Hi all. I am hoping someone can help me with an issue that has just developed today. Zakiya has started SCREECHING for no reason when she is stepping up, or knows she's going to be asked. It started this am, and has just happened again. It's not a constant screech, but it seems like she is trying to say OUCH at times. (with the scrreech I mean, not really saying ouch). I did notice that she seems to have a large, somewhat misplaced feather under her wing and I am hoping that is causing her discomfort. Does that sound awful? I don't want her in pain, but I am thinking if it is just a molting, awkward feather, it will be ok. She is still her wonderful, affectionate, chirpy self other than this noise thing. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm started to get anxiety over this.

It does sound like maybe she has a feather shaft irritating her. It's strange that she's just doing it when stepping up is involved, doesn't like like normal vocalization. Can you restrain her to examine the feather?

I thought Ollie was having a seizure the other day- she started screaming and fidgiting very badly- nearly flipping backwards over herself and off her perch. My heart completely stopped for about 10 seconds and I stood frozen as she finally fell, flapping, about a foot to a perch below. As she flapped a flight feather fluttered to the ground. By this time I'm hyperventiliating and about to pass out. She does a full body shake, returns to the perch she fell from, and just stares at me funny as if to say, "what?!" I'm super calm under pressure, I know.

Camille, you need some boys to get you over it! Worked for me!

Sometimes Ruby will get a real sore feather and if I accidently touch it she will "scream". I bet that is it. Best to just send Ollie to me!

Sounds like everyone is right about this.