The Wild Bird Pet Trade: Welfare in the Supply Chain

Wild bird capture for the pet trade causes severe welfare harm throughout the supply chain. Despite international restrictions, illegal trade continues to threaten species and individuals.

Key Facts

An estimated 3 to 5 million wild birds are traded internationally each year
Mortality rates from capture through export can exceed 50 percent for some species
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species regulates but does not ban wild bird trade
Parrots are among the most traded and most welfare-compromised species in the bird trade
Many parrots in the pet trade are wild-caught despite captive breeding being technically feasible

Welfare Considerations

Wild bird capture for the pet trade causes suffering across the entire supply chain. Capture methods including clap traps, mist nets, and lime sticks cause stress and injury. Transport in cramped, darkened containers causes deaths from dehydration, injury, and disease. Mortality rates between capture and final sale are high. Birds that survive to pet homes often suffer from chronic stress related to improper housing, inappropriate nutrition, and lack of conspecific social contact. Parrots particularly are long-lived, highly intelligent, and socially complex birds whose needs are rarely met in conventional pet settings. Sourcing only captive-bred birds from responsible breeders and adopting rather than purchasing are key welfare actions.

What You Can Do

Never purchase wild-caught birds — source only from captive breeding programs
Research species-specific needs thoroughly before acquiring any bird
Adopt birds from rescue organizations rather than purchasing from pet shops
Support organizations working to enforce CITES restrictions on wild bird trade