Pet birds including budgerigars, cockatiels, and finches have complex behavioural needs that are rarely fully met in captivity, leading to chronic stress and shortened lifespans.
Companion bird welfare is one of the most underappreciated welfare issues in the pet trade. Birds have complex social, cognitive, and movement needs that cannot be met in standard cage sizes. Social species kept alone experience loneliness; inadequate flight opportunities cause both physical deconditioning and psychological frustration; inappropriate social pairings cause chronic stress. The welfare of companion birds is further compromised by the exotic pet trade, which still supplies wild-caught birds to some markets. Evidence-based housing standards, social housing requirements, and restrictions on wild capture would significantly improve companion bird welfare.