PBS: Parrot Confidential

I only just recently got a chance to watch “Parrot Confidential,” a PBS expose on the life of captive parrots.

But I had already been hearing about the program for many months, all the while awaiting my opportunity to view it with equal parts eagerness and trepidation.

I say this because, as a (slavishly) devoted parront myself, I have a weak stomach for stories of parrots suffering.

Also, I continually struggle against the impulse to chuck my writing career, comfortable (relatively) poop-free housing, and any chance at in-home noise control to begin rescuing parrots of all shapes and sizes.

So while I have long felt it my duty to watch “Parrot Confidential,” I was also a bit wary of what type of ripple effect it might set off.

The film is well balanced, showcasing both the plight of domesticated (and especially wild-caught domestic) parrots as well as the efforts of well-meaning human rescuers who are striving to make these rescue birds’ lives more livable in captivity.

In its nearly 60 minute run time, “Parrot Confidential” reviews in detail some of the most common reasons why well-meaning humans might at first select a parrot companion, only to realize later how ill-equipped they are to provide good quality of life for their still near-wild winged housemate. The film also highlights the increasing frequency of instances where there is neither adequate education nor sufficiently good intentions to begin to justify adding a parrot to the household.

These are the saddest stories of all.

To that end, I honestly believe it is a film every prospective parront, and every current parront, and every parrot lover, and anyone who cares about “pet” animals of any species (and especially those with feathers), should view.

The film is free to view on YouTube – please watch it and pass it on!

Watch “Parrot Confidential“

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