Large parrots live 50-80 years, creating unique welfare challenges for birds that often outlive their owners and require end-of-life care planning.
Parrots rehomed in later life experience profound psychological distress from loss of long-term bonds. Behavioral regression, self-plucking, and refusal to eat are common in rehomed parrots. Older parrots may be passed between multiple owners as their lifespan outlasts successive caregivers' circumstances - each transition causing repeated grief and adjustment. Many rescue parrots have extensive behavioral problems resulting from inadequate care or repeated rehoming. End-of-life welfare for geriatric parrots requires understanding their pain and discomfort signals, which differ from younger birds. Planning for parrot care continuation is a fundamental ethical obligation of parrot owners.