Can I adopt a single budgie or do they need a pair?

A pair is better. Budgies are very social and suffer on their own. If you can't have two, give at least 3-4 hours of interaction a day and keep another animal nearby (even just in sight).

Do parrots learn to talk?

Some do (African grey, Amazons, cockatoos). But adopting a parrot so it will talk is the worst reason. If it chooses to talk, it's because it feels stimulated and safe — not because of forced training.

Are there protected birds that can't be adopted?

Yes. CITES regulates species such as white cockatoos, some parrots and macaws. Shelters that take them in hold CITES permits, and you need paperwork to adopt them legally.

What if they lose feathers or change colour?

Birds moult once or twice a year (a normal 4-6-week process). Losing feathers outside the moult can mean stress, diet problems or illness: see an exotics vet.

How much does a bird cost per year?

Budgie or lovebird: €30-50 a month (food, litter, toys and yearly vet). Large parrot: €80-150 a month (premium pellets, more toys and more frequent vet visits).

Responsible adoption

Adopt a rescued bird

Birds are the fourth most abandoned pet in Spain. Rescued parrots, budgies and lovebirds that need a committed home. Life expectancy 8-50 years depending on the species.

Adopt and care for them for life — caring is helping.

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In summary

Adopting a bird from a shelter or rescue in Spain gives a home to an abandoned or surrendered bird. Many companion birds (lovebirds, cockatiels, budgies, parrots) live 10 to 50 years depending on the species, are highly social and need daily flight outside the cage and an avian vet. Adopting helps fight trafficking and intensive breeding.

Updated on octubre de 2026 · reviewed by the Mizuu team.

Life expectancy: 10-50 years (by species)
Needs: daily flight outside the cage
Vet: avian specialist
Sociability: very high, don't isolate
Adopting prevents: trafficking and intensive breeding

None available right now

Rescue centres post new pets every week. Sign up for the updates channel or explore other animals.

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Guide

Before adopting a bird

Before adopting, be clear about the following. It will save you time and spare the pet an unnecessary change of home.

Life expectancy: budgie 8-12 years · cockatiel 15-25 · lovebird 10-15 · large parrot 30-60 years. Adopting a parrot is a lifelong commitment.

They are NOT decorative pets: they need daily interaction, stimulation and rotating toys. Lonely birds become psychologically ill.

Supervised free flight: they need several hours a day out of the cage. Your home must be bird-proof: windows closed, no fans, no non-stick pans heating up.

The right cage: NOT a small box. At least twice the bird's wingspan in width. Budgie: 60×40 cm minimum. Large parrot: 1 m³ or more.

Varied diet: NOT just seed. A mix of seeds, pellets, fruit, vegetables and occasionally cooked protein. A seed-only diet halves life expectancy.

An exotics vet is ESSENTIAL: very few vets treat birds. Find one nearby before adopting. A consultation costs €40-80.

Living together: birds get on with others of their own species. Mixing species or leaving them alone with cats or dogs is a serious risk.

Noise: many species are VERY loud (parrots, lovebirds). If you live in a flat with sensitive neighbours, consider budgies or canaries.

Trust

Mizuu guarantees

Verified rescue centres

Every rescue centre goes through scoring + human review. Company registration number + charity register + verified responsible person.

Health record

Your pet carries a health record with their full medical history — accessible from any vet in the network, for their whole life.

7-30 day trial period

The rescue centre can offer a trial period before the final signing. If it does not work out, return at no cost.

Adopt near you

Madrid Barcelona Valencia Sevilla Málaga Zaragoza Murcia Alicante Bizkaia A Coruña Las Palmas Baleares

Frequently asked questions

Adopt them and care for them for life

Caring is helping: when you adopt, you give a second chance — and every gesture helps another pet find a home.

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