Domestic birds have become the fourth most popular pet, behind dogs, cats and fish; and parrots are often the first birds that come to mind when you think of pet birds. The types of birds that are included under the group name of parrots are: parrots, cockatoos, amazons, macaws, parrots, lovebirds, parakeets, cockatoos and budgerigars.
Parrots have been extremely favored among pet owners and it’s not hard to see why. Two of the most popular reasons why they are entertaining and lovable pets are due to their high intelligence and ability to talk. Although there is little evidence to suggest that they understand the words they are using, it is still quite amusing for the owner to hear pet parrots repeat the words they have been taught. As pets, they are charming but can become extremely moody and temperamental.
African Gray Parrots have been said to have the brainpower of a 5-year-old with the emotions of a 2-year-old. Due to this superior intelligence, they can be demanding pets, and with good reason. African Gray Parrots have been kept as pets for over 4,000 years. The Egyptians are believed to have been the first to keep the African Gray as pets, as shown in their hieroglyphs.
Because these birds are so popular, there is a large and thriving trade in smuggling the animals out of various countries, with many dying in transit. There are also moral questions about maintenance in cages of such smart and wide flying birds.
Parrots fly wild again in the United States; even if they are not native to the states they now inhabit. These populations are made up of abandoned and escaped pet birds, and there are different opinions as to whether this is a good or bad situation.
Due to their popularity, parrots are following in the footsteps of cats and dogs in that they too are facing homelessness. There are more than 150 rescue organizations in the United States and many abroad to address this growing problem. Unfortunately, many of these organizations are now full and there are not enough caring people to open more rescues. We are now beginning to see the use of euthanasia to control their numbers. Most of the birds that live in animal shelters and bird rescue facilities are less than five years old! This starts by considering that some parrot species can live up to 60+ years in captivity.
Parrots are highly intelligent birds and can provide us with many years of loyal companionship. It is up to us to provide everything these beautiful birds need when we make them part of our home and our lives.