Many people have parrots and parakeets of all varieties as pets. However, if you go to a bird rescue organization, you will see many, even hundreds of birds that were given up for adoption. Some of the birds will constantly squawk, or pluck out their feathers, some to the point where they have no feathers left. Some pace or sway back and forth or bite their cages. These birds are suffering from mental illness which was brought on by an unstimulating environment. It is similar to keeping a person in solitary confinement. The research by Dr. Georgia Mason, director of U of G’s Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare has determined that the more intelligent parrots and other highly intelligent mammals, need an enriched environment to maintain mental health.

If a person wishes to have a parrot for a pet, be sure to research which bird will fit into your lifestyle. Some birds do not require as much stimulation as others. Also realize that birds are flock animals that need companionship. If a potential parrot owner plans to have a solitary bird, be prepared to meet the bird’s needs. Not doing so can cause the bird to become mentally ill and the owner will be forced to give the bird up for adoption or to a bird rescue organization.

If you have a bird and are having difficulty with it, or you are not sure which bird to get, please contact the parrot division of the International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants at iaabc.org.