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 cockatoo screaming hurt and acting like he's in pain?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 1 year and 11 months old | 0.9 lbs

Columbo my Umbrella Cockatoo is all of a sudden screaming and saying "hurt hurt" "chest hurt" and if you play with his feet he says "no no don't feel good".

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Jessica Desrosiers

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 12th, 2018

Birds are great at mimicking what they hear, sometimes without knowing the context or meaning behind what they're saying. However, if Columbo is acting ill, or seems painful when you touch or handle him, it is best to schedule a vet visit to make sure there isn't anything wrong.

Signs of illness can include listless behavior, favoring a wing or foot, not eating or drinking, changes to stool, sneezing, feather loss, etc, and should be checked out by a vet to rule out any underlying causes.
Vote Icon1Pet 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