Many parrots are surrendered due to behavior issues. In this edition of Pet Pointers, Lisa Chelenza looks at a few of the most common bad bird behaviors and how one rescuer helps curb them to help make the birds in her care more adoptable.

  To view our videos, you need to
enable JavaScript. Learn how.
install Adobe Flash 9 or above. Install now.

Then come back here and refresh the page.

While biting is not uncommon, it can cause serious injury leading to infection and stitches. This is especially true when the birds are large with powerful beaks, like macaws and cockatoos. With the right training, rehabilitation, and patience a biter can turn into a lover - but it takes time.

Self mutilation caused by trauma or anxiety is a common problem with birds. If a bird or any animal begins to harm themselves, it is crucial that you bring them to the vet to have their wounds treated to prevent an infection. Your vet may suggest a cone collar to help prevent further injury while you work on the behavioral causes.

Parrots that are left alone too often and for extended periods of time can become destructive. They may rip at curtains, molding, or drywall from inside their cages and cause costly repairs. To curb this behavior, it’s important that you spend time bonding with your bird, singing, talking, training, and petting them. You should also provide lots of fun enrichment toys to challenge them while you are away.

One behavior that you might just have to live with is the vocalizations. Parrots call to each other in the wild, and in captivity they call to their humans or other animals in the home. Feeding times can be particularly noisy, especially with several birds all asking for attention at the same time.

If you have a bird or any pet that is behaving strangely, talk to your vet and a behaviorist. The cause could be physical, or you may need to work on redirecting that destructive energy in a positive way.