Key Points
By Shelly Allen, Publisher Pet Junction Magazine
It never ceases to amaze me how many people approach me when I’m out with my 27-year-old Umbrella Cockatoo and begin with:
“I used to have a parrot, but…”
Then comes the reasons.
“I had to get rid of it because it screamed.”
“Because it was messy.”
“Because we moved.”
“Because it bit someone.”
“Because I didn’t have time anymore.”
I’ve heard every excuse in the book.
And every single time some stranger casually explains why they “got rid of” their parrot like it was an old couch or outdated appliance, I get a pit the size of Texas in my stomach.
Because the truth usually isn’t complicated.
Most people simply had no idea what they were getting themselves into before bringing a parrot home.
And once reality hit, it became easier to let somebody else deal with the “problem.”
The Truth About Parrot Ownership
Here’s the honest truth: Parrot ownership is hard.
Parrots are:
- Loud
- Messy
- Emotional
- Demanding
- Intelligent
- Sensitive
- Sometimes unpredictable
They require:
- Specialized diets
- Expensive toys
- Large cages
- Mental stimulation
- Daily interaction
- Long-term commitment
And perhaps most importantly…Many parrots live extremely long lives.
Some companion parrots can easily live:
- 30 years
- 50 years
- Even longer depending on species
That’s not just a pet. That’s a lifelong commitment.
Unfortunately, many people buy parrots impulsively because they’re beautiful, funny, or entertaining without truly understanding what daily parrot ownership looks like.
Then a few months or even a few years later comes:
“Uh oh…what did I do?”
Why So Many Parrots Need New Homes
Sadly, we are now seeing the same thing happen with parrots that we’ve already seen happen with dogs and cats.
Too many parrots. Not enough forever homes.
Some parrots spend decades being shuffled from:
- Home to home
- Family to family
- Owner to owner
Not because they’re “bad birds,” but because each new owner underestimated the responsibility involved.
Many parrots end up emotionally damaged from repeated rehoming and lack of stability.
That’s heartbreaking for such intelligent and emotionally aware animals.
Before Bringing a Parrot Home, Ask Yourself These Questions
If you are seriously considering adding a companion parrot to your household, there are several things you absolutely need to think about before bringing one home.
Do You Truly Have Time for a Parrot?
Parrots are flock animals. And once you bring one home…YOU become their flock.
That means your parrot will need:
- Daily attention
- Interaction
- Socialization
- Mental stimulation
- Emotional connection
Parrots that are ignored or isolated often develop:
- Screaming problems
- Feather plucking
- Aggression
- Anxiety
- Destructive behaviors
A bored parrot is rarely a happy parrot.
Do You Have Enough Space for Proper Housing?
When it comes to cages, bigger is always better.
Parrots need room to:
- Climb
- Stretch
- Play
- Exercise
- Explore
A cramped cage creates stress and frustration.
The rule should always be: Buy the largest cage you can reasonably fit and afford.
Their cage is their home. And many parrots spend a significant amount of time inside it.
Can You Afford Proper Parrot Care?
Parrots are not inexpensive pets.
Beyond the initial purchase or adoption cost, parrots require:
- Specialized food
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Veterinary care
- Perches
- Cage maintenance
- Toys
- Enrichment activities
And toys matter more than many people realize.
Parrots are highly intelligent creatures that require constant mental stimulation.
Without enrichment, behavioral problems often develop quickly.
What Happens If Things Don’t Work Out?
This is one of the most important questions prospective parrot owners rarely ask themselves.
What is your plan if the companionship arrangement fails?
Simply surrendering a parrot to:
- A rescue
- A bird store
- A shelter
- Another random owner
…should never be the first solution.
Life happens. Unexpected situations happen.
But responsible ownership means taking accountability for the animal you committed to.
If rehoming ever becomes necessary, put in the effort to carefully find a safe, knowledgeable, loving forever home.
My Experience With My Umbrella Cockatoo, Picasso
I received my Umbrella Cockatoo, Picasso, from a family that genuinely cared about him but could no longer provide the attention he deserved.
Before bringing him home, I did my homework.
I:
- Researched parrot behavior
- Spoke with experienced bird owners
- Asked questions
- Learned about care requirements
- Prepared myself mentally and financially
I went into parrot ownership with my eyes wide open.
That was over 22 years ago.
It’s 2026 and Picasso and I are still going strong.
Good forever homes absolutely exist.
But responsible ownership starts with education and realistic expectations.
Different Parrot Species Have Different Personalities
One mistake many new bird owners make is assuming all parrots behave the same way.
They absolutely do not. Different species have dramatically different personalities and care needs.
For example:
Cockatoos
Cockatoos are often extremely affectionate and crave physical attention, cuddling, and interaction.
That personality works well for some owners but can become overwhelming for others.
Amazon Parrots
Amazons often enjoy social interaction and conversation but may not enjoy excessive touching or handling.
African Grey Parrots
African Greys are incredibly intelligent birds often compared to the intelligence level of young children.
They can be:
- Sensitive
- Analytical
- Emotional
- Prone to anxiety
Their intelligence requires significant mental stimulation and patient handling.
Matching your personality and lifestyle to the right parrot species is incredibly important.
Parrots Are Lifelong Companions
I’m certainly not trying to discourage responsible parrot ownership.
In fact, sharing my life with a parrot has been one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever had.
Parrots are:
- Funny
- Loving
- Intelligent
- Entertaining
- Full of personality
They become deeply bonded companions. But they deserve stability, commitment, patience, and lifelong care.
If you decide parrot ownership truly is right for you, give that bird the forever home it deserves.
And don’t let temporary life situations or relationships come between you and your lifelong commitment to your feathered companion. A well-loved parrot can become one of the best friends you will ever have.
Frequently Asked Questions About Parrot Ownership
Are parrots difficult pets to own?
Yes. Parrots require significant time, attention, socialization, and long-term commitment compared to many other pets.
How long do companion parrots live?
Depending on the species, parrots can live anywhere from 20 to over 60 years.
Do parrots need a lot of attention?
Absolutely. Parrots are highly social flock animals and often require daily interaction and mental stimulation.
Are parrots noisy pets?
Yes. Many parrot species are naturally loud and vocal, especially cockatoos, macaws, and Amazons.
Do parrots require special diets?
Yes. Most parrots require species-appropriate pellets, fresh produce, and balanced nutrition for long-term health.
Why do parrots get rehomed so often?
Many owners underestimate the noise, mess, time commitment, and emotional needs associated with parrot ownership.
Are parrots good pets for beginners?
Some smaller species may be suitable for beginners, but many parrots require experienced handling and extensive care knowledge.
How do I choose the right parrot species?
Research personality traits, lifespan, noise levels, care requirements, and compatibility with your lifestyle before choosing a species.
