Parrots kept as pets : welfare cases in Geneva Canton

Parrots are popular pets and represent a greater proportion of threatened and endangered species. In 2020 Geneva Veterinary Authority received six animal welfare alerts and 155 parrots were assessed. Official veterinarians identified all the parrots and checked their CITES and ownership. Assessments were focused according the Swiss Ordonnance on animals’ protection and the four animal welfare principles: good housing (enclosures’ dimensions and hygiene, environmental enrichment), good feeding (proper feeding and water supply), good health (diseases symptoms and feather, claws and beaks care) and appropriate behaviour (stereotypic or self-destructive behaviour). In most of the cases (N=152) the hygiene of enclosures, the food provided, or water supply were not adequate. In eight cases the enclosures were undersized or no environmental enrichment was provided. Neglected beak and claws, dermatitis, gastrointestinal and respiratory problems were the most common health issues (N=97). Some parrots could not enjoy social interactions and showed stereotypic behaviours such as feather-plucking. Two owner’s qualifying was not officially acknowledged. 148 animals were seized by Veterinary Authority and rehomed in two animals’ parks, unfortunately one animal died due to a respiratory infection. Captive environment may unable birds to express their natural behaviour causing the development of feather plucking behaviour, an indicator of poor welfare. Parrots, even when bred in captivity, retain the inherent behavioural and physical needs of wild animals: also when sick they do their utmost to appear healthy and avoid predation. In these cases, change or absence of normal behaviours have been described as pain indicators. Our results confirmed that parrots’ management requires skilful and knowledgeable owners capable to assess animals’ needs and welfare, and prepared to commit significant time and/or resources.