National Poll Highlights Attitudes About Birds In Captivity

A recent poll sponsored by Born Free USA found that many people recognize that parrots bred in captivity retain their wild instincts, including the desire to fly; 47% do not approve of the way parrots are kept in cages or that they are prohibited from flying.

In the wild, parrots are social birds that form strong bonds with other birds in their flock. They are typically kept in cages as companion animals for humans.

The results of this public opinion poll found that 47% of respondents do not approve of the way parrots are commonly kept (in cages or unable to fly), while 4% believe it is “fine to keep parrots in cages of any size.” Poll results also show that there is a need to increase public education on the issue; 48% of respondents had no opinion, or did not know how they felt about parrots in captivity.