"Parrots are wild animals with fierce intellects, and we take so much away from them by putting them in cages where they’re treated like nothing more than ornaments. Decor that suffers – guilty of the crimes of beauty and charisma.”
– Galiena Cimperman, Executive Director #MAARS
From a recent article in a local paper:
“Midwest Avian Adoption & Rescue Services, Inc. (MAARS) was founded to absorb the astronomical influx of parrots that are abandoned in the Twin Cities. Dog and cat shelters are understandably poorly equipped to take care of parrots, which have exceptional behavioral needs and need tremendous amounts of care. "Nowadays we specialize in caring for seriously challenged birds that have no chance of getting adopted. We’re one of very few refuges in the country that can accommodate them comfortably and humanely."
Read the full article here: buff.ly/46J3JJv ... See MoreSee Less

Hormone season in parrots is a natural, seasonal shift—but in captivity, it can show up in ways that are confusing or challenging if you’re not expecting it. Think of hormonal season as your parrot’s biological clock telling it to nest and raise chicks. Triggers include spring/early summer, longer daylight, warmer temps, and more food/nesting—indoor birds can be hormonal year-round if conditions mimic breeding (long light, cozy spots).
This isn’t “bad behavior.” It’s communication and biology. During this time your bird may:
- Grow more aggressive (biting, lunging), act territorial, regurgitate as bonding, seek dark spaces to nest, or make loud repetitive calls.
What not to do:
- Don’t pet the back, wings, or under the tail: Safe petting areas are head, neck and feet. Avoid encouraging nesting (no boxes, tents or dark corners).
How to manage it:
- Keep consistent sleep (10–12 hours darkness), reduce access to dark or enclosed spaces and offer foraging toys and enrichment. Limit rich or warm mushy foods. #MAARS
Here, Prince Charming demonstrates appropriate head scritches ... See MoreSee Less