I think my favourite bird has been traumatized.  I feel bad for the poor little guy.  He's a really sweet guy- he loves giving and getting kisses, he talks, he cuddles, he hangs out...

Unfortunately, about two days ago, my daughter managed to catch him.  She's 19 months old.  Lucius (the bird) has free roam of the house.  He always has, and always will.  My daughter really likes Lucius, and she finally managed to get a hold of him.  He almost got away, so all she had a hold of was a few feathers from his neck in her fingers.  Some were pulled out.  I managed to save him, even though my hands were dripping with dish water (I was doing dishes, as usual).  He's been puffed up as big as he can get (he's trying to make himself look bigger and more intimidating, but really, he just looks cute) for the past two days. 

It also didn't help that yesterday his mate decided to latch onto his wing.  I literally had to snag her, force her to let go of his wing, then pitched her into the cage.  Lucius then got some love and cuddles so he'd feel safe again.  Poor little guy.  He's about seven and a half years old, and the lifespan of a parakeet is only about 10 to 15 years, and he's going bald (he rubbed his head on his sand paper covered perch, the twit- at least some pin feathers are starting to poke through again).

So, I feel sorry for the poor little guy.  He even started molting he was so upset.  He's middle aged, bald, scruffy and distraught.  My poor, poor Lu...