I just got partial test results back on Katie. Only talked with one of the tech's, but Katie's lead was zero, and her zinc was slightly elevated. I won't have more information til this afternoon. Anyone know what slightly elevated would mean? Could slightly elevated be causing part of our problems? The vet has to consult with someone on the results the tech said and was going to call later. I don't know why they would call with only partial info with no answers, that just leaves me guessing.
Does zinc eventually go away on its own over time, or does it need help?

Try not to be alarmed. Interpretation of intergenus zinc levels can be something that vets feel the need to check up on. Avian medicine is making huge strides but sometimes that means that any vet might want to check the latest research. I sure hope all is well and you will get back and let us know the final results. You might want to read this article which explains some of the intergenus differences in "normal" zinc.

http://jvdi.org/cgi/reprint/11/6/522.pdf

Thanks for the article Charlie. Just one more piece of the puzzle to rule out for Katie trying to kill herself. I'll let everyone know when I hear back.

Well, the results are in and I guess it's good news, zinc was 2.6. Normal she said was .8-2.5, and the avian specialist at the lab she consulted with said it wasn't high enough to be of concern, but to recheck in 2 months to make sure it isn't raising. So with the consult between the two professionals they believe it is behavioral. They both said no peanuts or pasta or sunflower seeds and low fruit. Sleeping cage. All food to be put into foraging items, she should have to spend 4-5 hours a day working at getting her food. If that doesn't help I should consider a consult with a behaviorist. So there it is.
Now, I have been trying to get alum. chain link locally, with no success. I think I called 6 companies within 70 miles-fencing specialist, and Menards. She spent at least the last 5 years of her life in a 24"x24" galvanized cage, and I would guess longer. I still can't believe that didn't give her zinc poisoning, I was so sure that was the problem. Since the cage didn't poison her do you think I could get by with a galvanized outside aviary? She isn't a cage hanger, or an escape artist. I shouldn't try and find a way to justify it, I know galvanized isn't the way to go. But does anyone else use galvanized for their outside aviary, and have you had any problems?

edit to add:
The other thing she mentioned was it being hormones, and maybe trying Lupron???sp???, but I don't think that is it, I thought we went thru hormones in March when she was up 24 hours a day. But then again she is my first bird and I really don't know anything. I really don't care to try that though.

If she really likes her pasta, you can try switching to whole grain brown rice, quinoa, or kamut pasta. Also, try giving her cilantro. It is supposed to help the body chelate itself of heavy metals.

thanks, I thought there had to be something natural to cleanse the body, but haven't had a chance to research yet. I just bought some fresh cilantro yesterday to make some salsa. We don't do a lot of pasta, but I always would give her just a couple pieces of my mac and cheese.