Not far away from the downtown area of Ayutthaya, some expansive rice paddies have morphed into open grounds so that bird lovers can train their pets how to free-fly. Normally, birds are trained to sing and talk for animal shows in the zoos, however, they're now also becoming popular as pets in Thailand, Japan, China, Singapore, India and Indonesia.
Small in size and domesticated, pet birds need less space than other animals. Also, since birds live in groups, they will treat their owners as a friend. For example, macaws and cockatoos have become good options as pets for people experiencing depression and those who have difficulty in social interactions since these birds can learn how to talk and live up to 60 years.
However, birds are born to fly so pet birds often face the risk of metabolic bone disease if they are not allowed to do so. Birds require regular exercise to strengthen their cardiac, muscular and mental health.
Chonticha Attawanich.
On Dec 19, bird lovers will gather at Pattaya's Laem Bali Hai to attend the first Thailand Grand Flight Championship which is being held in collaboration with Pamornchai Supply, the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Applied Zoology at HRH Princess Chulabhorn College of Medical Science, and Pattaya City. With viewing distances ranging from 6m to 14m, visitors will have the opportunity to see a range of 1,000 colourful pet birds of various species like the macaw, cockatoo and grey eclectus display their flying skills above the Gulf of Thailand.
Living in Ayutthaya with his birds, Jakkrit Poungsomjit, 38, is one of the front-runners to grab the trophy. He is a professional bird trainer and some of his family's 40 rai carpentry factory has been converted into a bird school.
Chonticha Attawanich.
"Around 10 years ago, I became depressed after moving from Bangkok to Ayutthaya. I felt lonely and wanted to find new friends. One day, I saw a video about free-flying birds on YouTube and that inspired me to buy a pair of sun conures. The birds were nice, clever and sincere, so they became my best companions and we shared every moment together. They are able to talk to me all day and reduce my stress. I'm happy when my birds call me daddy and greet me when getting home," Jakkrit said.
"This is similar to animal-assisted therapy. Birds can observe our mood and speak when they are as young as five months old. For example, the gray eclectus can imitate up to 1,000 sounds and amazon parrots can even sing a song. My home currently accommodates more than 50 pet birds of different species such as green cheeked conures, red-fronted macaw, hawk-headed parrot, scarlet macaw, camelot macaw and blue-throated macaw. I've used my experience to design several training programmes for pet birds and soon in the future I'll open my own bird farm to share my passion with others."
Jakkrit Poungsomjit serves as a bird trainer. Photo courtesy of Jakkrit Poungsomjit
However, depending on their behaviour and body structure, not every bird can free-fly and learn to survive in nature. While green-cheeked conures, sun conures and lovebirds can begin learning to fly as young as 40 days old, big birds will only be ready to learn after 90 days. Moreover, advanced GPS trackers have been put in place on the birds' legs to trace their locations in case they get lost.
"Basically, bird owners need to learn how to control and call their birds to return by using food and whistles. At the same time, birds will have to learn to listen, memorise and plummet from free-flight. Each course takes 15 to 30 days and the prices range from B2,000 to B45,000," Jakkrit said.
Jakkrit Poungsomjit serves as a bird trainer. Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb
"Birds can read our minds, so it's important to build a relationship with them. Personally, I allow my birds to free-fly as I ride a motorbike in order to teach them how to fly faster. The best time for training is from 6am to 8.30am and again from 4pm to 6pm. Also, we will usually feed birds fruits, nuts, avocado and apple seeds and make sure they live in separate cages to prevent diseases."
Ratchamanee Charoenket, 28, is a newcomer to the Bua Thong Free Flying group. She and her boyfriend treat their pet birds like children -- Almond is a little sun conure, Boeing is a colourful macaw and Latte is a moluccan.
Ratchamanee Charoenket.
"I've never raised any pet before and fell in love with birds after watching some videos on YouTube last year. They're lovely, active, curious and friendly with people. My boyfriend and I learned about free-flying birds from the internet and observed bird training several times before we bought our own pet birds," Ratchamanee said.
"When we take birds home, we don't feel alone any more. They can laugh and speak like humans. Birds give us happiness and prefer to go with us everywhere.
GPS trackers are used to trace birds.
"We've tried to learn their behaviour and it took us 45 days to get to know each other. Birds look like kids and we even feed them powdered milk A19 and A20 and some fruits and pellets for good health. We have also tried to enhance their skills but it's not easy to control birds."
Meanwhile, Chonticha Attawanich, 31, has turned her home into a mini-zoo, which is home to 12 sun conures, forpus and greater sulphur-crested cockatoos. She often takes her pets to train with experts during the weekend.
Ratchamanee Charoenket.
"There's no need to use a lot of space to raise birds. It's different from other animals. For example, a dog needs space to walk and run for exercise, however, birds are funny and love to interact with their owners and people, so our home is no longer quiet. Like entertainers, they can dance and mimic our laughter," Chonticha said.
"And it's not only dogs or cats you can dress up as there are now fashion costumes and accessories such as swimming suits, hats and dresses for birds as well. I'm happy when I come back home and find someone waiting for me."
Jakkrit Poungsomjit serves as a bird trainer. Photo: Varuth Hirunyatheb
Thailand Grand Flight Championship will take place on Dec 19 at Laem Bali Hai, Pattaya. Admission is free. Part of the proceeds will be donated to Bang Phra Water Bird Breeding Center. Find out more details at patrunning.com/thailand-grand-flight-championship-2020/14191.
