Why you should rescue or adopt a parrot

Many people want to have a parrot. They want a parrot that does not bite, scream or be destructive. These are three things you will not find in a parrot. Sorry to inform you. When they go to the store the babies are docile and cuddly and made to believe that will be the way they will be when they mature. People that want a parrot many times have never had one before. They do not know the responsibility that goes with a parrot. Parrots can be loud, destructive and expensive. Many people do not realize or do not want to think parrots bite. Vet bills can be expensive, they require lots of toys, their food can be costly and they require plenty of fruits and veggies. With all this said people still buy parrots. When they realize that there is so much more involved and they require so much; not including the human interaction and time out of their cage, what happens to the parrot? They are given up and to whom I don’t know. Not many are given to rescues as many do not know they exist and the most horrifying act is taking them to the vet and having them euthanized.
Parrots are the 3rd most chosen pet and to be honest they are not pets, their wild instincts will always remain. Many buy that baby with no real thought except they want a parrot and they want a parrot that talks. Parrots have become a status symbol to own. When the parrot does not perform and talk; what happens to it? Unfortunately that is a question I cannot answer but I dread that thought.
When a fledgling is taken from its parents it is heart wrenching because the parent is devastated and calls out for it; for days to weeks. Parrots are like humans and have very real feelings. They bond and are very social. Parrots are not like dogs and cats. You cannot spay or neuter a parrot. Nature is very important factor in a parrot’s life. They are very sensitive much like people and can feel. Then why are we torturing parrots emotionally so we can have a baby parrot? Have we considered these facts? I think not. If you are not up to the task of an adult parrot and you throw away the baby you bought. Then you should not have a parrot, might sound ruthless, but very true.
Why not come to the aid of a parrot in need? Yes, I agree there is a lot of work that needs to be done. People should consider a rescue because that parrot is craving for a chance to be loved and a part of someone’s family. Much like a baby but you get so much more gratification of a rescue. You may just luck out and that parrot may have a full vocabulary and know tricks.
There is a lot of work involved with a rescue because first you have to gain trust. Be prepared as much patience is required. Usually that is pretty easy as a way to a parrots heart is through their stomach. Just like your significant other. The rescue will reciprocate the love you shower upon them. Yes you may get a parrot who has plucked its feathers and it may not look that beautiful but is that why you want a parrot because of its beauty? Their beauty is their personality. If you want a parrot because of its beauty you probably are very shallow. The parrot may very well bite unprovoked. Parrots bite out of fear and or if they are angry and yes that rescue may very well be very fearful as you will never know what their previous life was like. You can show the parrot it is now safe and will very much be loved. It may be a screamer, my dear that is something you can work on. Usually a parrot is a screamer because it has been ignored and not given a lot of attention. Parrots do make noise and you must be prepared to accept this factor of their natural instinct. Some parrots are louder than others those are just the facts of life. Destruction, there is really nothing you can do because this is just the nature of a parrot. Parrots have only been domesticated for a couple of generations. They very much are still instinctual by nature to do the things they do in the wild. Call to each other and chew. Yes parrots have been found in the tombs of Egypt but parrots were only for royalty and the extreme rich. All these issues can be resolved and you can end up having the best relationship you ever asked for.
When you consider buying that bundle of joy keep in mind you are torturing its parents and feeding the selfishness of breeders who do not care about the parrots’ welfare but that cold hard cash they are getting and that colorful bird store can be the worst culprit. The overpopulation can be deterred if we consider adoption instead. The bundle of love of a rescue can be so much more rewarding and gratifying in the long run.
I obtained my parrots as babies and now if I only knew the facts 14 years ago I may have considered my options. I love my parrots but I am heartbroken to know I tortured a parent losing their child. They did not have the opportunity to decide if they wanted to give up their baby, we decided it for them. My last parrot I bought was three years ago and I am destroyed to know I ripped a family apart. I always thought it would be best to get a baby so I could imprint it the way I wanted my parrot and yes we have had great success; though knowing now what I know I can still imprint an adult with my attitudes, feelings and I what I want from a parrot. Please consider your facts before you walk into that store and pay hundreds to thousands of dollars for a baby. In the back of your mind realize there are millions of parrots in need of a home and in need of love; you can compare this to a dog shelter. You can do all the research on a breeder but do you really know the truth? I didn’t. Find a rescue and adopt. You want a parrot and a parrot wants you!
I have always wanted a Lory. It just never seemed to fit into our family, as we have hook bills and they roam our house. I went to the Birmingham, Alabama Zoo and once again my heart ached for a Lory; after visiting their specialized exhibit with Lories; I called my girlfriend who has extreme avian knowledge. With my longing desire she called me back and asked if I was serious. I was very serious and she happened to have a Blue Streak Lory that needed to be adopted and go to a loving family. I couldn’t believe my luck and arrangement was benefiting both of us. It was not something we previously chose when having a feathered friend come into our home. We had always purchased babies that we could imprint. Her name was Zorro but she needed a new start in life and we kept her name as close to Zorro as possible and so we named her Zara. She is beautiful with an insecure personality. We hope in the coming weeks she will feel more secure and become like the outgoing and gregarious babies we have. She is finally eating and taking her baths. Unfortunately she plucks out of insecurity and feeling lost without her prior parents. After ten years they felt they could no longer care for Zara because they decided to take another avenue of rescue and they started to rescue Labrador dogs. As that is what we heard and do not know fully about why they gave her up or the full story of her past. My belief of having a parrot come into your household is that it is for life. For the fact they are very intelligent and social animals. In the wild they live in flocks and take care of each other. Those parrots that are pushed out of the flock is generally because there is something wrong with the parrot may be due to illness, less weak and may look different. A parrot is a flock member in a family and we have become their flock. When they are given away they do not understand why and then you run into behavioral problems. When the parrot starts to feel safe again many of those behavioral problems can diminish. You as the new flock have to take into consideration their feelings of confusion and make the transition as safe and nurturing as possible. I feel very grateful for this opportunity to change a parrot’s life and having Zara know that she is very much wanted and loved.

Lories are so pretty! I want to see pictures!

I adopted Puck because I didn't see why I should get a baby when there are adults out there that need homes too. I found Puck on Craigslist, and was also able to afford a bird that I couldn't have otherwise afforded!

I'm sure there is something good in the OP, but I must admit I have not tried to read it, as it may cause my head to explode.

Could you do my tired old eyes a huge favor, and insert some paragraph breaks (preferably where appropriate. )

Thank you very much.

What about breeders who co parent their babies? The parents of the babies and the breeder raise the baby together. Yes this makes for a more wild baby but the end result is worth the work involved with the bonding process. My Illiger's Macaw was raised this way. The breeder and the parent birds worked together to raise the baby. By the time the breeder brings the babies out of the nest (not as naked babies but as fully feathered ready to fledge babies) the parent birds are ready for their children to leave the nest.

If there was a Red Fronted Macaw that needed a rescue I would take one into my home. Both the people on this form that I have been talking to have rescued RFM's. These people love their macaws and they are doing well. Unfortunately this is not a bird that is much available here so for me, I had to go out of state to get my parrot.

I researched breeders who use the co-parenting way. This breeder's parent macaws are her pets. They are not just locked away for breeding but their babies are raised together with the breeder involved.

I don't feel guilty for purchasing a baby parrot that I wanted. This bird will hopefully outlive me and this parrot will be taken care of and loved until the end of his days.

Noblemacaw

BTW I would rather adopt than buy a baby parrot. I also know which parrots are right for my home.

I bought my first bird from a breeder and he will be the last baby i ever own. After i got him and done a lot of reading i learned about the huge numbers of unwanted birds. The rest of my flock was unwanted and unloved. But within a month of being here with me they become as bonded with me as my sun conure. If i get another bird i promise it will be a adult bird that has been misunderstood after it grew up. I love all three and could not imangine life without them.

I agree with some if not most of what the op is saying here. But not all breeders are irresponsible or bad people. Most breeders care about their animals that they breed and sell. The few breeders that I know of will not sell you one of their birds unless you meet their strict guidelines. I think it's more irresponsible to say to everyone who wants to own a bird that they should be guilted into adopting an adult bird with all kinds of mental and physical issues that need to be overcome.

I think for the experienced bird handler or owner, adopting a rescue bird is a great thing because they will have the experience that it would take to overcome the above mentioned issues as well as trying to break bad habits that have been condoned by the previous owner who gave up the bird to a rescue center.

I'm not against rescue centers, I think they do a great job for the most part. But if I'm going to be charged close to the full price for a rescue bird that a hand raised baby bird would cost from a breeder, I would opt for the breeder raised bird. Because you will have some idea of what your getting yourself in for with the bird from a breeder. But a rescue bird you haven't a clue.

You also have to realize that birds don't ALWAYS pluck or begin plucking out of neglect or mistreatment. There could be a chimical embalance, or just from boredom. There are numerous reasons for plucking. I have seen the happiest birds that are well loved to the point of being spoiled that started plucking. Cockatoo's are notorious for this behavior. Greys are also known for this as well as many other species. So eventhough you might have a well adjusted bird, it could pick up the habit of plucking and once started, it's almost impossible to stop.

EDIT: I guess I'm not one of these save the world kind of people. I believe more in if I can save myself today, I can save the world tomorrow.

I am sure some breeders are very picky where babies go. But keep in mind many birds with no problems end up at rescues everyday because owners die or lose the home they have. I agree 60% of birds might have a behavoir that needs training to stop. But in my area the breeders here could care less if they sell a cockatoo to someone that has never even held a bird. We don't have any rescues close either. If the breeders would take the time to screen homes and offer support to new owners maybe i wouldn't hate them so bad.
All birds deserve a forever home but most only stay in a home for a year before being put up for sale here. I have watched one sun conure got to 6 different homes in a year and a half. his crime is screaming when the owner gets home. But is fine if you get him out so he can be on top of his cage. Now he is for sale for $350 thet gave $400 for him. He came from the same breeder my sun came from but is 6 months younger.
If those that want a bird would do a lot of reading and look for a caring breeder maybe we wouldn't have so many unwanted birds.

Thats how my OWA is lol. I couldn't ask for a more loving bird that will go to everyone. No screaming or biteing. Well she sure does talk alot lol but thats 100% better than screaming.

Rescue birds need love too, understood. Don't forget though, that being a reputable breeder also means making a business succeed. If even the best of breeders don't turn a profit they themselves will not be able to make a living.

Here in Australia there are no rescues or shelters for parrots ( not in my area anyway ).
I'm a breeder and honestly, I would NOT let any of my babies go to somebody I didn't know would care for him/her properly.
Some breeders ( like me ) handle the chicks in the nest and let the parents still raise them. There is no way I would let one of my birds be sold unweaned either.
The three chicks I kept from last year are still really tame and they were handled from 2 weeks by me but were parent raised.
Of course adopting a bird is better than buying one, but calling breeders selfish and implying that we only breed for our own gain is a bit harsh.
You don't make money breeding unless you have a very large business, and it usually takes years to get to that stage.
I love my birds, and I wouldn't ever do anything to hurt them.

Yeah, adopting is a better option. 7 of my flock ( 6 budgies and a cockatiel ) are rehomes. But not all breeders are selfish and don't care about their flock.

Zara is really lucky ~~ love to see some pictures ~~ ^^

I personally would love to adopt and help those parrots but unfortunately .. In my country there isn't much adoption for parrots going on.. oni dogs and cats.

I am fully pro-adopt, but I bought my Poi from a breeder. Why? I couldn't find any Pois in rescue - and we have some good ones around here. I knew a Poi was the bird for me. I can't have a cockatoo or a macaw, and that's what you find most often in rescues.

I feel for those birds and wish people would do their homework before buying/adopting any bird. I read up and met different birds for 9 months before choosing mine. He's perfect and perfect for me. He came from a MAP-certified, amazing breeder, and I feel no shame in taking him in (i.e., buying him). I got the bird I will spend the next 30+ years with and I know I got a good one. I have no doubt there are many good ones in rescue situations. I just couldn't find the one that fit me.

Edited to add: one of my budgies is a rescue/rehome, and I feel good about that He's a sweet little guy, a little fearful, but we're working on that.

Sorry for asking a stupid question.. but I need to know ... ><

Are we able to adopt or rescue birds from overseas to bring it to our country to us ?

Thanks

Hochimama said:

Sorry for asking a stupid question.. but I need to know ... ><

Are we able to adopt or rescue birds from overseas to bring it to our country to us ?

Thanks

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I imagine there are restrictions against importing animals that would affect the ability to rescue from overseas. There would be too much risk in importing 'rescued' birds that may not actually be rescued but smuggled or something. I know the CITES criteria are pretty strict - and with good reason.

My main concern for carers getting a bird from a rescue, are they really educated enough to take on the responsibility of a rescue if it's their first ever bird. What rules are in place. Are they taught how to handle a parrot. I sometimes see parrots sent back to rescues because they didn't fit with that family.

Being a breeder myself & being very choosy to whom i sell, if a first timer wants an Eclectus i will spend many hours with them until they are certain they can look after one. I will even send them away to think it over to be absolutely sure. Then i offer a life time back up service, ( that's untill i fall off my perch)

I have actually been told by a member from another forum that she hated breeders because we are the ones causing the problems & why parrots are rehomed or sent to rescues. That really hurt my feelings.

Pedro said:

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I have actually been told by a member from another forum that she hated breeders because we are the ones causing the problems & why parrots are rehomed or sent to rescues. That really hurt my feelings.

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I think it's a shame that people feel that way. It's the same with dog breeders. There are some really good ones, but 'some people' lump all breeders in together and blame them for everything. There are breeders who are in it to make a profit and churn out birds/dogs/etc. at an alarming rate, with no commitment. Then there are breeders, like the one I chose, who do it right. They screen potential buyers just as rescues do. I had to complete an interview, a 2 1/2 hour training session, I am subject to home inspection at any time, and I have to notify the breeder if circumstances change in any significant way. If I cannot keep Finn - which will never happen - they will take him back, rather than see him sent to a rescue/shelter/stranger.

The breeder is also there if I have any questions or concerns. They offer regular training programs to bird owners. Oh, and they donate a portion of their profit to the Gabriel Foundation.

Not all breeders are bad

Personally, I'm a big advocate for adoption but one of my cockatiels is a hand raised baby and I know she was well loved and I am still in contact with her breeder. Though now I volunteer at a sanctuary and anytime I hear of someone looking to buy a bird I tell them to find a place to volunteer first. It's win:win. They get experience with all kinds of birds and will probably get their first few bites and kisses but they will also have the network of people to help them when they make their informed decision about where to get their bird. Who knows maybe they'll do what I did, go in not looking for a bird and end up with a cockatoo lol. I think there are certianly bad breeders and bad rescues out there but there are also good breeders and good rescues. I think there is room for both in the bird world, as long as they're all responsible about it.

Pixie is my first ever bird, I don't have anything against rescue. My yorkie is one but I was also experienced with dogs before. My next bird friend I plan on being a rescue situation when we are ready to do that but by that point I will have some parrot experience and a better understanding of what I am getting into with that situation.

Before she came home I made sure to come here and ask all sorts of questions, read some books and researched breeds until I found that a Pionus was right for us. When I first came here I had my heart set on a 'too and a breeder ready to sell it to me. But this forum helped educated me on what that would be like and we decided on that information as a family to look into another breed.

I love my breeder and he is in it for love of birds, he is there for life after the sale and I can call him anytime. I feel good about that.

I've done both now and see advantages to both. I got both my conures as babies and they have known no other owner but me. I learned a lot about bird behavior from them over the last dozen years. Enough so I felt like I could deal with a problem parrot as well. So when one died, I felt I wanted to do a rescue. I'm also getting up there in years now and might not outlive a baby.

I don't think anyone should condemn one or the other. They both serve functions. Yes, parrots are long lived animals, and many people don't do well with them, so the rescues have many birds wanting new homes. If you feel you can do that, you should. But, if you don't, or want one from a baby, that is perfectly understandable.

I guess my only problem is breeders selling unweaned babies to people who do not seem equipped to take care of them. I know most breeders don't do this, or they spend a lot of time with the potential new owner educating them on proper feeding and care. I have raised newborn kittens, and baby rabbits many times. I still never quite felt like I was ready to do a baby bird, and so I haven't. Of course I used to work as well and was gone 10 hours a day, so that would not have been a good idea. But, almost every day we have a new owner of an unweaned baby who needs help so these breeders are out there. That is not a reason though to condemn all of them.

The breeders who come onto this forum help people here every day. They don't have to do that, but they do it out of the goodness of their hearts.