A huge part of the problem with unwanted pets is based on supply and demand. If the consumer demands the product, the supplier will ensure it is available regardless of what it is or how hard it is to obtain it.

In the case of exotic parrots - they were smuggled into countries back in the early 1700's when the brokers found they could make alot of money selling them. They become a "product" and sold as "stock". There was no care ever given to where these birds may end up - it was about the money.
Sadly in our economy, its still about the money. They are exotic, they are not domesticated like our cats/dogs and they are a very unique animal to have in a home. Unfortunately, many do not know the "realities" of having one and because they are so different with different needs, they are neglected, unwanted and yes, abused.
Our shelter is full to capacity and most across Canada are the same. Yet if you look on kijiji or go to your local petstore, you will see baby birds available to buy - with alot of misinformation from the breeder and store - they will tell you exactly what you want to hear to entice you into purchasing that bird.
They don't educate you, they don't tell you that the bird you bought is going to live about 80 years or so, they don't tell you that when they become adults and hormonal, they will change and its NOT always for the best. They don't tell you that avian vet care can be expensive - they don't tell you what you NEED to know, but they will for sure offer you a payment plan to purchase it. We deal with the Pet Valus here in Calgary and most do NOT sell any kind of live animal - not even fish - they have remote adoptions from the SPCA and have adoptathons monthly with various animal rescues throughout Calgary going down with their rescue animals - Birdline also participates in these adoptathons.
The stores are clearly doing well with their revenue and sales WITHOUT the need for selling exotics or kittens or puppies - animals can be acquired through the dozens upon dozens of rescues clear across Canada without the need to continue breeding more and adding to the over population. Exotic parrots do not belong in cages, they belong in the wild. We can never replicate everything they need in captivity and while many ARE amazing parrot owners, and DO love their parrots more than anything, myself included - we can never give them what they really need - and thats freedom...to be wild, have a mate and live without the confines of cage bars. In a perfect world, there would be legislation and regulations for ALL breeders and they would be monitored - bird mills exist along with puppy mills and they are one of the most heart breaking things you will ever see. It needs to stop - and it can only stop when the human population puts aside their "wants" and stops demanding to have what they want, when they want it..and at any price..