ADOPT

When people see parrots, they impulsively want them for their beauty and their ability to talk, even though not all parrots are capable of talking. Many parrots are ending up at rescues and sanctuaries because of the attention they require and their loud voices. Most people will tolerate their parrots for two to four years, until they dump them at rescues and sanctuaries, and most parrots live from 25 to 80 years.

Many shelters and rescues are already overwhelmed with parrots, and they have to turn people who want to get rid of their parrots away. People have abandoned their birds in front of sanctuaries and have threatened to euthanize their parrots if the sanctuaries do not accept their parrots. Even though parrots are adopted out, many of them are returned. People’s main complaints about their parrots are they are loud, they bite, and they are not as talkative.

When people adopt or purchase their birds, they need to know that their parrots will become their life. Parrots are not domesticated like dogs; they are still wild animals because captive parrots are only a few generations from their wild counterparts. They are complex social animals that require the attention and dedication they need and deserve.  

Today, 1/3 of wild parrots are endangered because of the exotic parrot trade. When the Wild Bird Conservation Act (WBCA) was enacted October 23, 1992 to protect wild parrots from the exotic parrot trade, breeders took over and started producing thousands of captive parrots every year. To conserve wild parrots, people should adopt the existing parrots that reside in rescues and sanctuaries. When adopting or purchasing parrots, please think responsibly. Parrots deserve the commitment, attention, and dedication they need to live healthy and happy lives.