Despite CITES restrictions, millions of parrots have been captured from the wild for the pet trade, with catastrophic welfare impacts during capture and transport.
Wild capture of parrots involves nest raiding, often using climbing of tall trees to reach nest holes. Captured birds are terrified social animals suddenly separated from their flock. Transport in cramped, dark conditions without food or water causes mass mortality. Surviving birds arrive severely stressed and may refuse to eat. The trauma of wild capture causes permanent psychological effects including feather destruction and fear responses that persist years after rehoming.