New bird behaviors: breathing, sleeping, tired. Should I see a vet?

It could be stress or excitement from the new environment, handling or a combination. If she is bobbing her tail excessively while breathing, this can indicate potential illness. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or loose droppings. Give her a few days to acclimate and if the behavior persists, have her examined by your veterinarian. Have her examined sooner if she develops any of the above symptoms.

Anytime a small bird like a budgie has abnormal breathing sounds I recommend they get checked out ASAP. This is because respiratory diseases can become very serious, very quickly so early diagnosis and treatment is important. Your veterinarian may need to do tests but in some cases an exam and antibiotics are what is needed.

Young birds will often sleep in the position described. The shaking could be due to chill. baby birds need to be kept warm until they are totally feathered. The loose droppings could be due to parasites or infection. It is unfortunate you were sold such a young chick. A reputable breeder or store will not sell a chick that is not weaned and eating on its own. Without more information, such as species, it is difficult to give more specific advice. You may need to hand feed the chick to supplement the diet if it won't eat. If you have never done this, contact an experienced vet or breeder to show you how it is done. An exam with an experienced avian veterinarian would be recommended anyway since the chick is a "new" pet. An exam may confirm good health or it may diagnose any pre-existing conditions which can then be treated appropriately.

Those are all very general signs of illness in a bird. It would be a good idea to get Blue to a vet as soon as possible to try and determine what may be causing his symptoms. Until you can get to your vet, keeping him in a warm hospital cage with low/no perches and food and water that is easy to get in and out of may help.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky and including photos. Birds are typically fluffed when cold or ill. A veterinary visit is recommended, sooner than later. Providing heat support can give some aid but is not a cure for illness. As a new bird, moving to a new home can be stressful for a young animal, and suppressing the immune system, allowing subclinical infections to manifest. Good luck.

Hi, if Sky is otherwise doing well, eating and defecating normally, active and alert, then I wouldn’t be concerned. Some birds sleep with their head tucked under a wing or in some other similar position. Sky’s neck is bent more in the pictures than what is typical for a parakeet, but it could just be normal for him. However, if you notice any changes or if his neck doesn’t straighten out and remains bent when not sleeping, then this would definitely not be normal and should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

This is not a typical resting position for birds, though it may be "normal" for Alfred. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or loose droppings. If the behavior persists or if he develops any of these symptoms, then he should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian.