Captive parrots are facing an epidemic of overpopulation and homelessness. We’re finding that good bird homes are hard to find. You see, parrots are different than domesticated pets like cats and dogs. Parrots take a tremendous amount of attention and care and when they don’t get it they frequently develop behavior problems. On top of that, many of the larger species can live 40-80 years and often outlive their caretakers. When the caretakers interests change, Polly has to find a new home.

You can help solve this problem by not breeding birds and by adopting a displaced bird rather than buying one from a pet store or breeder if you are ready to make a lifetime care commitment. We suggest that if you are a current bird owner or if you want a bird, learn about their needs for enrichment and make a commitment to provide enriching activities for your parrot. Click here for cool parrot enrichment supplies.

AUTHORITIES have reportedly rescued 1500 parakeets from a two-room apartment in Berlin.

Berlin veterinarian Margit Platzer says the birds were flying freely around the apartment, which was “littered with faeces, feathers and left-over food”, Associated Press has reported.

Ms Platzer says it took her team more than seven hours to catch all the birds.

The birds have been taken to animal shelters in Berlin and elsewhere because there was not enough room for them at facilities in the capital.

The owner gradually bought and bred the birds until his apartment was full, and that neighbours had complained about the noise and smell, Associated Press has reported.

The retired man has not been identified.

Across the other side of the globe, parakeets are also making headlines with the birds brightening up Britain’s dreary winter skies, in their thousands.

But the ring-necked parakeets are proving a pest for farmers, damaging fruit crops.

Seasonal traders, farmers, and orchard and vineyard owners have been watching on with frustration as the colourful birds gorge themselves on fruit and festive berries before Christmas.

Parks and gardens in leafy London suburbs are also being adopted as a preferred habitat by the birds that are native to southern Asia.

The rate of increase, helped by mild winters, is much greater than had been expected.