I must agree. I think it's because people on these forums are the type who research first and know what they want, so they know what to expect and know how great it can be beyond the problems. We also have the support of eachother - we remind each other what the good times are like. Posting stories and photos are perfect! I know if I have a hard day re the birds, after I read everyones' posts and see the pictures, I feel better and remember how great my birds are instead of getting bogged down in the excess screaming that day or crazy biting. There are times I've wanted to chuck Yoshi out the window!!! But the support from the groups and this forums sees me through to the next beautiful moment, and I couldn't be happier, because the bad moments are awful but the good moments are beyond incredible!
It also makes my birds more manageable. I find out correct diets, enriching toys and all the stuff they need - this way I don't have screaming birds demanding things I've not heard of!!
Personally, I don't think rehoming is a terrible thing. I've rehomed a bird, Gracie really hated it with us. Smokie is a big dope and frustrated her, Yoshi tried to play with her, we couldn't have her out just sitting around 24/7, she was unhappy. It took me quite a while to find her a home, I was abused by a few people refusing to let them have her. Then I found a perfect home for Grace. Only 2 semi-tame budgies in a huge cage, open plan house, older, stay at home woman, no other pets so she is out all day long! And she is so, so happy, the best thing I ever did for her - other than taking her out of a bad situation - was rehoming her. Because birds are so intelligent and individual, sometimes they just don't fit in. That said, I feel the key to this is the effort I put into finding her home. I found a home that would suit her. I also have an agreement that she comes back to me if she is ever needing to be rehomed, I am in contact with the buyer, we are friends and I knew her from several of the bird groups on FB. I have done the same with my horse and dog rescues. It's so stressful to do but I made a promise to that animal by bringing it into my home - I promised to do all I could to keep them happy, healthy and safe. Sometimes that means a new home, but I will spend time and money making sure they remain there and are treated well. I spent money getting one of my rescue horses back unexpectedly and now she has found another home with kids to teach (after retraining her, she became the most perfect kids' pony) and she is ecstatic.
However, there are animals in my life I won't rehome. Smokie and Yoshi have been with me a while now and fit amazingly, I wouldn't get rid of them. Pepper, our new conure, is still finding her place but I think she will be staying forever too, especially since Yoshi loves her. If ever they decided they didn't want human company anymore, I may offer them to one of my respected aviaries but only if interaction was causing them to be unhappy. Fortunately I can't see that happening with Smokie! Too bonded to people! I just want what is best for my pets. I'd give up my dinner for them. I have had my first puppy this year (I usually only get older, rescue dogs but complicated issues had us needing a puppy this time) and it's crazy, puppies are madness, some days I'm ready to give her back!!!! But I'd still give up my meal if it meant my dog would eat. But then, I'd do that for animals who aren't mine! I'm a bit of a softy....
I've been miserable for the happiness of animals in my life! They've just given me so much <3 a lot of people I talk to online are the same about their pets, but if I talk to a random person in real life, more often than not it's 'just an animal'. It's more common to see birds in a classic, pet shop cage with plastic perches, a hoop and a cup of seed than birds kept in huge flight cages with masses of toys.
I think a lot of adults feel they know best, but they learnt back when practises were not so great and they pass it onto their kids who then also think they know best due to growing up with it. Most people don't bother to think outside their bubble and research. It's incredibly common when it comes to budgies and tiels due to them being so cheap and common. Really needs to be taught in schools to the next generation for practises to changed for the majority. People need to 'grow up with it'. I think that's the only way we would see a big change, and even then, you are probably only looking at better quality care - animals will still be rehomed at a large rate due to poor research of the breed or species.
Anyway, I could ramble all day on this topic! Proper vs realistic care of animals is a big interest of mine. Also what proper and realistic care is! I'd love all animals to get the fantastic care seen on these forums!