FAQ

• What types of parrots do you support?

The sanctuaries and rescues we support provide care for a variety of exotic parrots, including macaws, cockatoos, cockatiels, conures, and more.

• How can I donate my gently used pet bird supplies?

Email us at 2ndchanceparrots@gmail.com, and we’ll coordinate the best way to receive your donation. Thank you for supporting parrots in need!

• Why Is It So Hard to Adopt or Buy a Parrot from a Reputable Breeder?

Adopting or purchasing a parrot is far more challenging than getting a dog or cat because parrots are long-lived, intelligent, high-maintenance animals that require specialized care. Reputable breeders and sanctuaries prioritize the bird's welfare over demand, which means they have strict requirements in place to ensure birds go to knowledgeable, committed homes.

1. Parrots Are High-Value Birds, Prone to Theft & Resale
Parrots, especially rare or expensive species like macaws and cockatoos, are often stolen and resold for profit.
Sanctuaries and ethical breeders vet potential owners carefully to prevent birds from ending up in the wrong hands.

2. Parrots Are Not Easy Pets
Many people don’t realize that parrots can be as demanding as a toddler for decades—some live 50+ years!
They require constant mental stimulation, social interaction, and specialized diets to thrive.
Reputable breeders and sanctuaries want to ensure that potential owners understand the long-term commitment.

3. Sanctuaries & Rescues Protect Birds from Rehoming Cycles
Many parrots are surrendered multiple times due to noise, aggression, destruction, or outliving their owners.
Sanctuaries work hard to break this cycle by only adopting to those who prove they are prepared for the challenges.

4. Limited Funding & Availability
Unlike dogs and cats, parrots are not as common, and there are fewer rescue and adoption options.
Many sanctuaries operate with limited resources and cannot afford to advertise or process large numbers of applications.
Ethical breeders don’t mass-produce parrots—they focus on proper care and socialization, which means fewer birds are available.

How Can You Improve Your Chances of Adopting or Buying a Parrot?
Educate Yourself: Learn about parrot care, behavior, and challenges.
Demonstrate Commitment: Show that you have a proper setup, time, and resources.
Build Trust: Develop relationships with breeders or rescues to show you're serious.
Be Patient: Adopting a parrot is a long process, but it's worth it for the right match.

• Do you offer any training for bird owners?

Yes, we offer bird ownership 101 training for new bird owners to ensure they have the knowledge and resources to provide a happy and healthy home for their new feathered friend.

• What are the Challenges Parrot Sanctuaries Face? Why have I never heard of a Parrot Sanctuary?

Parrot sanctuaries are highly selective when it comes to adoptions and placements. Unlike common pet rescues, they must navigate the unique risks associated with parrots being high-value birds, which unfortunately makes them targets for theft and resale.

To protect the birds, sanctuaries carefully vet potential adopters and often keep a low profile, making it difficult for them to attract widespread funding and support.
Unlike dog and cat rescues, parrot sanctuaries struggle to secure funding because pet parrots don’t fall under typical pet welfare grants. Most available funding supports wild bird conservation or traditional companion animals like dogs and cats, leaving parrot sanctuaries with limited resources to provide lifelong care for surrendered birds.

At Second Chance Parrots, we’re working to bring attention to their cause and help fund the care of these incredible birds. Through fundraising, crafting, and advocacy, we support sanctuaries in giving parrots the safe and secure future they deserve.