My bird is shaking its head and spitting up. Is it sick or normal?

He may be regurgitating for you. It is characterized by an up and down pumping motion of the head as you described. This is normal. Mino is trying to get food/seed up to share with you. Consider it a high compliment from your feathered friend! As long as he is behaving normally otherwise (no lethargy, loss of appetite or loose droppings), there is likely no cause for concern.

The "spitting up" may be vomiting which can be serious in birds. Vomiting can be caused by infection, obstruction, trauma, toxicity or nutritional deficiency. It differs from regurgitation (which is normal) in that a vomiting bird will rapidly flick it's head from side to side as ingesta is expelled. This can come from the crop or stomach. When a bird regurgitates, the head will bob up and down as partially digested or while food will come up. Ideally, Sydney should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. Contact your friend for additional history which may aid in a diagnosis. Blood work, fecal exam and and examination of crop/stomach contents may be indicated after a physical exam.

Regurgitating is normal in certain situations as is molting. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite, loose droppings, excessive scratching or feather plucking. See your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet for an exam if necessary.

It sounds like regurgitation, but if you are concerned about it, it doesn't seem normal, or Mango shows other signs of illness, seeking a veterinary exam is always the best course of action (and will give you some peace of mind.) I would keep an eye on her as well and note down any other changes in health, if there is a pattern with this, etc as that could help your vet pinpoint what may be going on.

Based on the behavior you are describing I am concerned that Alif may have something stuck in her throat/mouth that is causing her discomfort and making her not want to eat. She may also be regurgitating in an attempt to dislodge whatever is stuck. However, this behavior could also be a seizure type behavior. It is hard to say without actually seeing what Alif is doing. You need to get her in to a vet as soon as possible. Until then, continue to offer her plenty of fresh water and her favorite foods to encourage eating. You may also try to gently massage her throat area and see if that helps. Best of luck.

Birds can sometimes regurgitate as a sign of affection/interest in trying to mate with you, so this could be that Bella is very comfortable and bonded with you. If she is otherwise healthy, I wouldn't be too concerned, but you may want to try to discourage the behavior by changing your interactions some if she seems too attached. If you suspect she may be ill instead, a vet visit is best.

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.