Pet birds including parrots, cockatiels and canaries have complex social and cognitive needs that are frequently unmet in captivity, leading to significant welfare problems.
Companion birds, particularly parrots, face profound welfare challenges in captivity. These highly intelligent, socially complex animals evolved to range widely, live in flocks, and engage in rich foraging and social behaviours. Captive conditions that confine birds in small cages, deprive them of companionship, or fail to provide adequate cognitive enrichment can cause severe chronic stress. Feather destructive behaviour, stereotypic movements, and aggression are common manifestations of welfare compromise in captive birds. Responsible bird keeping requires large, complex housing environments, same-species companionship where appropriate, and lifelong commitment.