Parrots are among the most cognitively complex companion animals, with lifespans and intellectual needs that make them challenging to care for appropriately in home settings.
Companion parrot welfare is chronically compromised by the mismatch between their complex social, cognitive, and behavioral needs and what typical home environments provide. Parrots need multiple hours of social interaction, continuous novel enrichment, and appropriate dietary variety. The exotic pet trade in wild-caught parrots continues to threaten wild populations. Prospective owners must understand the lifetime commitment before acquisition.