PsittaWel: New Science-Based Welfare Assessment Tool for Companion Parrots

PsittaWel, a new welfare assessment tool designed for companion parrots, has been released by researchers at the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna (Vetmeduni) and Utrecht University (the Netherlands). The tool was developed as part of Andrea Piseddu’s PhD project, supervised by Jean-Loup Rault and Yvonne van Zeeland, with the aim of supporting caregivers in assessing and understanding the welfare of parrots kept as pets.

Photo: pixabay

PsittaWel was developed over four years in collaboration with a panel of international experts including researchers, veterinarians and certified behaviour consultants specialising in animal welfare and parrots.

The tool consists of 75 questions divided into eight sections covering key aspects of parrot welfare: physical condition, housing environment, social interactions, behaviour, nutrition, and daily management.

Jean-Loup Rault explains that, by completing the questionnaire, caregivers are able to evaluate whether the conditions provided to their parrots are appropriate and whether the animals show behavioural or physical indicators associated with positive welfare or potential signs of distress. He adds: “PsittaWel was developed to provide a science-based and practical resource that helps caregivers monitor and better understand the welfare of the parrots living with them, and to promote greater awareness of their needs”.

Yvonne van Zeeland highlights that PsittaWel is not intended to replace professional support: “This tool is designed to complement, not replace, the work of veterinarians and certified behaviour consultants. Professional guidance remains essential for the health and welfare of parrots, especially when concerns arise.”

Parrots are among the most common companion animals, yet they frequently experience behavioural and health problems because it is challenging to meet their complex needs. According to the researchers, the tool may help improve understanding of these challenges both for current and prospective caregivers.

Andrea Piseddu explains: “PsittaWel is not intended to promote or justify the keeping of parrots as companion animals. Ethical questions surrounding captivity remain an important and ongoing discussion and further research on parrot welfare is essential. Nevertheless, as long as parrots, which are long-living species, continue to live in domestic settings, there is a clear need to assess their welfare and improve their living conditions to provide them the best life possible”.

The team hopes that PsittaWel will also contribute to future discussions on evidence-based welfare guidelines, minimum standards, and policy development aimed at improving the protection of companion parrots.

Service:
PsittaWel can be downloaded free of charge at: https://www.vetmeduni.ac.at/psittawel
The tool is currently available in English and as an interactive PDF. Future developments may include multilingual versions and a dedicated web version or app to make the tool more accessible and user-friendly.

Scientific contact:
Dr. Andrea Pissedu
Clinical Department for Farm Animals and Food System Transformation
University of Veterinary Sciences (Vetmeduni)
Andrea.Piseddu@vetmeduni.ac.at

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