The Animal & Veterinary Service and Parrot Society (Singapore) co-organise Singapore’s first event dedicated to parrot care

-          Revised edition of Parrot Care Handbook developed by PSS, supported by AVS, offers comprehensive and science-based guidance on parrot care

-          New AVS advisory on parrot free-flying outlines safety risks and considerations

-          Friends of Parrots Day features parrot-centric programmes and activities for bird owners and interested members of public 

Singapore, 30 May 2026 – The Animal & Veterinary Service (AVS), a cluster of the National Parks Board (NParks), and the Parrot Society (Singapore) (PSS), jointly organised Friends of Parrots Day – Singapore’s first event dedicated to raising awareness on responsible parrot care – on 30 May, which coincides with the World Parrot Day weekend. Members of public can participate in family-friendly activities and free educational talks and explore a variety of booths featuring parrot care resources and products, at the event held at the Gardenhouse, Jurong Lake Gardens.

In line with the event’s focus on responsible parrot care, the revised edition of the Parrot Care Handbook, developed by PSS, is now available to pet owners and the public. Supported by AVS, the handbook provides science-based guidance from a panel of avian experts including a veterinarian specialising in avian care and a certified parrot behavioural consultant, to help current and prospective parrot owners make informed decisions about responsible parrot keeping.

Complementing the handbook, AVS, with the support of PSS, has also developed an advisory on parrot free-flying in Singapore’s urban environment to educate owners on potential safety risks and considerations, and to keep their parrots safe.

The announcements were shared by Minister of State for National Development & Trade and Industry, Mr Alvin Tan, at the Friends of Parrots Day event.

Launch of Parrot Care Handbook (Revised Edition)

Through interactions with pet owners, pet shops, and community groups, PSS observed misinformation and misunderstanding about proper parrot care practices in the community. Recognising the need for accurate and accessible information on parrot care, PSS developed Singapore’s first comprehensive parrot-care handbook to support the local parrot-keeping community and raise parrot welfare standards.

First launched in December 2025, the 180-page handbook was developed in consultation with an avian veterinarian and a parrot behaviour expert. The revised edition is available free to the public as a downloadable e-book. The handbook provides clear, science-based guidance on topics such as parrot care, behaviour, nutrition, enrichment, and welfare, to help both new and experienced pet owners make informed decisions about their parrot’s daily care.

The handbook addresses commonly asked questions, and promotes responsible ownership, emphasising the long-term commitment required for the avian species. By equipping bird owners with comprehensive knowledge of proper care, the handbook aims to enhance pet bird health and welfare while supporting harmonious coexistence between pet parrots and the wider community. 

Photo credit: Parrot Society (Singapore)

The handbook is available on PSS’ website: https://parrotsocietysg.org/handbook/

Advisory on parrot free-flying

Many bird owners free-fly their birds as a form of exercise or mental stimulation. This advanced practice allows birds to fly in open outdoor spaces while training them to return upon verbal or gestured commands. However, without proper safety precautions, free-flying in Singapore’s urban environment can pose serious risks to pet birds such as attacks by other birds and animals, or collision with buildings with glass facades.

AVS worked closely with PSS to develop an advisory that educates owners on the risks of free-flying of pet birds. These include the loss of birds due to distraction or attacks from other animals.  

Owners are also encouraged to consider alternatives to free-flying such as indoor flight sessions and the use of interactive toys for mental stimulation and physical exercise in a safe, controlled environment.

The advisory and additional information on free-flying are available on AVS’ website: https://go.gov.sg/free-flying-advisory.   

Friends of Parrots Day

Friends of Parrots Day is Singapore's first parrot-themed educational event, jointly organised by AVS and PSS. Held at the Gardenhouse at Jurong Lake Gardens, the event aims to strengthen parrot care knowledge within the companion parrot community.

Visitors can explore close to 20 booths, participate in free family-friendly activities, and learn from six educational talks by avian and wildlife experts covering topics ranging from creating a safe home environment to the illegal wildlife trade of parrots.

AVS will continue to strengthen its relationships with the community, promote responsible pet ownership, and raise awareness on best practices for animal welfare. This is in line with the vision to transform Singapore into a City in Nature, for which community stewardship is a key thrust. 

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