I have written a number of posts urging people to consider rehoming a parrot from a rescue rather than purchasing a baby from a pet store or a breeder. On my Facebook wall this morning, someone provided me a link with which to help spread this message along to other bird lovers.

At the end of this post is that link. There is a video contained within that very poignantly describes how and why it has happened that rescues and sanctuaries are bursting open at the seams. Here are some statistics pulled from the narrative:

• …It is estimated that nearly all parrots will be in at least 5 homes before they die prematurely or find a permanent home.
• …Sanctuaries report that they get an average of 1,500 calls per year from people wanting to give up their birds. Those sanctuaries that have not already had to close their doors report that they can accept an average of 5 to 30 birds per year and get 4 to 6 calls per day regarding birds they cannot accept.

Apart from issues developing due to most people’s inability to provide proper care, a parrot’s long life span might play the largest role in the ongoing cycle of rehoming:

• …Large species of parrots can live up to 85 years of age. Some smaller parrots can live up to 25 to 50 years. Most people don’t consider their bird’s life span as it relates to their own…Many parrots will outlive their guardians leaving the birds, more often than not, homeless and unwanted.

Here is the link: Exotic Birds Campaign. Click on the video to view. It is NOT graphic, but very informative..

The only thing I wish to elaborate on is that we should all have a plan in place that will see to the needs of our birds if we should die or become disabled in such away that it is not possible to continue caring for our birds. This post will help you consider the many different angles of this particular topic.

Patty Jourgensen specializes in avian health, behavior and nutrition and has been working with and caring for rescue birds since 1987.