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The number of pet birds owned by households in the U.S . reached 20.6 million in 2017.

I agree that parrots are rehomed at an alarming rate. I'm shocked when I see how many are "available." I know there are real situations where people have no choice, but that number doesn't match the number of parrots available to rehome. So sad.

@Greywings -- I know in googling lima beans it said they were too acidic for me to offer them to my bearded dragon -- didn't know about any risk to parrots -- thanks for the tip! Luckily (like most here) I offer a variety of veg/fruit so no one food is his primary diet. @neoow -- pumpkins and squash types are a favourite here! I know a breeder once told me that a parrot will not let itself starve to death (no, I haven't and won't test this theory to a dangerous end!). But I did start lessening the amount of seeds I offered until he just had to try a few other things. And I did offer 'gimmes' like Cheerios, peanuts, bananas, apple, raisins, etc -- things most any parrot will eat if they even slightly taste it. Mostly, I wanted my parrot to learn to at least 'try' new things. Also, it helps if I am eating the same foods and share mine with my parrot -- that flocking behaviour at work, I suppose. (And nope -- I didn't try this with limas and other beans/peas since I HATE them). But as long as a parrot's favourite food of choice (like seeds) is consistently offered in large enough quantities, I figure there is little motivation for them to try something new. Love the the skewer toy -- I haven't used mine in ages, but it did make my healthy offerings more interesting -- like a toy. Hope your guy will try some more interesting (and healthier) foods!!! Mine views pellets as a snack (I don't offer pellets as primary diet). But like to have pellets available 24/7 in case he gets the munchies when I'm not around.

My b&g macaw Sami had several distinctive 'hellos' -- one was a very soft drawn out and flirtatious 'hel loooooo' ala Joey on Friends. I had her whole life, so no idea where she learned it. For real. I don't say hello like that or know anyone who does. But she does have my own telephone pick-up voice 'hello' down pat. Would often say hello as soon as the phone started ringing. lol (Just so you know, after 20 years of keeping her, I purchased a spot for Sami at the Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary -- so she's free-flying these days with lots of macaw friends. My favourite days are when I visit her there. She suddenly ditches her new flock and plays the baby macaw role for me for old times sake -- adorable). This is the same sanctuary where my CAG will go when I die. I kept him because he isn't socialized (had him 22 years) and he pretty much only likes me, afraid of new situations, etc.. Whereas Sami never met a stranger and considers everything an adventure. I wish my CAG Snickers was more outgoing with other people and parrots). [Sad to mention: many greys don't 'make it' at the sanctuary and the various owners/sanctuary supporters end up giving them indoor homes. That said, about a dozen+ greys did adjust well at the sanctuary and are free to fly and flock! My dream is my Snickers one day adjusting to such freedom -- fitting in with the flock and flying free!] Also, wanted to add that giving my better-adjusted happy parrots (b&g macaw, YN amazon and 22 yo cockatiel -- companions for 20+ years!) having their freedom back was the HARDEST choice I ever made. I decided their happiness meant more than mine. An incredibly difficult choice, nonetheless. They're happier than I am with the choice. I miss them... then I remember them flying and preening each other.... well, they're happy in a flock flying.... At least I can visit whenever I want, and I do, often. Parrots NEVER forget you. I write this extra bit about a sanctuary because none of us live forever, and planning for your parrot's future is incredibly important. Parrots are rehomed at an alarming rate and making plans for mine as I get older was important to me. And to you. Because we love them so much.

In the U.S. 25 species of parrots have formed breeding colonies in the 23 states. Checking on species list.

I hope they can be successful and not become a 'nuisance' (would NEVER be a nuisance to me, but yannoe how it is when something becomes invasive to other organizations, farmers, other wildlife, etc.). I think it's wonderful when parrots can be free.

Mine moults out a few feathers at a time --- never all at once -- that way he's always able to fly. And yeah, I tend to collect the pretty tail feathers he drops. I was confused, you mentioned yours was clipped but you want him to fly -- did this clipping occur in a previous home? Is this a new parrot for you? Anyway, best of luck, it takes a while to grow out and replace clipped flight feathers.

I wonder how also. I just hope they have good homes. I know some view them as a status symbol, or an impulse buy, or just something unique and colourful. Don't watch youtube link if you don't want to cry -- I do not own this, only viewed it. I probably shouldn't have shared it, so for anyone like me who is super sensitive -- don't watch. But I watched it and it has never left me. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17074Oe841o Mods: if youtube link sharing is not allowed -- please delete and accept my apologies.

Wow! I wonder how they came up with this number.

It will take time and seam like forever, but the stubs will molt out and she will fly Just hang in there and they will fly. Ray

Gawd I hope her flight feathers start molting soon, she wants to fly so bad atm