My bird keeps hiccuping non-stop. Is this normal or a sign of illness?

Birds don't have a diaphragm like humans do, and so cannot have hiccups. They breathe by expanding and contracting their entire chest. If you think Luna is having trouble breathing, is twitching, gasping, etc, then it would be best to have her examined by a vet, especially if she seems in distress or it is affecting her ability to perform normal activities. It is also possible that she is regurgitating or moving something in her crop, or is just relaxing and making the motion, which can cause a head bob like motion that may resemble a hiccup. If you suspect this is the case, just keeping an eye on her and watching for any changes or signs of illness is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Cloud and including photos. Sneezing can be a normal behavior to clear the nostrils, especially in a dusty environment. Respiratory discharge or secretions, difficulty breathing, quiet and lethargic are all indications of possible illness and should be check out by a veterinarian. Good luck.

Sneezing and wheezing are definitely cause for concern in birds, as they normally breathe through their nose (nares). It can be caused by bacterial and viral infections. It is important to have your bird seen by the vet to determine what is going on and begin the appropriate treatment soon, as the condition can spread to the air sacs and lungs if untreated.

Thanks for reaching out about Frost. Increased respiratory rate and sneezing is often a clinical sign of a respiratory problem. Causes of this can include primary infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), heart disease, abdominal organ enlargement (liver, spleen), toxic exposure (cooking with teflon, smoke, other aerosols), and more. A veterinary visit for assessment and to provide a diagnostic/treatment plan is required to determine a cause and therefore treat effectively. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi and including photos. Sneezing and shaking a head are a possible indication of an upper respiratory infection. This bird should be assessed by a veterinarian, as one of the possibilities are chlamydophila which could be transmitted to other birds and people. Heat support and good nutrition can help but should not be used in lieu of a veterinary visit. Good luck.

Unfortunately, these symptoms point to illness. A visit to your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet would be recommended. Birds are quite adept at concealing illness, so by the time they are showing symptoms, they are already quite ill. For now, clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the bottom and change daily. Keep the cage away from strong drafts and keep your budgie warm and as stress free as possible until she sees the doctor.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry your bird isn't feeling well! Vomiting and nasal discharge in birds can be a sign of bacterial or fungal infections, toxin ingestion, as well as damage to the crop (the area that stores food in the esophagus). I recommend having your bird seen by a vet as soon as possible to determine the underlying cause, provide stabilization and treatment as necessary.