Parrots and parakeets in the pet trade face high mortality during capture and transport, and rarely receive the cognitive stimulation they need in captivity.
Parrots are among the most cognitively demanding animals to keep responsibly. Without adequate stimulation, they develop feather-plucking, screaming, and self-mutilation behaviors that indicate severe psychological distress. Most parrot owners underestimate their commitment requirements, leading to abandonment and rescue system overload.