for Maura

So, my friend's bird is into self-mutilation these days. A few weeks ago her bird woke her up at night with blood all over itself. Ther bird had apparently chewed a hole in it's leg. You want to know what's even crazier? Apparently, in this type of bird, this is not uncommon. They have a name for it, Quaker Mutilation or something.

So the bird had to get a collar. Kind of like those collars they put on dogs so they can't bite at their stiches. Again the bird ended up hurting itself, so it was on to a birdy straight jacket. Now apparently the bird is attempting to eat through the collar.

It brings up the controversy of euthinasia. Apparently this bird is really set on doing itself in. I know with people we often send them to counseling when they have repeated attempts at suicide. But are their pet psychiatrists? And can they really get to root of the bird's issues? Or would it be better to just put the bird down. Send it on to a better place? I know my friend does not have the funds to pay for weekly visits to the vet. As a student the income just aint that great.