Whether you choose to adopt or buy a parrot, it is your responsibility to ensure you are bringing home a well-cared-for bird from an ethical source. Unethical breeding, poor husbandry, and improper handling can cause severe health and behavioural issues in parrots. Here’s what you need to know to make an informed and responsible decision.
Things To Look Out For
A parrot’s appearance and behaviour can tell you a lot about their health. Before committing to bringing a bird home, here are some key things to check for:
Signs of a Healthy Parrot
- Bright, clear eyes with no discharge.
- Clean, well-groomed feathers.
- Active and alert behaviour.
- Strong, even perching posture.
- Clean vent (bottom) with no stuck droppings.
- Smooth beak and nails.
- Normal breathing (quiet and steady).
- Engaged, curious, and responsive.
Signs of Illness or Poor Care
- Cloudy or swollen eyes, discharge from nostrils.
- Fluffed-up, dirty, or missing feathers.
- Weak, lethargic, or overly sleepy behaviour.
- Sitting low or struggling to balance.
- Dirty vent, signs of diarrhoea or abnormal droppings.
- Overgrown, cracked, or deformed beak/nails.
- Open-mouth breathing, wheezing, or tail bobbing.
- Uninterested, withdrawn, or excessively aggressive behaviour.
Tip: Always observe the bird for at least 10–15 minutes before making a decision. A healthy parrot should be active, responsive, and curious about their surroundings.
Assessing the Breeder or Seller
If you are getting a parrot from a breeder, don’t just take their word for it. Many self-proclaimed breeders in Singapore operate without proper licences or ethical practices. Here’s how to protect yourself and the birds:
Ask to See the Parent Birds and Breeding Facility
✔ Ethical breeders should be transparent and allow you to see where their birds are raised.
✔ The breeding area should be clean, well-ventilated, and spacious—not overcrowded, filthy cages stacked in a dark room.
✔ Parent birds should be healthy, well-fed, and not excessively plucking their feathers (a sign of stress or poor conditions).
Red Flag: If the breeder refuses to show you the breeding facility or the parent birds, walk away—they may be hiding unethical practices.
Ask for Relevant Permits
In Singapore, a legal permit is not required to own a parrot. However:
- Importing parrots into Singapore requires a permit.
- Some parrots are listed under the CITES list of endangered species and require a permit for import or export.
- Certain species such as Cockatoos, Macaws, and Amazons are highly endangered and protected.
- Make sure pet shops or traders have a valid CITES permit if they are selling these species.
More information here: CITES Factsheet
Ask for Breeder Licences
In Singapore, parrot breeders must have a licence from the Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS).
Ask to see proof of their AVS Breeding Licence. If they are selling multiple species without proper documentation, they may be unlicensed or illegally breeding.
Red Flag: Many “breeders” on online marketplaces may not have proper licences—supporting them fuels the underground wildlife trade.
Unethical Practices to Avoid
1. Selling Unweaned Baby Parrots
Some sellers offer baby parrots that still require hand-feeding, claiming that this helps the buyer “bond” with them.
Do NOT buy unweaned baby birds! Hand-feeding requires expertise and precision. Improper feeding can lead to:
- Aspiration pneumonia (food entering the lungs).
- Crop burns (from formula that’s too hot).
- Slow or stunted growth due to malnutrition.
Tip: Only experienced avian specialists should hand-feed baby parrots. A responsible breeder should fully wean their birds before selling them.
2. Selling Birds That Have Been Clipped Before Their First Flights
NEVER support sellers who clip a bird’s wings before they have fully grown and taken their first flights.
Flight is critical for a young parrot’s muscle development, coordination, and confidence. Birds that are clipped too early may never learn to fly properly, leading to long-term physical and psychological issues.
Red Flag: If a seller says they clip all their birds “for safety” before selling, they are prioritising convenience over the bird’s well-being.
3. Overpriced “Rare” Colours and Mutations
Some breeders inflate prices by marketing parrots as “rare” colour mutations or “designer hybrids.”
This practice often involves:
- Selective breeding of “rare” colours (e.g., albino, lutino, or pied mutations) that can cause genetic weaknesses or health issues.
- Crossbreeding different species (e.g., Macaw hybrids) to produce “unique” birds with unpredictable temperaments, health problems, or shorter lifespans.
A parrot’s value should be based on their health, socialisation, and overall well-being—not on their colour or hybrid status.
Adopting A Rescued Parrot – What To Know
Unlike breeders or pet shops, rescues and rehoming organisations like Parrot Society (Singapore) may come across parrots with ongoing health or behavioural issues due to their past experiences.
Understanding a Parrot’s History and Health
When adopting, it’s important to gather as much information as possible about the bird’s background. However, some factors to consider:
- The parrot may have been surrendered with little or no history.
- They may have been rescued from neglect or abandonment.
- Health conditions and behavioural issues can take time to show.
How to Manage This as an Owner
✔ Schedule a vet check-up within the first few weeks of bringing the parrot home.
✔ Observe the bird closely for unusual behaviours or signs of illness.
✔ Provide a stable, stress-free transition period.
✔ Seek avian veterinary advice if new health concerns arise.
Final Thoughts: Choose Responsibly!
Whether you choose to adopt or buy, being informed, responsible, and ethical in your decision-making ensures your parrot has the best chance at a happy and healthy life.
If you have any doubts, walk away. A responsible parrot owner makes choices that prioritise the bird’s welfare over convenience or cost.
