Before you bring home a parrot because of a cute video, you need to hear this conversation.

This episode of Squawk Global is sponsored by Squawk Shop, your source for quality parrot supplies, cages, toys, Java trees, and enrichment products for companion parrots.

In this episode of Squawk Global, Kyle is joined by Megan and Sheen from Greta’s Roost Parrot Rescue in Alberta for an honest conversation about the reality of parrot rescue, rehoming, behavior challenges, and what it actually means to share your life with parrots.

We talk about why “not enough time” is often the easier thing to say when the real issue may be fear, overwhelm, behavior problems, or simply realizing that parrots are far more complex than people expected. Megan and Sheen also share how Greta’s Roost began, what foster-based rescue really looks like, and why there is no such thing as a perfect rescue home waiting for every bird.

This episode also digs into the impact of social media on parrot ownership. Cute bird videos can bring joy, but they can also create demand without showing the full picture: the noise, the mess, the cost, the vet care, the long lifespan, the behavior work, and the emotional responsibility that comes with these incredible animals.

We also discuss why experience does not always equal good care, why willingness to learn matters more than ego, and why talking to real parrot people, rescues, clubs, and science-based behavior professionals can make all the difference.

If you are thinking about getting a parrot, currently struggling with your bird, feeling guilty as a bird guardian, or simply want to better understand the rescue side of the parrot world, this episode is for you.

Topics covered in this episode:

• The origin story of Greta’s Roost Parrot Rescue

• Why “starter birds” are a harmful myth

• The real reasons many parrots are surrendered

• How behavior challenges lead to rehoming

• Why rescues do not have perfect homes waiting

• The guilt bird guardians carry

• How cute parrot videos can increase demand

• Why research alone is not enough

• The importance of parrot clubs, fosters, and community

• Why science-based behavior support matters

• What to consider before getting a parrot

Featured Guest:

Megan Craig and Sheen from Greta’s Roost Parrot Rescue

Learn more about Greta’s Roost:

https://www.gretasroost.ca

Resources mentioned:

Parrot SOS

Calgary Parrot Club

Edmonton Pet Parrot Association

Meika’s Safe House

Parrot Trends

Next week on Squawk Global:

We talk with Dr. Andrea Piseddu about PsittaWel, a science-based welfare assessment tool for companion parrots.

Thank you for watching and listening to Squawk Global. If this episode helped you, please like, comment, subscribe, and share it with someone who needs to understand that parrots are so much more than cute pets.