Buying a parrot in the United Kingdom is not like buying a dog or a cat. The legal requirements, the ethical considerations, and the long-term commitment involved make this one of the most significant decisions a pet owner can make.
The single most important step before buying any parrot is to research the specific species you are interested in for at least 2–3 months. Different species have dramatically different requirements: an African Grey needs constant mental stimulation; a Cockatoo needs hours of daily social contact; a Hyacinth Macaw needs space for a 100 cm wingspan. What works beautifully for one person's lifestyle may be entirely unsuitable for another.
Join UK-based parrot forums and Facebook groups, read multiple books (Rosemary Low's species guides are excellent), and if possible, arrange to meet adult birds of your target species at a rescue or breeder before committing.
All parrots sold commercially in the UK must have CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) documentation. Species are categorised as Appendix I (strictest, includes African Grey, Hyacinth Macaw, Scarlet Macaw) or Appendix II (including most macaws, Amazons, Cockatoos, Eclectus). Since Brexit, UK-specific documentation requirements (Article 10 certificates) apply to import from EU breeders.
Never purchase a parrot without proper documentation — it is illegal, and any bird without papers cannot be legally re-sold, transported internationally, or insured properly.
A legitimate breeder will hold all necessary breeding licences, provide verifiable CITES documentation for every bird sold, allow you to visit their facility, and provide post-sale support. Red flags include: refusing facility visits, no CITES paperwork, unusually low prices, birds described as "farmed" without documentation, and breeders who pressure you to decide quickly.
At Paraíso de Aves, we are a registered specialist breeding facility in Llíria, Valencia, Spain with over a decade of experience breeding and hand-raising psittacines for European homes. We provide complete documentation with every bird and support new owners throughout the acclimatisation period.
For companion parrots, hand-raised birds — those fed by human hands from the earliest days of life — are significantly preferable. They are socialised with humans, accustomed to handling, and form closer bonds more quickly. Parent-raised birds can be tamed, but the process requires considerably more time and expertise.
All birds from Paraíso de Aves are hand-raised from the first week of life by our specialist team.
Set up the cage, perches, and enrichment items before the bird arrives. Identify an avian vet in your area — a specialist small animal/avian vet, not a general practice — and book an introductory health check within the first fortnight. Prepare a diet plan based on the species' nutritional needs. Have contact details for the breeder available for any questions in the first weeks.
The purchase price is the beginning of the financial commitment, not the end. Factor in: large cage (£400–£2,000+), annual avian vet visits (£100–£300), quality food (£50–£150 per month for larger species), enrichment toys (£30–£100 per month), emergency vet fund (keep £1,000–£3,000 in reserve), and potentially bird-sitting costs during holidays. Parrots are expensive animals to keep properly.
Browse our available birds or contact us to discuss what would suit your household best.