In this heartfelt conversation, we sit down with Kelsey from @noplucksgiven to hear the incredible rescue story of Louie, a 28-year-old Blue and Gold Macaw who spent 26 years confined to a tiny cage, losing the ability to fully spread his wings.

Louie’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s at stake. We get real about parrots as “pets,” why rescues are overwhelmed, and why parrot ownership needs to come with a higher standard of responsibility, for life.

In This Episode:
• Louie’s heartbreaking backstory and rescue journey
• The long-term effects of 26 years in a cage
• How to build trust with a rescue parrot
• Managing hormonal behavior and aggression
• The truth about parrot ownership that pet stores won’t tell you
• Why social media can help (and hurt) parrot rescue efforts
• Training tips and socialization strategies
• The reality of fostering multiple macaws
• Why rescue birds can form incredibly deep bonds

Key Takeaways:
✅ Parrots are not domesticated pets, they’re wild animals with intense needs
✅ Many parrots are rehomed multiple times in their lifetime
✅ Rescue centers are overflowing and underfunded
✅ Responsible ownership means planning for decades, not months
✅ Volunteer at rescues before committing to adoption

Resources Mentioned:
• @BirdTricks YouTube Channel (training education)
• @parrotsos - Robin (online training)
• Local parrot rescues (volunteer opportunities)
• Rolling Stones - Inside the Black Market Fueling TikTok's Grey Parrot Craze - https://bit.ly/4qfoRir
• @ExoticPetVet - Dr. Rachel Siu, Exotic Pet Vet

Follow Kelsey & Louie:
Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @NoPlucksGiven

Follow Gizmo the Grey Bird
Instagram/TikTok/Facebook/YouTube: @gizmothegreybird

Our Mission:
We’re dedicated to parrot rescue advocacy and education. Through Squawk Shop, we support rescue efforts with the hope that one day parrots will only exist in the wild where they belong.

🛒 Shop: https://squawkshop.com
📧 Contact: contact@squawkshop.com

#ParrotRescue #MacawRescue #RescueDontBuy #ParrotCare #BirdRescue #ExoticPets #AnimalRescue #ParrotTraining #MacawLife #RescueAdvocacy

If you enjoyed this episode, please LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and SHARE to help spread awareness about parrot rescue. 🦜💙