Parrots are among the most traded wild animals; conservation breeding raises questions about the welfare of highly intelligent social birds.
Wild parrot capture causes extreme stress and high mortality. Captive parrots are highly intelligent birds requiring complex social interaction, mental stimulation, and appropriate diet that few owners can provide adequately. Boredom and social isolation cause feather destruction, self-mutilation, and screaming. Conservation breeding programs must prioritize behavioral welfare alongside genetic management.