When we think of rescued animals, most of us think of cats and dogs. But exotic animals like birds are also surrendered to sanctuaries and rescue groups and are available for adoption. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza tells us more about these beautiful birds and why people give them up.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

From magnificent macaws to comely conures, parrots of all shapes and sizes can end up in rescue. Many are surrendered by people with good intentions who could no longer care for them.

Dianna Beck has been rescuing parrots for close to ten years and hears the same reasons over and over for their surrender.

“Most of the time it's the biting. Basically because people aren't educated... It's a spur of the moment most of the time. They see them, they're beautiful and they want them. Not knowing what's going to happen five years down the road as they mature from a baby to an adult,” said Dianna Beck, a bird rescuer.

As birds mature, their behavior can change dramatically. A sweet youngster can grow into a biting, screeching, destructive headache without warning, especially if they are socially neglected, left alone often and for long periods of time. Birds are social, intelligent animals that like company and need toys and stimulation to help curb their destructive side.

Exotic pets can also be expensive to care for with higher than average vet bills and a more costly diet when cared for properly.

A healthy, well cared for bird can live many years in captivity. Macaws and cockatoos have been known to live 80 or more years and smaller parrots into their 20s to 30s. It’s not uncommon for savvy pet parents to make arrangements for their birds in their wills, but many more still end up homeless.

If you're thinking of adding a bird to your life, consider rescue first. There are thousands of birds available, probably right in your back yard.

For more information, visit www.lovemyparrots.com.