a very bad idea - and supremely uncool - to kidnap any wild animal from its natural environment just to have a “fun pet”. I love TEH PECK-MAN dearly, but in my heart’o’hearts I know it’d lead a fuller, happier, more satisfying life in the wild.

PS: Just in case anyone’s as paranoid as me and is breathing in a brown paper bag right now: I’m not mad or angry or upset at anyone - honest! This is important shit I really should’ve found time to say early on. And if we’re all cool about respecting the fact that Peck-Man’s a wild ass thang - regardless of its indoor chicken status - I’m more than happy to share all my trials, tribulations, adventures and LOLs with you guys. (<- I won’t lie; I’ve REALLY been holding back.)

23 notes | | Feb 7, 2012
  1. primalheart reblogged this from graveyarddirt and added:
    open about the perils, trials,...facts about living with
  2. jenclone said: I’ve added a link to this post on the picture I reblogged from you earlier today. If I reblog any more Peck-Man pics, I’ll be sure and do the same.
  3. rootandrock said: I had an Iguana. Same sort of situation. It was a wild animal that tolerated my handling and presence. He loved me and my parents. Tolerated my then-boyfriend. HATED anyone else. He was not a “pet” - he was my mission in life.
  4. coursouvra said: I always figured that you’re the kind of person to respect a critter, so this never crossed my mind. TC might consider *you* a pet though.
  5. magpieandcompany said: TC is awesome! Just curious, why do you use “it” to refer to it? Because you don’t know its sex, or?
  6. graveyarddirt posted this