Birds in pain show escape reactions, vocalization, and excessive
movement. Small species struggle less and emit fewer distress calls than large
species. Head movements increase in extent and frequency. There may also
be an increase in heart and respiratory rates.
Birds with chronic pain may
exhibit a passive immobility characterized by a crouched posture with closed or
partially closed eyes and head drawn toward the body and may also become
inappetent and inactive with a drooping, miserable appearance, holding their
wings flat against the body and their neck retracted. There may be reduced
perching or birds may remain at the bottom of the cage. When a bird is
handled, its escape reaction may be replaced by immobility. Birds with limb
pain avoid use of the affected limb and refrain from extension.
