Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo
  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

Why is my bird screaming frantically and acting unusual in its cage?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed

My bird was frantically running around his cage and screaming we put a towel over his cage and he calmed down most of the way but he's still acting unusual what could wrong?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Andrea

Answered By Dr. Andrea

Veterinarian

Published on June 11th, 2018

Poor Tweety! It doesn’t say what kind of bird this is. But birds can have Frights when something scares them that causes them to do this. Calming and quiet and time will fix this. Cover the cage and turn out the lights and talk quietly to the bird. If the bird has pain somewhere...like a stuck feather, hurt foot, egg binding etc that could also cause them to scream.
After a Fright it will take time for the bird to calm down, but if the unusual behavior continues, you should have your bird seen by a vet.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on December 3rd, 2017

    This is probably just attention seeking behavior. Your bird would rather be with you than in his cage. When he does this, you can try covering the cage and see if that helps. Try ignoring the behavior and do not take him out of the cage until he is quiet. This way he will learn that to get to you he will need to be quiet.

    I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share

Styled arrow button