Adopting A Parrot

People pass away, or can take a different direction in their lives whether through their choice or as a necessity, and that sometimes means their parrot loses the only companion they have ever known.

a young parrot

When we think of "man's best friend" most automatically think of a dog, and it was likely the first image that popped into your mind when you read that. However I'd like you to consider a parrot as your best friend or companion. Preferably a parrot needing to be adopted from a rescue centre.

Rescue Centres

Parrots needing adoption often have had a hard life and are just looking for a friend to protect and care for them. They are as loyal as any dog, however adopting a bird doesn't get the same publicity as other animals. When people think of getting a parrot it seems they usually head off to the nearest pet store and not to the nearest rescue centres. As some of you may know I'm not a huge fan of pet stores selling animals, that's just my opinion and you may have a different view, but definitely check your local rescue centres first.

There are a number of bird rescue/adoption places dotted around Australia which can be found with a bit of searching. Most seem to genuinely want to help rescue birds and they understand that parrots are intelligent and require a matching of the right bird to the right person. Trying to re-home parrots of all types and behaviours can be a difficult job with little to no financial help from Governments or Councils so they often ask for a fee or donation to keep going. If you are able to assist financially that's great, but also consider donating items they may need.

Check the Requirements

Many places have certain requirements that need to be met for adopting a parrot. Some I've seen have good guidelines designed to make sure you will be suitable for each other. However I have also seen a few that seem a little over the top in what they expect from people. It's not that they are trying to make adoption hard, it's often the case that they truly care for birds and do not want to give them to someone who may later abandon them, or simply sell them. So spend some time going through what the rescue centres require and expect from you, and also what you consider to be fair and reasonable from them.

Before Adopting a Parrot

If you are considering a rescue bird and you're not too sure about it, here would be my basic tips:

  • Go to a local bird sanctuary. Walk around and have a chat to the people there. It may help you decide if a parrot is right for you.
  • Look online, in person, or in community papers for legitimate places that have rescued parrots for adoption and give them a call.
  • Research not only the species, but also the particular bird you are looking at adopting. This includes things like their behaviour, and phobias.
  • Plan around your birds age if possible and have a "backup person" or family to care for them if you cannot.
  • Parrots aren't toys. For a younger person you would more than likely be better with the smaller species like budgies, cockatiels, or conures.
  • Consider aviary or standard cage options. If a cage is required, get one suitable for your sized parrot and as big as you can (preferably new).
  • If you or your family are busy, consider if it is the right decision. If you are still keen, another option is a pair of birds to keep them happy (mirrors aren't a substitute).

Personally, I like the older parrots. They can be more work as they could have picked up bad habits or have trust issues, but they still deserve to be cared for and loved. Often it's not the parrots fault they have behaviour issues but rather it is what people have done to them. Next time you see a large bird in a little cage consider how you would feel and behave after living in something the size of your closet for 40 - 60 years or more.

I hope you consider adopting a parrot, but if you are unsure, there's certainly a need for people to support and help our birds in all manner of ways.