[rebeccaskinner]

We have a parrot; they are really amazing animals and we've had people ask us about getting one after they've visited ours. People really underestimate how much work and knowledge is required to take care of one. The longer lived species can live 60+ years, and they require an enormous amount of attention and enrichment to help keep the mentally and emotionally healthy. He may just want to spare a bird from the harm of being bought by someone who is unprepared to properly care for it.