Be a responsible bird owner
Pet birds can escape easily, compete with native birds and spread disease. Keep them securely contained and rehome responsibly - never release them.
Hundreds of pet birds, mostly parrots, are reported missing each year in Aotearoa New Zealand (Margaret Stanley et al. January 2023). Escapes often happen in summer when doors and windows are left open. Once free, escaped birds can survive in the wild and cause long-term harm to native species.
Caring for your bird responsibly
- Plan for the long term: many pet birds live for decades and require daily care, enrichment and social interaction.
- Keep birds secure at all times: this includes during cleaning and playtime, and when doors or windows are open.
- Never free-fly pet birds: even supervised free-flying significantly increases the risk of escape.
- Rehome responsibly: if you can no longer care for your bird, find a responsible new owner or contact a bird rescue centre.
How your choices make a difference
Escaped pet birds can compete with native birds for food and nesting sites and may spread disease to vulnerable native species. By keeping birds contained and rehoming responsibly, you help protect Tāmaki Makaurau’s unique birdlife.
Some pet birds are classified as pest species in Auckland under the Regional Pest Management Plan. You can check the status of a bird species using Pest search - select the 'Birds' button,
