Parrots are long-lived, highly intelligent birds with complex social needs. The captive breeding and pet trade often fails to meet these needs, resulting in significant welfare problems.
Parrots suffer extensively in captivity when their social, cognitive, and physical needs are not met. They require complex social interaction, mental stimulation, opportunities for flight, and consistent care over decades. Many captive parrots develop stereotypic behaviours, feather destructive behaviour, and self-injury as indicators of chronic stress. The surrender and rehoming crisis in parrots reflects a fundamental mismatch between what parrots need and what most households can provide. Responsible ownership requires lifelong commitment and substantial resources.