By , Fox 9
Published March 01, 2017
In a pet-owning world long dominated by dogs and cats, parrots often fly under the radar. But just like their four-legged friends, there is a huge need for adoption - especially for an animal that can easily outlive its owners.
“A lot of people don’t know it because the parrots are not a very publicized type of pet,” said Renee Quimby, director of the Parrot Adoption Education Program in Minnesota. “Cats and dogs get a lot more attention.”
Quimby’s parrot rescue in Lino Lakes currently has about 30 birds in its care. A visit to the program can get a bit noisy, especially since these are animals known for their chattiness. Mostly they sqwuak, but sometimes they talk.
TRUSTY PET SQUIRREL FOILS BURGLARY
“Lucky, over there, was taught by teenage boys. When it’s quiet in here he’ll drop the F-bomb. Another volunteer taught him to say 'I love you' instead of that, but he gets such a better response from swearing, he’ll do that first,” said Quimby.
Quimby began as a volunteer 15 years ago, but within a year or so had been asked to take over the rescue. In that time she has seen the need steadily rise. In 2003, she says, they helped about ten birds a year. Lately, it’s been about 100 per year.
The reason, in part, is that with lifespans as long as 100 years, the birds can outlive or at least outlast their owners. Parrots gotten as pets decades ago can no longer be cared for.
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https://www.foxnews.com/us/rising-number-of-pet-parrots-in-need-of-forever-homes