The decision to adopt a parrot from a rescue is one that can impact both the human and the bird’s life in a very meaningful way. I know that I personally can pull from very few experiences in my life that have affected me like giving a better life to a parrot in need of safety and love. That need is great for many birds all over the world. Choosing to adopt a bird over buying one from a store or a breeder is an admirable choice, but it’s important to understand the process in order to ensure a successful adoption. Let's take a closer look at parrot rescues and the typical adoption process so you can decide if adoption is right for you. 

Why Parrot Rescue Facilities Are so Important

In 2024, a survey by the American Pet Products Association revealed that about 5 million households reported owning a pet bird. That number increased by 7% since 2019, indicating that parrot ownership is rising by a meaningful amount every year. The demand for birds is high, so pet stores and breeders are meeting that demand by breeding more birds. Unfortunately, many of them end up being rehomed within a couple of years after purchase. 

There are several factors that lead to someone surrendering their bird. Most pet stores do not provide the proper training to their employees about parrot care and the expectations of ownership. While there are responsible breeders, there are also many who will sell birds to anyone that can provide payment without consideration of the bird’s wellbeing past the point of purchase. Unfortunately, social media has also played a part in the equation with many people spreading outdated or inaccurate information about bird care while also glamorizing parrot ownership by showing all of the interesting things a parrot can do without showing the more challenging aspects of having one. So, when someone is buying a bird, they often have an unrealistic expectation of what it will be like to have one in their home. The result is more birds are being bred than there are available homes because they are given up so often. Parrot rescues all over the world are attempting to help this situation.

The Adoption Process

I’ve had the honor of being able to help my local parrot rescue and thus I've been able to see some of what happens behind the scenes. I’ve also interviewed and spoken to others around the country that run their own rescues. Given the information I’ve gathered, combined with my experience adopting 5 parrots of my own, I will explain the typical adoption process. I won't be able to cover everything, and some rescues may have different procedures, but it will give you a general idea.  

It's a good idea to adopt from a rescue that is certified and has obtained a 501(c)(3) status, which is a designation given by the IRS that declares a rescue as a nonprofit organization. This is important because rescues with this status have to maintain specific standards in how they operate their organization. Depending on the state, they may also be subject to inspection to ensure they are continuing to run their rescue responsibly and that the animals in their care are well and are not being adopted out for breeding or sales. 

The Application

Once a person has decided to adopt a parrot, they fill out an application either in person or on the rescue’s website. This application will want to know things like what a person is hoping to get out of parrot ownership, their ability to financially support a bird, and will inquire about their lifestyle and household environment. While some questions may seem pretty personal, they’re important considerations for the rescue when they determine who will be approved. I’ve personally seen some people answer questions like “why do you want to own a parrot” with things like “because I want an animal that’s inexpensive and small for my 5 year old” Obviously, this would not be a good candidate for adoption. So, every question is asked with a specific purpose - to make sure the bird is going somewhere where it will be taken care of properly and have the greatest chance of not being rehomed again. (Image shown is of past and present birds taken in by Happy Wings Sanctuary)

Bonding Visits

If a person is approved for adoption, they will often be invited to come into the rescue for bonding visits. This allows them to interact with some of the birds and get a look at what it’s like to be present with and care for them. Sometimes, a rescue and the person adopting will have a specific bird in mind for bonding visits, and sometimes a person will come in to see which bird they gravitate towards and if that bird also seems comfortable with them. Depending on the rescue and individual, these visits can be done once or twice or can happen over weeks or months.

Home Inspection

Once a bird is chosen, the rescue will likely want to do a home inspection. This is done not only to ensure a person’s home is appropriate, but to also educate the adopting person about how to keep the bird safe and happy. The rescue will want to see if there are any items in the home that can be harmful to a bird like nonstick cookware, candles, dangerous chemicals, or if there is anyone in the home that smokes. If dangerous items are found during the inspection, the rescue will usually require that those items are removed and will offer help in finding safe alternatives. Inspections will also look at things like where a bird will be kept and if the appropriate amount of space will be provided. The point of a home inspection isn’t to invade anyone’s privacy. It is to ensure that the bird will be safe and that the humans in the house will also be content with the changes that come along with adding the parrot. (Image shown of an African Grey parrot living at Birds of a Feather Parrot Rescue of New Mexico)

Adoption Fees
If everything looks good, the next step is usually that the rescue will charge an adoption fee. Fees are calculated on varying factors depending on the rescue, but will usually cover the cost of the veterinarian’s checkup when the bird came in, any cages or supplies they come with, and other expenses that the rescue incurred and is seeking recovery for involving their care. While pet stores and breeders will charge for their birds in order to make a profit, certified parrot rescues will charge fees based on the care and services they provided for that bird before they are adopted out. These fees help to make it possible for the rescue to continue running. Even after charging adoption fees, many rescues are still struggling to cover the costs of day to day operation. They usually rely heavily on charitable donations and fundraising to make ends meet. The cost of food, additional vet services, toys, cages, facility management, labor, etc. is pretty demanding and even with all of the financial help I listed, it’s still difficult for many rescues to make ends meet. If a person doesn’t want to pay an adoption fee, this is often seen as a major red flag about their financial ability to care for the bird as well.

Bringing the Bird Home

This is the part of the process that is unique to each individual. Bringing home a parrot from a rescue is a delicate process, but one that if handled with patience and care will give the best results. Some parrots will adjust quite quickly and be ready to come out and explore right away. But on the other hand, some will be frightened and feel a great sense of insecurity. The first few days are the most likely in the process where a person new to adoption might feel apprehensive or nervous about their new bird. However, it is important to remember that this is at least the second time it has been taken from a place it became accustomed to and been relocated to an entirely new and strange environment. A good rescue will not just let someone go off on their own without support during this process. So, don’t be afraid to ask them for help and advice. They should want the bird to have a successful adoption, and so will likely offer assistance if it is needed. Patience is key during this time for the bird. The cage door can be left open if it is safe for them to come out - but they shouldn’t be forced to come out if they don’t want to. I always left the choice up to the bird. The door was open if they chose to emerge, and if not, they could stay safely in their cage and observe their new environment until they felt safe enough to explore. 

I’ve adopted 5 different parrots in the last 7 years and each bird was a different experience. Understanding as much as possible about the bird’s previous home will clue a person in about any challenges they might face. For example, my Sun conure Kermit was left alone and covered almost constantly due to her loud vocalizations before she was surrendered to the rescue by her previous owners. So, she was quite frightened of the rise in activity and being uncovered all day for the first time in years. It took her several weeks to feel safe enough to even come out of her cage on her own, and another 6 months to seek our attention. On the other hand, my Green-cheeked conure Noel instantly wanted to come out when we brought him home, perch near the window, and socialize with our other Green-cheek. Every bird is different, and learning how to observe every clue we can including their body language and vocalizations will help us know how they are adjusting.  

For the adopted bird, the next several months will be all about learning to feel secure again and getting used to new routines. Routine is extremely important in helping a parrot to feel safe and secure. Predictability in things like bedtime and morning routines, feeding time, training, offering treats, and general household activities will speed up the adjustment process and also help the bird to feel safe. In my opinion, that is the ultimate goal. Safety and security for the bird. It is even more important to appreciate the need for those things when a person is bringing home a parrot from a rescue. It has just been through a lot. Parrots are so intelligent and aware of everything that’s happening around it. They value safety, comfort, and social bonds above all else. As long as a person understands this and is willing to be patient and learn about their new family member, they have a great chance at a happy life with their bird.

My local parrot rescue LOVES Bird Street Bistro's parrot food. Many parrot owners have also appreciated the quality of the ingredients in the line of food and tea. But did you know that we also carry an Organic Pre+Pro+Post Biotics Blend for Parrots? Check it out today!

References:

“Pet Industry Market Size, Trends & Pet Industry Statistics from Appa.”  http://www.americanpetproducts.org/industry-trends-and-stats.