The international parrot trade has driven several species to extinction in the wild, with remaining wild-caught trade causing severe welfare harm alongside conservation damage.
Wild-caught parrots suffer through every stage of the trade: capture using glue traps or nets that injure birds, stuffing into cramped transport containers without food or water, stressful quarantine, and placement in environments wholly unlike their forest habitats. Most die before reaching the final consumer. For highly intelligent, socially complex birds, the welfare harm is both physical and psychological. Even captive-bred parrots sold through unregulated channels may be underage, improperly socialized, and inadequately prepared for companion life.