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New bird's stomach feathers shiver when breathing. Stress or illness?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed | 2 months and 19 days old | 95 lbs

Got her 4 days ago. Noticed her stomach area feathers are shivering as she breathes. Is this normal? Read it could be from illness, stress, or excitement. What do you think? Coyld it just be because we took her out of the cage today and handled her?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Angel Alvarado, LVT

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on January 16th, 2018

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.
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