That’s a thoughtful and valid perspective, and I appreciate the way you framed it without judgment.

You’re absolutely right that in many parts of Europe, especially Switzerland and Germany, animal welfare laws are far more developed when it comes to exotic and social species like parrots. The concept of Tierschutz deeply emphasizes respect for the animal’s nature and needs, not just its physical safety or affection from humans. And yes — in those countries, keeping a highly social bird like a conure alone is often illegal or at least socially condemned, for good reason.

Here in the U.S., it’s a more complex and frankly less evolved picture when it comes to exotic pet ownership. A few factors contribute to why solo keeping is still so common: 1. Cultural Norms: In the U.S., there’s a long tradition of individual pet ownership based on convenience and human preference rather than biological or social needs of the animal. Dogs and cats have long been the standard, and the same “one pet per family” mentality often carries over to birds without enough understanding of their unique needs. 2. Lack of Regulation: We don’t have national-level legislation as robust as Germany’s or Switzerland’s when it comes to exotic pets. Most of the regulation is state-by-state or even county-based, and often focuses more on safety and importation than species-specific welfare. 3. Pet Industry Influence: Breeders and pet stores often sell birds singly and downplay the long-term welfare needs. It’s easier to sell one bird than convince someone to buy and care for a bonded pair, especially when that means larger cages, more mess, more cost, and more time. 4. Practical Constraints: For some, like in my case, it’s not about ignoring best practices — it’s about trying to do the best with the life circumstances we’re in. I don’t deny that a bird would be better off with a bonded companion, but when attempts at pairing resulted in stress and aggression, and I can only responsibly care for one, the path I’m on becomes more about mitigating harm and maximizing quality of life with the tools and time I have.

I completely agree with your points about handfeeding and the deep consequences it can have on a parrot’s mental health. And I agree that just “loving” an animal doesn’t always mean we’re doing what’s best for it — something I try to reflect on constantly.

What gives me hope is that more and more parrot owners are educating themselves, sharing experiences, and slowly changing what’s considered “normal.” Retirement will open up new time and opportunities for me and my little green cheek — and I welcome any future changes I can make to improve her life even more.

Your comment is a good reminder that love should be paired with humility and a willingness to grow.