Avian Welfare Resource Center from the Avian Welfare Coalition

Unwanted Birds & Bird Displacement

Peach-faced Lovebirds - Photo by Krista Menzel

Our Position

Captive birds are now facing an epidemic of overpopulation and homelessness. There are not enough homes — especially good homes — for every bird bred!

Thousands of birds are displaced each year simply because their caretakers can no longer provide the time and attention they require — either because they were not educated about the commitment that bird care demands or because their lives and interests change. Many of the larger species can live 40-80 years and often outlive their caretakers. Other parrots are rescued from living in uncaring, neglectful and/or abusive situations.

Whether wild-caught or captive bred, parrots and other exotic birds are not domesticated animals; they are the offspring of other countries’ native species who were taken from the wild. Like other exotic wild animals, captive parrots display natural instincts, needs, and behaviors- crucial for survival in their native habitats—that are not considered desirable ‘pet’ qualities. Often, the realities and difficulties of living with a parrot cause many unprepared caretakers to become disenchanted and seek to rid themselves of the responsibility of providing lifetime care.

The least fortunate unwanted birds are passed from home to home before dying from neglect or abuse, or they are euthanized. The lucky ones end up in shelters that carefully screen and educate potential adopters or in sanctuaries where they can choose to enjoy the companionship of humans and live among other birds. Such quality shelters and sanctuaries are filling up fast!

You can help solve this problem by not breeding birds and by adopting a displaced bird rather than buying one from a pet store or breeder if you are ready to make a lifetime care commitment. There are many birds in captivity who cannot be returned to the wild and need our care. Spreading the word about bird overpopulation and adoption to your fellow bird lovers will help thousands of displaced parrots to find knowledgeable, well-prepared homes or in special health or behavior cases, to be placed into sanctuaries to live out their lives on their own terms.