Why is my new bird breathing heavily and has hot feet? What to do?

If Benji is becoming easily winded, panting heavily, or seems in distress after any activity I would have him examined by your vet. It's possible there is an underlying health issue that is making it harder for him to breathe, and having him treated by your vet may help. In the meantime, keeping him calm and reducing his activity some may help, but if the problem persists vet care is best.

Heavy breathing can be a sign of a number of things, including stress, changes in temperature, and sometimes illness. Birds do breathe by moving their chests in and out, and it is often more visible than other pets, however if she is heavily breathing, open mouthed panting, or has her wings away from her body those can all indicate stress or distress. If she doesn't calm down after being moved to a quiet, cool location, or shows other signs of illness in addition to the heavy breathing, seeking veterinary care is best. A vet exam is a good idea anyway since she was recently acquired and possibly not in good condition when you got her.

Thanks for reaching out about Bebe. Increased respiratory rate is an indication of breathing difficulty. This could be an infections, trachea obstruction (air sac mites, inhaled particles), toxic insult, enlarged abdominal organs (spleen, liver) and others. Providing heat support can give some aid but is not a treatment. A veterinary visit should be considered to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Indigo. This sounds like it could be a respiratory infection. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can improve the immune system but a veterinary visit is recommended for diagnostic/treatment plans. Hopefully is bacterial and antibiotics will resolve the issue. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Blu. What did it get bit by? If a mammal or open wounds, probably needs to see a veterinarian, at least for antibiotics. But also possible foot fracture and/or pain medications. Provide heat support due to cold weather. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

This is a very serious problem in a bird and indicates illness. What you are describing sounds most like an upper repiratory infection or illness. Your bird needs to see a vet right away. Birds are good at hiding illness and are often sicker then you think. Using a small cage or small aquarium (lined in paper towel and have a screen lid) with a heating pad on low underneath, can help your bird out until you get to a vet.