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Can I tether my bird?

Tethering is where an animal is fastened by an appropriately attached chain to a centre point or anchorage, causing it to be confined to a desired area.

RSPCA Australia is opposed to the use of tethers on birds because of the severe restrictions they place on the bird’s movement. Where birds are permanently confined they should have access to a flight aviary or be given regular opportunities to fly in a safe environment (such as indoors).

In some states of Australia it is an offence to tether a bird, although there may be exceptions for training raptors (birds of prey).

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Updated on July 17, 2023

RSPCA Australia believes that captive-bred wild animals should not be kept in a home environment or for companion purposes unless the species has been clearly identified as being suitable for this purpose. It is important that animals living in a home environment can live a good life. This means providing for their physical health and ensuring opportunities to fully express their individual interests and experience good welfare. Inadequate care and husbandry are reported to contribute to common and serious welfare compromises in many captive wild animals living in home environments. For more information see our policy.

The reality is, however, that captive-bred wild animals are kept in home environments despite sometimes not meeting these criteria (e.g., some reptile and bird species). Because of this, the RSPCA has produced these articles on the care and welfare of a variety of commonly kept captive-bred wild animals. The aim is to help people better understand their animals as individuals and provide them with care that keeps them healthy and provides opportunities for positive mental experiences as much as possible in captivity.

Wild animals must not be taken from the wild to be kept as companion animals (pets).

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https://kb.rspca.org.au/knowledge-base/can-i-tether-my-bird/

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