Adopt a bird, if you can...

I agree totally with the sentiment of this article. I know many parrot enthusiasts are hung up on getting a "baby;" they're cute, and they don't have any bad habits (yet). But:

Most animal lovers are aware of the dog and cat overpopulation problem that has exploded across the country and the rising tide of puppy mills, animal shelters, humane societies, and rescue groups that have come along with it. Unfortunately, there is a growing proliferation of bird mills and hobby parrot breeders just as there are puppy mills and backyard breeders, creating a huge disparity between the number of parrots available and the number of homes to place them in.

Considering these issues of too many domestic parrots available and not enough good homes to put them in, adopting an avian companion may be the best decision an animal lover can make. Just as many kind-hearted dog and cat owners take in “second-hand pets”—those in rescues or pounds who need a second chance at life—so can parrot lovers.

I feel that experienced parrot keepers, especially ones reaching for that second or third bird, should seriously consider adopting a surrendered bird. I did.

We owe them the dignity of a home, and a flock, they can call their own.

Read the entire article here: Too many parrots, too few homes