The problem with parrots

“Parrot Confidential” is an interesting, perhaps even important, documentary about how humans manhandle parrots (pun intended). Stolen from their nests in the tropics, parrots are sent to pet shops in the Western countries, bought by “bird-lovers” and then discarded, unless saved by the enthusiasts who run rescues or sanctuaries, often at considerable costs for themselves. Of course, some people who buy parrots love their little wards and are forced to abandon them due to foreclosure or other personal tragedies. Many others, however, are simply influenced by the latest fashion trend and then loose interest in the poor birds. Two former breeders interviewed on the program disclose that their business boomed due to the TV series “Baretta”, which features a detective and his cool cockatoo. In real life, cockatoos may be the most demanding pet parrots! They also live as long as a human. While parrots *are* cool (one of the birds featured in the program can dance to reggae!), this documentary is a strong argument for banning parrots as pets altogether. Unfortunately, that might be impossible as long as the demand for colorful cage birds is still strong…