Petting a Parrot on Shabbat

Other forbidden activities

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Question

I have a parrot that I keep in a cage on Shabbat. It is used to being free during the rest of the week, and this really causes it distress. The question is, am I allowed to at least pet it to alleviate its boredom during Shabbat? Thank you!

Answer

Shalom Rav

According to the instructions of the Gaon, Rabbi Avraham Fried, shlita, it is forbidden to pet a parrot or other animals on Shabbat, as animals are considered muktze, and petting them involves moving their feathers.

However, note that it is not always necessary to keep the parrot in a cage for the entire Shabbat.

Parrots or other animals that are accustomed to being in the house and do not escape even when the door is open can be left free on Shabbat, with the door locked for part of the time.

However, a parrot that needs to be caged to prevent it from escaping cannot be allowed to roam the house for part of the time, as it will not be possible to return it to the cage afterward.

Source

Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim, Siman 316, Sif 12

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