They shouldn’t be alone. My parrot was a rescue whose previous owner had died. What we did was to introduce him to another female as well as ensure he had companionship to more than one bond.

Believe me I know a lot about the impact depression has on birds, and that bond with a human is just showing what sensitive and loving animals they are. Would it not be true for dogs to be completely broken when their owner dies? They might not die from heartbreak - but how does that answer my question? The flame was that physiological damage is an ESSENTIAL part of having a bird as a pet, and I wasn’t clear on what that meant. This isn’t what you answered.

So, no physiological cruelty is essential to the process then?

Mine was outside whenever he wanted. He’d spent a few hours every day outside. All living things have needs, and tigers’ needs are very, very different from a parrot’s.

Exercise or not, birds that are well cared for can be more challenged intellectually, can be entertained and happy, have relationships that are meaningful, and be much healthier than their wild cousins.

In the end if you believe your border collie is getting as much exercise as he would in the wild you’re delusional, but quality of life isn’t just about exercise.

Wild animals require special care, many of them definitely cannot be cared for in urban environments. Parrots, who actually thrive in urban environments, can without a doubt be cared for when born and raised with care.

In the end all animals are wild to a degree, whether it’s your goldfish, snake, iguana, parrot, hedgehog, rat, cat or dog. To think as a human you can put a line and say “this is wild” and “this is pet” is idiotic. All are wild. All have needs. All pets are bound by humans. In some cases we can provide a good life for them. In some, better. Take a domesticated pig and let them roam for a year and see how “domesticated” they are.

Be kind to animals, as you are one too.

Not that it matters, my parrot was a rescue as is my rabbit. I am very much against those who capture wild birds for profit or those who support them.

People don’t seem to mind the front page and upvote the next gif of that guy playing with his duck as if that’s any different. Y’all just brand yourselves and hold double standards for the same topics.

Yes, but just like any species they are at risk of becoming invasive. Israel has a major issue with aggressive Drara parrots who were let loose and multiplied and have driven out many local bird varieties in the past 30 years or so. Invasive species are no joke.

That said you don’t need an excuse for having a bird much like you wouldn’t need one for having a dog or a cat. Parrots love their family. They are warm and affectionate pets and just as you wouldn’t lock a dog in a cage for life, you shouldn’t do this to a bird.

My parrot was my closest companion growing up and his cage was only rarely closed. He preferred staying there by choice and we would often go on trips together. When I got hospitalized he got depressed and was thrilled and happy when we were reunited. Today I have a rabbit at home that’s also free and is living his best life at 11 years old.

The important bit is to invest in the relationship as much as you would with a dog or another family member depending on you, and to not get a pet blindly without learning a lot about them and meeting some to understand what they’re like.

I’m sorry, what physiological damage is essential to the process?

Elbit isn’t the government, but cute trope.