Neurotic behavior

[SkarletLetters]

I have an Indian Ringneck who was rescued. I know nothing of her previous owners. She has bonded to me, "presents" and accepts being petted while she "croons" but she exhibits strange behavior when caged. When I got her (she is a turquoise female age 3), she had a scab and sore on her head, just above her beak. I now know it's from rubbing her beak repeatedly against her cage bars. The sore has somewhat healed but she still rubs and now has a bald spot on the top of her head too! I have a lot of birds - many resue birds - but have never had one do self mutiliation or repetivitive somewhat neurotic behaviors. She gets lots of attention, love, good diet, vitamins, etc. Can this behavior be stopped? I have had her for 6 months now. Thank you!!!!

[ellieelectrons]

I don't know the answer but I suspect foraging would help. If you have her forage for 90% of her food, she will have less time to engage in neurotic behviours. There are a few good threads on foraging on this board that you could search for.

Ellie.