An African Grey Parrot as a pet

Interested in buying a pet bird?

Learn what the salespeople will never tell you

They're taken from their homes

Parrots, lovebirds, and other birds, are highly social animals that live in large flocks. They fly several kilometers to forage for food. Most birds in the exotic pet trade are poached from happy homes in the wild.

Macaw parrots in a cage
Captive macaws caught in the illegal trade.
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Captured grey parrots crammed into a crate for transport.

Many never reach their destination

Exotic birds are shipped long distances to countries vastly different from their original homes. 66% of African Grey parrots, the most popular pet bird species, suffocate and die before they ever reach their destination.

Exotic birds suffer in captivity

Whether they are poached from the wild or bred in captivity, birds suffer when living in captivity because they are wild animals. Exotic birds retain their natural instincts and needs, which cannot be met in captivity.

A grey parrot in a cage

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Cockatiels, cockatoos and other exotic birds are beautiful animals and might seem like a good pet; the reality is that these animals suffer for their lifetime in captivity.

  • The pet industry isn't telling the whole truth: The pet industry provides little information about their unique needs and complex behaviors. Many people assume that birds are easy and acceptable pets because they see them sold in pet shops.
  • They can be as much work as a toddler: Birds, such as cockatoos and parrots need a lot of attention. Being smart and sociable animals, they need daily interaction and toys that enrich their environment. When isolated or bored they can resort to feather plucking, self-mutilation and constant screaming.
  • They are a lifelong commitment: Conures, parakeets, macaws and parrots have a lifespan of more than 60 years and easily outlive their owners. When they are rehomed repeatedly in their lifetime, they suffer emotional damage.

Hear from the experts

From a vet's perspective

I see badly cared for birds every single day. Every day I see birds whose owners love them dearly but aren’t taking proper care of them. They simply don’t know what they are taking on. And every day we are called by people who are wanting to rehome their birds.

— Dr. Alix Wilson, An exotic pet veterinarian | November 2018

A shelter case study

This neglected and poorly treated green-cheek conure was one of many seized pet parrots found in an ageing man’s home in Alberta. The parrot pictured was found with a severely overgrown beak, poor feather conditions and was severely underweight. It was also suffering from psittacine beak and feather disease - an extremely contagious and deadly disease for which there is no cure. Sadly, this bird had to be euthanized soon after it was rescued.

Meika's Bird House | November 2018

Are you ready to be a hero to birds?

Click yes to pledge not to buy and cage wild birds as pets.

Yes, wildlife should stay wild