Avian Welfare Resource Center from the The Avian Welfare Coalition (AWC) is a grassroots network of representatives from avian welfare, animal protection, and humane organizations dedicated to the ethical treatment and protection of birds living in captivity and in their natural habitats. The mission of the AWC is to prevent the abuse, exploitation, and suffering of captive birds, and to address the crucial issues of rescue, placement, and sanctuary for displaced birds. The AWC also supports efforts to insure the survival of wild birds and the conservation of their natural habitats.

 

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Keeping Parrots as "Pets"

Photo Copyright  Dee Thompson

Moluccan Cockatoo - Photo by Dee Thompson

Our Position

Whether captured in the wild or born in captivity, parrots are not domesticated animals like cats and dogs. They are still wild animals. Their natural curiosity, sensitivity, intellect, playfulness, and ability to form bonds with humans can tempt people to keep them in captivity. Unfortunately, the traits that make parrots so intriguing are the same ones that make them extremely difficult to live with as companion animals. Many parrots find themselves displaced as their natural behaviors and needs clash with human expectations. Before you buy or adopt a parrot, consider the following facts:

 

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Parrots bite and chew — you and your home!

 

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Parrots are messy and active!

 

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Parrots scream, but many do not talk!

 

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Most parrots won't learn cute tricks!

 

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Parrots are social and need daily attention!

 

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Some parrots never bond with humans!

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Parrots need to be served a varied diet!

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Parrots are sensitive to household products!

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Parrot cages, toys, and vet visits are expensive!

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Large parrots can live up to 80 years — will you?

Educating yourself about parrots before bringing one into your life is crucial to solving the displaced parrot problem! Only people who thoroughly understand that parrots are wild animals and who can commit to meeting their demanding needs should consider providing a home for one. Only then will all parrots kept in captivity be properly cared for and appreciated for the wild animals they are, the pet market's demand for "impulse purchased" baby parrots will decrease, and the displaced bird epidemic will become a thing of the past.

Recommended Flyer

Download Acrobat ReaderThe facts about keeping PARROTS AS PETS

The facts about keeping PARROTS AS PETS

Recommended Articles

Avian Welfare Issues: An Overview

by Denise Kelly, Eileen McCarthy, Krista Menzel & Monica Engebretson

NEW - The Welfare and suitability of parrots as companion animals: a review
By Monica Engebretson, the Animal Protection Institute
The Journal of Animal Welfare, published by Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW)

NEW - A Delightful, Awful Marriage to a Pet Parrot
By Julie Zickefoose, a National Public Radio Broadcast

NEW - Behavioural Problems in Companion Parrots
By Greg Glendell, Veterinary Times (UK), February 18, 22008

Not doing enough for your parrot?  Get creative
By Karen Windsor, Foster Parrots, Ltd.,
PsittaScene, Vol 18, No 4, November 2006

Birds as Pets: What You Should Know

by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

Bye Bye Birdie: Parrots’ Demands Often Prompt Owners to Take Flight
By Laura Lafay

Exotic Birds Are Not Pets, Really

by Morgan Henderson, originally published in The Philadelphia Inquirer

Free as a Bird?

by Dr. Lorin Lindner & the Animal Protection Institute (API)

More Beautiful Wild: Captive Birds

by the Animal Protection Institute (API)

Parrots and People…A Relationship of Conflict

by Tami Myers and Mary Margison, The Beak Retreat

Should Wild Animals Be Kept As Pets?

by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)

10 Things You Need to Know Before Adopting a Bird

by Monica Engebretson, Animal Protection Institute (API)

The Top 10 Reasons Birds Are Surrendered to MAARS

by Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services (MAARS)

Treating Parrots As Birds, Not Mammals

by Greg Glendell

The True Nature of Parrots

by Denise Kelly, Joan Rae & Krista Menzel

Why People Give Up Birds

by The True Parrot

 

 

Overview
Parrots as Pets
Bird Rescue, Sheltering & Placement
Aviculture, Bird Mills & Retail Marketing
Sale of Unweaned Babies
Naturalized Parrots
Conservation

Bird Displacement

All material Copyright © 2002–2008 Avian Welfare Coalition, unless otherwise noted. Contact us to request reprint permission.

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