Cockatiel sleeping more and shuffling feathers after molt

[rahosa]

Hello,

I have a cockatiel who is about 8 years old. I think she recently molted or is molting because I saw a lot of fluffy feathers and 5-6 really big ones on the bottom of the cage this past monday (it's friday now). She seems to be really really cranky and is constantly shuffling her wings like she's in pain/discomfort.

She recently (a month ago) broke a blood feather but it stopped bleeding immediately and didn't seem to bother her. I was thinking that feather might be giving her issues, but she's showing signs of discomfort in both wings. I can see blood all down the shaft of that feather she broke (inside the shaft), but again no bleeding and not really any signs of that particular feather bothering her.

Is this normal? How long can they be in discomfort from growing new feathers?

I've been spraying her with warm water daily to try to help, but it doesn't seem to be of much help. I just want her to feel better. She's been a cranky girl and less adventurous.

 

[Jayced!!]

I think the first thing that anyone is going to suggest on here is to make an appointment with your avian vet! Some of these signs can indicate illness or injury. My birds can get cranky around molting time (as mine tend to molt around hormone season), but I definitely wouldn't say mine experience pain/discomfort with it. Even if nothing else is wrong, they can at least give you pain medication for her!