06/17/2026
If raising parrots were easy, everyone would be doing it. If your intent to get into raising birds is to become a millionaire, you are in it for the wrong reason and will quickly realize that it is an unrealistic expectation when it comes to raising birds.
Most people view parrots as luxury pets, which they are in one way. You could easily adopt a dog or a cat for little to no cost. Most parrot species are paired with a rather surprisingly high price tag, especially to those who are not familiar with the industry. Unfortunately and fortunately, only a small percentage of parrot owners are actually reproducing birds; most are simply pet homes where birds live and die without ever reproducing the next generation.
Raising birds is challenging and should be taken seriously by knowledgeable individuals, rather than by inexperienced caretakers. However, it has created an unintended gap between pet owners and those who are raising these birds. A gap so vast that hatred and discontent have filled that space. Turning individuals against each other when we should be uplifting one another for the common interest to see parrots thrive both in captivity and their wild populations.
Because I get to see the full life cycle of parrots, my understanding of these birds has been dialed in to better understand the nature of parrots through trial and error and daily experiences of caring for parrots. Most pet owners only get to see the surface nature that everyone loves about parrots, the dancing, the talking, and the mischievous acts they find themselves in. All fun things, but when these non-domesticated birds turn back to their wild nature, people are discouraged and overwhelmed because they are not educated to know how to handle the inevitable breeding behavior that all birds have woven into their DNA.
But like all industries, not everyone is going to agree with each other, and that’s okay. There was a recent story about a certain mega pet store chain having been exposed for animal cruelty towards parakeets and their parakeet supply chain. This story was published by another very large group that is against just about everyone and everything that deals with an animal. Sad to see the story of these birds in the hands of those who were only in it for the profit. All it takes is one bad incident from unethical individuals, and they will deem an entire industry wrongful, even those who have the best interests at heart for their birds.
So often, you only hear about the horrible cases, the neglect, the abuse, the mistreatment of birds and animals. But that’s what makes the news. I have met so many incredible individuals who have some of the nicest, well-maintained facilities and owners who love and care for parrots with the best of intentions, yet you never see that in a news article. So don’t think because you see so much negativity towards keeping birds that it’s all bad; there are so many good people out there fighting to see parrot species thrive.
Every parrot is a miracle, and you don’t realize that until you see just how difficult it is to raise them. This African grey pair I’ve had for six years and have had countless eggs, at times so close to having chicks. But with every clutch of eggs, I hope we move closer to finally seeing them produce. These luxury birds are expensive because the energy and time that is put towards them is so extensive that one has to be completely dedicated to see the success of raising a healthy chick. I hope my next update is with baby greys, but only nature knows for sure.
As always,
Stay wild 🦜
