Parrots for Sale: Why to Adopt Rather Than Buy

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Caregiver holding Little Feather the parrot

Why should I adopt a parrot instead of buying one?

There are several good reasons to adopt a bird rather than buy one. First, it's the right thing to do because commercial breeding operations are flooding the market with exotic pet birds, many of whom end up in rescue groups when consumers realize the complexities of caring for these animals. If you buy a parrot from either a pet shop or a breeder, it simply makes the problem worse. By adopting rather than buying a parrot, you help reduce the demand that drives the commercial breeding of pet birds.

Also, if you purchase a parrot, you probably won’t have a great deal of support if you have questions about your bird’s behavior or care further down the line. By contrast, reputable parrot rescue groups do provide that support, offering advice and resources as you and your new bird adjust to life together.

How much do parrots cost?

Another good reason to adopt rather than buy a parrot is that you’ll most likely spend a lot less money. A parrot can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars, depending on the species. Adopting a parrot costs considerably less, and you will have the satisfaction of knowing you have saved a life.

Before adopting a parrot, what are some things to consider?

These birds are intelligent, sensitive, curious animals, but living with them and caring for them properly can be much more challenging than people imagine. If you’re thinking about getting an exotic pet bird, consider the following:

  • Birds, even the ones bred in captivity, are not domesticated animals. Domesticated animals, such as cats and dogs, have been bred for hundreds of years to live in the care of humans and are distinct from their wild ancestors. Birds commonly kept as pets are no different than their wild relatives; they are the native species of other countries. Many “negative” behaviors of birds in captivity are expressions of natural instincts.
  • You may be surprised to learn that more than 350 species of parrots have been identified, and each species has distinct behaviors and particular needs in terms of care. So, before you adopt a parrot, you’ll need to educate yourself about the characteristics and needs of the species you choose.
  • Parrots have been compared to human toddlers in terms of their emotional, intellectual and social lives, which means they need a lot of daily interaction with people and/or other birds. Toys and other enrichment methods are essential to keep their minds busy and healthy. If these needs aren’t met, they can easily develop behavior problems, such as feather plucking.
  • All parrots have long life spans. Depending on the species, they may live 30 to 70 years, and some species live longer than that. Caring for a bird is often a lifelong responsibility.
  • Parrots are noisy. Vocalizing via squawking and chirping is a parrot’s way of communicating. Also, you should know that not all parrots are talking birds. While all parrots are vocal, not all of them learn to talk or choose to talk.

For more information about owning a parrot, read Parrot Adoption Considerations.

Parrot adoption and rescue organizations

If you are interested in adopting from the Parrot Garden, all our available parrots can be found at bestfriends.org. The first step is to submit an application and we will contact you with additional resources and information. You can contact us at parrots@bestfriends.org.

To learn more about adopting a bird and to find a reputable parrot rescue organization from which to adopt, contact the Parrot Garden at Best Friends or visit Avian Welfare Coalition.