Parrots are among the most cognitively complex companion animals, with social, intellectual, and emotional needs that frequently go unmet in domestic settings, resulting in significant welfare problems including feather-destructive behaviour and psychological distress.
The welfare challenges facing companion parrots are substantial and often underappreciated at the point of purchase. Highly intelligent, long-lived birds confined to small cages without adequate stimulation, social contact, or foraging opportunities develop chronic psychological distress that manifests as feather plucking, screaming, stereotypic behaviour, and aggression. The mismatch between wild behavioural complexity and typical captive conditions is profound. Welfare assessment for parrots requires evaluation of feather condition, vocalisation patterns, activity levels, exploratory behaviour, and social affiliative behaviour. Many parrot species should arguably not be kept as pets given the difficulty of meeting their needs, and prospective owners require comprehensive education about lifelong care demands.