Parrots kept as companion animals have complex cognitive and social needs that are frequently inadequately met; the resulting boredom, frustration, and stress manifest as self-injurious and abnormal behaviours.
Companion parrots are among the most challenging pets to keep humanely because their cognitive complexity means the gap between their needs and a typical household environment is enormous. Boredom and frustration from inadequate stimulation cause feather destruction, self-mutilation, and stereotypic screaming. Responsible parrot keeping requires extensive daily interaction, complex foraging enrichment, and ideally the companionship of a bonded conspecific.