10 Reasons Why Parrots Shouldn’t Be Pets

It’s easy to see the appeal of parrots as pets: they’re extremely intelligent, they often talk, their lifespans are significantly longer than your average household pet, and they’re beautiful. Because of this, people who are eager to “own” a parrot may be ignorant of the fact that they are technically wild animals and should not, as a result, be pets. As such, humans who live with parrots should not refer to themselves as the birds’ “owners,” and those who opt to adopt – which is the most ethical way to do so – should instead refer to themselves as their “guardians.” Many parrots end up getting rehomed because the majority of people aren’t equipped to take care of them. Listed below are ten reasons why parrots shouldn’t be pets, and this list is hardly exhaustive.  

1. They are wild animals 

Source: Real Wild/YouTube

As mentioned above, parrots are technically wild animals. Unlike cats and dogs, these animals have not been domesticated. Even though some parrot breeders may seem reputable and that they are doing things ethically, breeding is part of the problem of captive parrots. These are exotic animals, and having parrots in your home should be as unnatural as having monkeys or big cats – which are typically illegal to own – in your home. And, because they are wild animals, there’s no guarantee your parrot will bond with you, even if you purchase them from a breeder who has hand-raised them. As of 2021, an estimated 50 million parrots lived in captivity in homes worldwide, with approximately 8.3 million being in the U.S. alone. Despite the existence of parrot sanctuaries and rescues, this number has likely changed very little. 

There’s a notable difference between captive-bred animals like parrots and fully domesticated animals like dogs and cats. Domestication is hardly a fast process and, while parrot breeders may be attempting to make these avians more suitable for human companionship, this is hardly an easy task. Your typical household pets have been selectively bred for this reason, just as the turkey you consumed at Thanksgiving was selectively bred for this purpose, and chickens are selectively bred to produce more eggs than is normal. In addition, birds are much more different from humans than our fellow mammals are, which is also why reversing millions of years of history is a tedious task, to say the least. 

2. They need social Support

Source: BirdTricks/YouTube

Like humans, parrots often seek companionship. In their native environments, they’ll typically have social circles – including mates. Although they don’t always mate for life, it’s natural for them to crave social Support, whether it’s romantic or otherwise. It’s a devastating sight when a captive parrot is left alone for whatever reason; for example, it’s not uncommon for birds to outlive their guardians, especially if they’re purchased when they’re babies and their humans are elderly. Even if they’ve been well-loved, the bond a captive parrot shares with their human is not the same as the one they’d share with another parrot. The best way to provide social Support for your bird is to include them in family activities (safely, obviously), especially since they probably consider you and your family to be part of the flock. If the cage is isolated, make sure there’s a playframe and/or stand wherever there’s the most family activity. Just like your children or your partner, your parrot will likely not want to be left out. Of course, it’s essential that they not be left alone – especially alone – for long periods, as this can lead to depression and, eventually, self-destructive behavior. 

However, unlike humans, who can survive in solitude, parrots require companionship. Wild birds are raised by their siblings and other family members, who teach them the tools needed for survival in the world. When parrots are born, their eyes are closed and they are essentially defenseless, being fed by their parents. As they grow and learn how to be birds, they can still rely on the safety of their nests – unlike captive-bred parrots, who are often hand-reared by humans, an alien, different species. Even when not hand-fed, the newly hatched parrots will still be taken away a few days after birth, while their eyes are still closed. The goal here is for these birds to become human-dependent as infants, and they will continue to be bonded to humans as they age. But this is not the ideal scenario for these birds, who require direct care from members of their species. 

3. They live a long time 

Source: Texas A&M University/YouTube

As previously mentioned, due to their relatively long lifespans, parrots may outlive their guardians. While captive parrots in particular may suffer from health issues that could shorten their lives, if they are healthy, happy, and safe, they can live as long as humans can. As such, most people are ill-equipped to spend [perhaps] decades taking care of an animal who is high-maintenance and often expensive. Say, for example, a woman in her 40s decides to purchase a baby Amazon parrot from a breeder, that bird could live for another 30+ years after their guardian dies. Typically, larger parrots live longer than bigger ones;  smaller birds – like parakeets and cockatiels – can live 15-20 years, whereas bigger birds – like Amazons, cockatoos, and macaws – can live up to 80 years, with some even reportedly making it beyond 100 years. 

Because your parrot may outlive you, you need to make plans for your avian companion, ideally when you are considering bringing them home. You also need to consider any life changes that might occur and how they would affect your bird’s life; for example, if you’re getting married, make sure your partner is on board and that this additional person being around won’t negatively affect the bird’s quality of life. If you are ready to commit to adopting a bird for whom you can care for the remainder of their (or your) life, ensure longevity through a proper diet, as well as ample enrichment and stimulation. That said, even the most well-cared-for parrots can experience health issues, such as Avian bornavirus, Pacheco’s disease, and Psittacine beak and feather disease. Certain diseases are easily transmittable among avians, and may or may not be lethal.

4. They can be aggressive

Source: BirdTricks/YouTube

Sure, parrots are beautiful, intelligent, and fascinating. But did you know that, because they are in essence wild animals, they can also be extremely aggressive, no matter how “tame” they might seem? Even if you purchase a baby bird who has been hand-tamed, there’s no knowing how they’ll act when they’re older, especially when they reach sexual maturity. Also, a bird who has been extremely loving towards you may suddenly change their demeanor, and perhaps for puzzling reasons. Even smaller parrots like cockatiels and parakeets can bite, although macaws and cockatoos tend to make the biggest dent. 

If you’re wondering if your bird can bite you, just remember, if there’s a beak, there can be a bite! You may not also know when or why a bird will bite you, but oftentimes it’s because you haven’t read their body language properly or didn’t follow any previous warnings they’d given you. Positive reinforcement is essential, as any form of admonishment may only encourage this type of behavior. This type of aggressive behavior can be heightened during hormonal periods, especially among younger birds, as they are – like humans – going through puberty. Parrots are likely to be territorial as well, especially with their cages and the area around them. Even the friendliest, seemingly most “tame” bird is likely to bite at least once; it could be a quick warning bite that barely leaves a mark, one that causes bleeding and could be infected if not treated appropriately, or it could be so damaging that it sends you to the hospital.    

5. They can be loud 

Source: Ohio Pets/YouTube

Sure, it’s fun when parrots talk and fascinating how they can imitate people’s voices and certain sounds. But have you ever heard a cockatoo or macaw scream? It’s quite piercing, and even smaller birds like conures can be quite loud. Also, everyone’s hearing is different, so the shrillness of a cockatiel could be more bothersome than an African grey’s frequent mimicry, or vice versa. It’s unwise to have a parrot in your house or apartment if you have close neighbors because, even if you have never heard your bird scream, that doesn’t mean that something won’t eventually trigger them to let it all out. It’s easy to see why people who work and volunteer at parrot sanctuaries often wear earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, as that much exposure to high decibel levels can damage your hearing. The loudest parrots are cockatoos, whose decibel levels can get up to 135. In the wild, this helps them communicate with one another and warn each other of danger, but in a house, it’s usually attention-related. 

They often scream because they want attention and, unlike most dogs, they may continue doing so for inordinate amounts of time (and a parrot’s scream is significantly louder than a dog’s bark). Even if you work remotely full-time or are retired and spend most of your time at home, whatever attention you give to your bird will never be enough. You can try to find what’s causing any excessive screaming, especially if it seems to be a new development. It could be related to a physical issue that your vet should examine, or perhaps the screaming is in response to changes to the bird’s environment, such as a new pet or a new person living in the house. The attention-related screams could be remedied by getting new types of enrichment, or even adopting a new avian pal.    

6. They are too intelligent to be pets

Source: AnimalWised/YouTube

Of course, your dog is smart, but is she as smart as a parrot, who can learn all sorts of words and phrases and whose intelligence level is similar to that of a young human child? This is a rhetorical question as many people are already aware of this fact, and they may opt for a parrot companion at least partly due to their intelligence. However, if you think of parrots of human children, who typically strive to be independent, wouldn’t it feel weird to imagine a child locked in a cage or some other confined space? That’s one of the struggles of the captive parrot, whose normal space would (and should) not be so confined. As wild animals, parrots – like other bird species – are accustomed to flying (see below), so it feels unnatural to restrict them to such domestic settings. African grey parrots, in particular, are typically the most intelligent, with the ability to complete cognitive tasks similar to that of a five-year-old human child. Why are parrots so intelligent? Well, it’s because their neural circuit is akin to that of our closest relatives, primates. As such, the term “bird brain” should be considered a compliment. 

Imagine yourself being locked in a bathroom for interminable amounts of time, and only occasionally (if ever) being let out to explore one or more rooms in a house. You’d be depressed and your quality of life would be extremely low. Therefore, confining a highly intelligent being like a parrot in a cage, even for relatively brief amounts of time, is unnatural and unethical. Parrots possess a natural curiosity that causes them to be easily bored, which leads to the need for ample enrichment for parrots in captivity. Also, even those who can talk may only scream, and they typically won’t learn to do any neat tricks to try to teach them. Thus, due to their advanced intelligence, they may elect not to do things that people will assume they’ll do, leading to a disappointed parrot guardian. But it’s not the parrot’s fault: they shouldn’t even be in captivity in the first place. Also, even though they crave attention, they’re often picky in terms of who’s on the receiving end of aggressive behavior, who receives the most protection, and who they trust the most. There may be no explanation as to why this is the case, although sometimes parrots show a preference for men over women and vice versa. 

7. They could fly away 

Source: Adventures of Roku/YouTube

As previously stated, parrots typically fly and the mere fact that they’re in captivity means that they can’t do so as freely as they’d probably prefer. Wild parrots could fly anywhere from three to 20 miles a day, typically in search of food. Even birds whose enclosures are aviaries that allow them to fly a bit will still be unable to exercise their flight abilities as well as they normally would. Parrots may also have their wings clipped by their humans to prevent them from flying, which is cruel and unnatural, to say the least. Additionally, those avians who’d otherwise be flighted may be unable to as a result of severe plucking and/or self-mutilation (a common problem among captive parrots). 

And, those humans who allow their parrots to fly may even bring them outside to try some free-flight work. As admirable as this is, if for example, you walk outside with your bird without a harness, they may fly away and, as a result, become lost. This is particularly dangerous for captive-bred parrots, as they are not accustomed to living outside by themselves. Also, because your bird is almost certainly non-native, their bodies are not equipped to handle certain environments. Smaller birds like parakeets are more likely to fly away, especially when left out by an open window. Even the most well-intentioned bird guardians can look away for one second and then the bird is gone. 

8. They are still affected by trafficking

Source: One Earth Conservation/YouTube

While some locations have enacted strict anti-trafficking laws, wild parrots continue to be taken from the wild without any serious repercussions. Thousands upon thousands of parrots have suffered and died thanks to the wildlife trade. Among bird groups worldwide, parrots are the most endangered; certain species have become endangered or are listed on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List as vulnerable or threatened. Some species may only be found in captivity. Fortunately, organizations like the World Parrot Trust and One Earth Conservation have been working hard to slow trafficking in countries ranging from Indonesia to Costa Rica to Guyana. There are also dedicated rescues in such places – including Macaw Conservation Costa Rica – which help boost the local parrot population by using captive breeding and what are known as “soft release techniques.” 

9. They are sensitive to certain household products

Source: Flying Fids/YouTube

If you want to adopt a parrot, it’s best to be a homeowner – but, even so, you must be aware of certain household products that can be fatal to birds. For example, you should not burn incense, paint your house, or use a self-cleaning oven with a parrot present, as inhaling these fumes is harmful to them; also, any cleaning sprays, hairspray, etc. should be used away from birds. You also need to make sure not to have any non-stick (i.e. Teflon) baking/cooking equipment. Teflon is particularly fatal to parrots, as when the item reaches a high temperature, it emits tiny vapors that are inhaled by their sensitive respiratory systems, leading to instant death. 

Make sure not to feed parrots certain foods, including apple seeds and fruit pits, avocado, caffeine, chocolate, garlic, onions, peanuts, and rhubarb. It’s also best to avoid giving them salty and/or fatty foods, as even small amounts can be risky. Keep birds away from heavy metals as well, such as those found in linoleum, soldering, twist ties, zippers, and even only bird toys, which may contain lead. Loose wires, cords, etc. can also be dangerous, so make sure they are hidden or, at the very least, don’t leave your parrot unsupervised where these kinds of hazards are around. It’s also important to be cognizant of the possibility of your bird chewing furniture or wood in your home, which could cause major damage. There’s the potential of other toxic items in your home, so it’s always best that your bird is supervised when let out of their cage or aviary.

10. Their care can be expensive (and high-maintenance)

Source: Flock-Talk/YouTube

All pets can be expensive, especially when you include annual vet costs, feeding, pet sitting, and the like (not to mention emergency medical expenses), but parrots are especially pricey, considering the complexity of their diet, enrichment items, and housing. Parrots in captivity will typically eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, along with pellets, nuts, and seeds. Certain breeds require specialized food, such as lorikeets, who require nectar, as well as special needs birds, who might require medicine and the like. Because captive parrots tend to require a great deal of enrichment – as a result of their intelligence-created boredom – and they may go through toys and chewable items quickly, you’ll need to replace these items more often than you would for, say, your dog. Then there’s their housing, which can include a cage, aviary, playstand, and/or playframe. Oftentimes, the best and most spacious cages are expensive (and not to mention difficult to transport), costing upwards of $1,000. 

Even if you provide parrots with plenty of enrichment to satisfy the need to chew, they can still be incredibly messy. You will need to clean their cage/aviary regularly, including changing any paper, scraping off any poop, and general sweeping/vacuuming wherever they spend most of their time. Vet visits can also be expensive, and it can be difficult to find a reputable avian vet within driving distance. Because parrots typically live for so long, their life-long veterinary costs will be significantly higher than those of your dog or cat. And let’s not forget the initial cost of “owning” a bird, as you may pay anywhere from $35 to thousands of dollars to get a specific breed. According to estimates, the lifelong cost of living with a parrot can be $30,000 – or more. 

Hopefully, all of this is enough to convince you not to have a parrot in your home. If you feel like your life is well-suited to parrot companionship and that you can provide a stable, safe, and loving home for as long as your avian friend is expected to live, then adoption is the best route. Look for a reputable parrot sanctuary or rescue near you, and learn about their adoption process. It would also be beneficial to volunteer at such an organization, so you can become more familiar with them and determine if this is the right decision for you and your family. These sanctuaries are typically inundated with surrender requests; for example, Foster Parrots, a sanctuary in Rhode Island that is home to nearly 400 parrots, had already received more than 1,000 requests by November 1. Do not buy birds from a breeder, pet store, etc. as, even if you are well-intentioned, by giving money to these industries, you are only adding to the problem. 

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