The thing about parrots...

Exotic birds were America’s fastest-growing pet choice in the 1990s. Their numbers have grown — according to the American Pet Products Manufacturers Association — from an estimated 11.6 million at the decade’s outset to 17.3 million today, a 50 percent increase. Other estimates put the figure much higher - at up to 40 million, including birds used for breeding. The exponential growth might have something to do with the nation’s two largest pet store chains, Petco Animal Supplies Inc. and PetsMart Inc., which started selling birds during the ’90s.

But once the birds are brought home, owners quickly discover that parrots — though smart and affectionate — make terrible pets. Consequently, some are being set loose, despite the illegality of releasing nonnative birds in the U.S. Many others are relinquished to avian shelters, which are increasing in number. Parrots now appear to be the fastest-growing group of unwanted pets in this country.

(via Have parrots become the latest disposable pet? - ParrotChronicles.com Feature Story)