Companion birds including parrots and finches have complex behavioral, social, and environmental needs that are frequently unmet in typical household settings, making informed ownership essential for good welfare.
Companion bird welfare is one of the most challenging areas in the field because the animals involved are often highly intelligent, long-lived, and have needs that are difficult to meet in domestic settings. Parrots in particular suffer greatly from under-stimulation, social isolation, and inappropriate diets. Feather destructive behavior, where parrots pluck their own feathers, is a strong indicator of chronic stress or psychological distress and is distressingly common in pet parrots. The commitment required for large parrot species is equivalent to caring for a child for decades, with the same cognitive complexity and need for stimulation. Prospective bird owners need honest information about the demands of bird ownership, and rescue organizations for parrots are overwhelmed with surrendered animals whose owners underestimated these needs.