Two years ago, you simply could not resist those two brightly colored parrots in the pet store window. What a mistake! Now you want a new home for your parrots, and are thinking of selling them. If you place a short ad in the local newspaper, how will it read?

1. Virginia parrots for sale

2. Quaker parrots for sale

There are many ways to advertise, even with as few words as that, but do you really need to “sell” your parrots? Might you find a better home through parrot adoption?

What Is Parrot Adoption?

Parrot adoption is very much like baby adoption. Those who have parrots they cannot care for offer them to people who want a parrot. The adoptive parrot owners may not be able to afford the initial outlay, or they may simply want to give a good home to a parrot that must be relocated.

Parrot adoption does not always mean “free” parrots. The term is also used for inexpensive parrots purchased from former owners.

Finding Interested Homes

Parrot adoption requires good homes, of course, but how do you find them? One way to begin is to place a newspaper ad, as you would if you were selling. You might write: “Parrots for adoption” or “Quaker parrots for adoption to good homes” or “Adopt a parrot”.

If you are unsuccessful with ads, try contacting a parrot rescue foundation or parrot adoption organization. They may be able to put you in contact with someone wanting parrots like yours. They may have someone on their waiting lists.

Evaluating Prospective Homes

“But it’s just a parrot!” you squawk. Not really. It is a creature that will live many years. During those years, it will need health, safety, love, and happiness. You will want to try your best to provide those by asking a few questions of prospective owners – getting to know them a little. You will want to try, also, to ensure your parrot will not have to move soon again. For proper parrot adoption, begin with these questions.

1. Why do you want a parrot? One wrong answer is, “My child has been begging for one, and I think it would be cool to have a talking pet.”

2. Does anyone ever smoke in your home? Smoking can kill a parrot very rapidly, and you want assurance that yours will go to smoke-free homes.

3. What other pets do you own? Parrots have natural predators, and will not be safe or healthy if they share a home with one of them.

4. Can you afford to take the parrot to a veterinarian when necessary? Your parrots have a long life expectancy, and will need occasional visits to a veterinarian.

5. For other important questions, you should contact a parrot adoption group and get advice.

Delivering an Adopted Parrot

Once you have found good parrot adoption homes, you will want to do your best to make the transition smooth. Take your parrot’s cage (It’s his home, and you won’t need it.), his toys, perches, and the food to which he’s accustomed. Take time to get the parrot settled before you leave him. Be available to visit now and then during the first week, if asked.

The Other Side of Parrot Adoption

The flip side of parrot adoption is the adoptive family. Parrot adoption can be preferable to purchasing a baby parrot from parrot breeders or a pet store.

Your parrot will be far less expensive, in most cases. It will likely have a cage and accessories, as well, which will save money and time for you. Parrot adoption lets you skip the toddler and adolescent stages, and your bird will likely have a vocabulary, with knowledge of how to add to it. In some cases, an adopted parrot will know some tricks. It will be accustomed to human handling and – hopefully – enjoy it.

The Downside of Parrot Adoption

The upside outweighs the downside of parrot adoption, but there are things you should know.

1. How does the parrot behave? Parrot adoption is often initiated by an owner who does not want to deal with behavioral problems. The parrot may have become aggressive: biting and screeching. You will want to observe the parrot in its home before agreeing to adopt it.

2. Has the parrot ever been injured or struck with anything? You will have a lot of work to overcome this problem and get the parrot to bond with you.

3. Is the parrot healthy – and can you talk to his veterinarian? If the parrot has never been taken to a veterinarian, there may be hidden health concerns. If he has been taken, the veterinarian will be able to tell you about potential problems. Any prospective parrot adoption should include consideration of health information.

Finalizing Parrot Adoption

When you adopt a parrot, you adopt a long-term commitment. It will be your responsibility to care for the bird throughout its lifetime. It will give you affection, and will expect the same from you. Before you enter into parrot adoption, think it through carefully. Then enjoy your parrot fully.