Parrots and other companion birds are among the most cognitively complex pets yet are frequently kept in conditions that fail to meet their behavioral and social needs.
Captive parrots frequently suffer from social isolation, boredom, and psychological distress. Feather-plucking, self-mutilation, and stereotypic behaviors are common indicators of suffering in poorly-kept birds. Their long lifespans mean welfare failures affect animals across decades. Responsible ownership requires a lifetime commitment to species-appropriate social, cognitive, and physical needs.