The focus of this site is providing information and connections to resources to help caretakers of captive parrots give them the best possible lives they can. Parrots are fundamentally different from domestic companion mammals (dogs, cats, horses). These are fascinating and charming (and sometimes aggravating) creatures, and we have a responsibility to them. We hold two complimentary, but on the surface contradictory views on parrots as pets:
- We generally oppose breeding and capturing parrots for the pet trade, with the exception of captive breeding programs designed to support species sustainability. We feel that all types of parrots — especially the larger and more intelligent species — would be better off in a wild environment where they could live according to their own natural impulses rather than being kept in a private home or even a zoo.
- We recognize the individual importance of the many individual parrots currently living in the company of humans. We have a responsibility to the health and well-being of these individuals over the course of what are typically very long lives. There are many birds living with people who are providing them with the best possible lives, but there are way too many parrots in rescue in need of safe and knowledgeable homes. Many of these parrots have had challenging lives and inappropriate care, and they deserve to be taken care of to the best of our ability for the remainder of their lives.
We do not judge or criticize people for keeping birds as pets, or even breeding them for the pet trade, but hold as an ultimate ideal the elimination of the parrot pet trade and the promotion and protection of safe and secure wild habitats.
We advocate for potential parrot owners to adopt if at all possible, and to do quite a bit of research before taking on the huge responsibility of providing for one of these complex and remarkable birds.