I am willing to bet that that particular paragraph was added after someone bought a parrot just for him.

Right. Which wouldn't have happened, if he hadn't already added in the first paragraph about how he really likes parrots and would be "very very glad" to stay with someone who owns one.

RMS likes parrots, but because of his frequent travel he can't take care of one himself all year round. What better way to be around parrots than to combine his travel activities with meeting parrot owners?

Plus, parrot owners tend to be a funky bunch (in a good way).