S.G. Friedman, Ph.D., Utah State University Written for Avian Welfare Coalition Shelter Manual, Feb. 2004 The unfortunate increase of parrots in temporary shelters provides a unique challenge for those who work there. This challenge is made especially demanding partly due to our relative unfamiliarity with the general nature of parrots. Basing our expectations for parrot behavior on our vast experience with dogs and cats often results in an intrusive or forceful style of interaction that fails to help parrots settle and feel comfortable with the humans around them. Parrots tend to be extremely wary of new people, places and things and caregivers often expect too much interaction too soon. In an effort to gain some control over their circumstances parrots are often quick to exhibit problem behaviors like lunging, biting and screaming. Although these problem behaviors can be resolved over time, the short term stay of most shelter placements requires that we realistically prioritize behavioral goals for both staff and parrots, and gain some basic knowledge about how to meet them, as well.