If you are a parrot owner and are having difficulties with your bird(s) then we can provide advice and support. This may be in the form of advice for behavioural issues or finding another good home for your beloved bird(s) if you can no longer provide the care he/she needs.

We appreciate that this is a very difficult time for you. We therefore discuss all options so that you can make an informed decision with regards to what is best for your bird to ensure the best outcome.

Below is a list of reasons why you may contact our charity for advice and support.

Behavioural

• Screaming and biting. This is natural parrot behaviour. Parrots are not domesticated animals and are still classified as wild. Parrots are loud. They are “flock” birds and use their voices to communicate with other members of the “flock” over great distances. They are messy and behave and eat in a similar way in their natural habitat.
• Aggressive behaviour. A parrot can display aggression if they feel that they, their mate, a member of the flock, their environment/territory is being threatened. The bird’s behaviour and demands may become difficult to manage and people decide they can’t work with the bird and will choose to give the bird up for the sake of human relationship. A new baby or a new partner falls into this category too. Family members may not like the parrot and the feeling is mutual. Birds are imprinted to mate/bond within a flock and can become possessive of their “chosen” mate. This can lead to aggressive behaviour towards others in the family as the parrot deems them as a threat to his/her mate.

Behavioural issues can be modified and or changed through better understanding of your parrot. Ensuring a good safe stable environment, boundaries and training (both human and bird) as well as a healthy diet all have a positive effect.

Personal

• Changes in family circumstances, Separation/divorce/death can cause stress both financially and emotionally and can impact on the whole family including the parrot. Moving homes, renting can cause issues with pets not being allowed, other members of the household not wanting animals. Homes rented from Social and Private landlords can also pose challenges if neighbours complain about noise from a parrot(s).
• Financial. Parrots are expensive to buy, house, feed and can require avian vet treatment which runs costs into £1000s. When parrots become sick, vet bills are high especially if no insurance is in place.
• Health. Diagnosis of respiratory issues e.g. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), cancer treatment, health concerns which cause immunosuppression can cause concern and worsening health for owners who have parrots.
• Death of an owner (or an owner moving to permanent care). Parrots can outlive owners and not all relatives/family/partners want or feel able to properly care for a parrot. Having a parrot is like having a 5 year old child and where possible provisions should be in place for this sad event.

We realise that parrot owners due to unforeseen circumstances beyond their control and have no ability to consider other options have to sadly make the decision to relinquish their parrot, We appreciate that this is an extremely difficult and emotional decision so we are here to help with this.

If you find yourself in any of these situations, please contact us at info@parrottrustscotland.org.uk

Or send us a private message via Facebook at https://en-gb.facebook.com/ParrotTrustScotland/

A member of our charity will contact you and have an initial fact-finding discussion at a mutually suitable time. During this conversation, we will clarify your concern and discuss ways in which we can help.

If you do need to rehome your parrot, we do this as sensitively as possible. We are all parrot lovers and know how difficult this decision is.

We will ask you for information about your parrot, including photos of him/her. It is important for us to get as much information so that we can find a good home to match your parrot(s) needs.

We also ask you to keep your parrot until we find another good home. This is the least stressful way to rehome a parrot rather than moving it to a temporary home then another home. If this is absolutely not possible (usually due to health/death of an owner), then we will endeavour to find a temporary safehouse to ensure the best care of the parrot.

If the new identified potential home has other birds in it, then all birds need to be disease tested – we will fully discuss this with you and the potential new adopter. As a responsible charity, we must ensure preventable disease spread is stopped. Once a new home has been identified, we will put both parties in touch. This way you can discuss your parrots needs and feel happy that this would be a good home. Although this is emotionally difficult, we can reassure you that parrots do learn to love again through time and patience.

If both parties are happy, then rehoming will take place. You will sign a relinquish form which means your parrot will be under the care of the charity and will not be sold or used for breeding in the future. The new adopter will also sign an agreement outlining this and the responsibility they must provide. Once the rehoming of your parrot has taken place, New owners are encouraged to contact you with photo/text updates, only if this is what you wish. Many previous owners find this a comfort. A member of the charity will be responsible for ensuring the parrot is settled and happy in the new home too.

We will absolutely strive to find the best home for your beloved parrot to ensure a safe and happy future for him/her.