About the Museum
The Museum of Hoaxes is dedicated to promoting knowledge about hoaxes. (Click here for opening hours, etc.) On our blog we post about dubious- sounding claims, and whatever else strikes our fancy. The site is also home to the Hoaxipedia (the museum's online encyclopedia of hoaxes), the Hoax Forum, and the Top 100 April Fools' Day Hoaxes.

The museum was created in 1997 by Alex Boese. He's assisted by a staff of deputy curators and docents. Alex is the author of three books, most recently Elephants on Acid: And Other Bizarre Experiments (which has nothing to do with hoaxes). Check out the list of the Top 20 Most Bizarre Experiments of All Time for a preview.

Web Hoax Museum

To Kris D., if people are buying macaws on impulse from your shop, and you know it, then it is your fault and your responsibility. You are wrong about not seeing bad habits in stores, since I have been in many, and it has been obvious in every single one. The only babies that don't chew are unweaned ones, and if you are selling them, you should be ashamed of yourself. I have never said that people don't make mistakes in buying any bird, but simply that it is NOT the epidemic that the PETA supporters here would have people believe. I have also said nothing about store return policies, so I don't know why you addressed that. We don't have any rescues locally, and frankly, my personal life is none of your business. I am not about to post anything more for the wackos that come here to use. My primary point, as it always has been, is that MOST birds go to homes that they stay with, and are only given up in extreme situations. There are some that do not, but they are a small percentage of the overall picture. While it does need to be addressed, it isn't the epidemic these extremist claim it to be. I never claimed to be a breeder, I worked in bird sales, and have been in the industry for years. In that time I have never had a customer regret their decision, and that is due to the fact that we educate them PRIOR to the purchase. If you have seen this, you are not doing your job and shouldn't be in the business of selling birds. I know it does happen, but only when stores don't do a decent job of educating their customer of the pros and cons of bird ownership. I have never claimed anything about large chain store requiring research before a purchase, and find it interesting that you are doing your best to pick apart every little part of what I say, in the vain hope of breaking down the points I make. Just because you don't do an adequate job yourself doesn't mean others are the same way. I would like to see you prove your claim about the PetSmart selling an unweaned Cockatoo, especially since I know that is a violation of their policies. While it might happen, it is just the actions of a poor seller, much like your store, from the sound of it. I noticed on the site you listed that there are a lot of claims to your credit. Can you provide proof that you are what you claim to be? I seriously doubt it. On one hand you claim you tell "the good, bad and the ugly" about birds, yet you also say that people buy on impulse from you shop. If you are really giving the necessary information, how is it that they are still uninformed? Are they just ignoring you?

Kris,
On your rescue's site, they state that more than 400 birds have been placed into homes. Obviously, they would do more work to insure these birds are properly placed, so this confirms what I have been saying all along. There is no epidemic of birds without homes. These birds might go into the rescue, but they are being cared for and then placed in loving homes. Thank you for making my point, even though you tried to discredit it. The site you listed proves I am right. Thanks for posting it.

first thing. omg. how long have you guys been fighting over this? you seriously need to find something better to do with ur time. like look after ur many parrots maybe? not meaning to be offensive but you are very childish. go do something with ur life.

Anon,
Why don't you mind your own business. You know nothing about parrots or this discussion, and have the nerve to post ANYTHING, that is just amazing to me. I for one am glad that Ed stood up and fought these loser peta supporters. They will say or do anything, including kill the animals they claim to want to "protect" and they know nothing about these beautiful creatures. What Ed said is 100% true, and anyone with half a brain would see that. I admire him for having the courage to take a stand and never back down.