Download - Bird teahouse
“..the bird business is going to the dogs” - Bird sellers see their wings clipped
The Straits Times, 4 Jan 2010
In January this year, I came across a Straits Times article which talked about the decline of the pet-birds industry in Singapore. “The bird business is going to the dogs” it says. Indeed, the downturn of the bird business is attributed to the growing preference for warm furry dogs over birds. Also in part, the prevailing paranoia after the bird flu outbreak, and the increasing disapproval of caging a free flying bird.
There are just around 50 bird shops left in Singapore, compared to 81 shops five years back – a one-third reduction which is quite dramatic for any industry. One bird shop owner who was interviewed considers himself lucky to sell one bird every month compared to 10-20 birds in the 90s. The prospects looks depressing for these bird shop owners and many have intentions to pull out.
Lost craft
Bird Teahouse | Ng Pei Kang Oct 2010
I do not keep birds, but I have a bird cage at home because it evokes a sense of nostalgia and fits well with my Zen interior. I also like it because it is an iconic example of craftsmanship – a piece of work that fully embodies the heartware of the maker, more than just quality hardware. The heart behind a piece of work, I feel is a disappearing virtue today, evident in the disappointing quality of mass produced products. With the bird business on decline, it could be matter of time that bird cages will disappear too, having lost its functional purpose. It is a sad thought picturing the loss of cage making skills - what of the bamboo weaving and intricate wood carving? And the heartware driving it all? While the bird cage itself is losing relevance, maybe the craft and heart of the maker can be preserved?
Bird Teahouse | Ng Pei Kang Oct 2010
Lost craft
From Bird-cage to Bird-teahouse…The 24hrs fly-thru for city birds
Bird Teahouse | Ng Pei Kang Oct 2010
The next time you walk by a bird shop, check out the Bird Teahouse! Skillfully crafted by our cage making uncles, except they are not making a cage this time!
Meant to be hung outside your HDB window, the Bird Teahouse allows free flying birds to peck some food, take a sip, and have some rest before continuing their flight. It is the modern way of loving birds – not as pets, but as guests.
Great for…
Bird lovers: You do not need a cage to love birds. It saves you the upkeep hassle too - don't have to wash cage, don't have to worry about feeding if you go away on holiday, feed as you like, no strings attached!
Bird Teahouse | Ng Pei Kang Oct 2010
Bird Teahouse Pit-stop for birds surviving the HDB jungleThe 24hrs fly-thru for city birds
Amateur bird watcher: watch in the comfort of your home without getting dirty or sweaty!
Photography enthusiast: comfortably camp by your window and take great shots!
Nature lovers: empowering them to do their bit - returning a bit of urban space which made way for human usage.
Parents: Teaches your kid to…
1) Get in touch with nature - accept, not fear because of unfamiliarity 2) Tolerance by normalising the co-existence with nature - respect, not dominate3) The joy of giving
Ng Pei [email protected]
