My bird died. Other bird is lethargic, shaking, and beak open.

Hello, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear you've lost two parakeets recently! There are many possible causes of sudden death, but if you've had this happen twice in a row, some sort of toxic exposure would be my biggest concern. Something infectious would be another possibility. If your parakeets have access to flying around your house, then there would be many possibilities - but if they stayed in their cages, I would be looking for a toxic exposure they could come in direct contact with. Newspaper lining the cage (the ink can be harmful if the birds chew on it), moldy food, unclean water, etc. I recommend carefully cleaning everything you can, replacing anything that can't be well cleaned, making sure you're using safe substances in the cage, and when in doubt, you could consult with either the pet store (about your habitat) or your vet. Hopefully you don't experience the loss of another bird - but if it were to happen again, I recommend promptly bringing the bird in to a veterinarian for a necropsy (the animal version of autopsy). By doing a visual exam, and potentially getting tissue samples of different organs for analysis, your vet may be able to determine the cause of death, which will hopefully help prevent any further issues! Again - I'm sorry you're dealing with this,and I hope this helps!

You should definitely keep a close eye on the other one as it could be from an infectious disease, if you see any abnormal sign such as puffed feathers, tail bobbing, reduced appetite, abnormal droppings- take him to an avian vet right away to get checked and have a fecal test done.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is quite concerning as it may be due to a serious illness such as an infection causing him to be weak. I highly recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on what may be wrong so that therapy can be started as soon as possible. I am hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! All these signs might be compatible with the presence of high temperature and possibly a systemic infective disease. Respiratory diseases (psittacosis) and gastrointestinal infections due to Trichomonas and Giardia are quite common as well. The list of differentials unfortunately is quite long and more specific answers would require a more extensive chat on his clinical status or a consultation. 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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is quite concerning. While it is unclear what is exactly going on, this sound serious as it may mean that Heather is very weak due to whatever disease is affecting her. This warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to proceed with a proper examination and a formal diagnosis so that therapy can be started. I am hoping for the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Summer could be sick. It is unfortunately not possible to know the extent of this just based on a description and an examination would be quite helpful here to determine this better. I would recommend you have her evaluated by a veterinarian who can perform an examination and gather more information to start determining what may be wrong with her so that therapy can be started to help her. Best of luck!

Sorry about your bird. First thoughts are a respiratory infection, causing the wings to held outwards, then respiratory collapse. Respiratory problems can be caused by inhaled toxins, infections (bacterial, viral, fungal), metabolic disorder (liver, renal), and others. A veterinarian might be able to provide a necropsy for more answers. Good luck.