My bird's tail is bobbing, but she seems fine. Is she really sick?

Thanks for reaching out about Budgie. This is often a sign of serious respiratory disease. The tail is bobbing to assist in inspiration, like a billows. A veterinary visit is needed as soon as possible. Possibilities include a bacterial or fungal infection, enlarged organ (liver, spleen), or pain. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Baby. Yes, it is likely your parakeet is ill, with a possible respiratory disease. Tail bobbing is a typical sign of increased effort for inspiration. The head hanging down is a sign of weakness. Remove perches and place a soft towel on the bottom of the cage, on which to stand in comfort. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can also give aid. There are no over the counter medications which to give, so a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Reach out to local rescue groups or the humane society to inquire regarding financial assistance. Good luck.

The tail bobbing may also be indicative or respiratory distress or infection. This can be bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic in nature. The condition of the cere can be due to mites, malnutrition or simply low humidity. Ideally, they should both be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying condition. Offer a balanced diet including commercial pellets ( Roudybush, Lafeber, Pretty Bird, Exact or Harrison's), a small amount of a fortified seed mix, fresh greens and vegetables and cooked grains, cooked beans and plain pastas. They can even eat a bit of scrambled eggs (shells included). You can get them to eat greens and vegetables by offering them in small amounts. Offer a variety since they do have preferences, but offer one at a time. If they are tame, you can offer food from your plate. Seeing you eat may interest them.

Thanks for reaching out about Samson. Tail bobbing is often associated with respiratory problems and increased effort to breath in. This could be a bacterial, viral or fungal infection, enlarged organ (liver, spleen) or other problems. A veterinary visit is highly recommended. Providing heat support can give some aid but should not be in lieu of a veterinary visit. Good luck.

Sorry to hear about Sky, but is sounds as if he is having respiratory problems (due to the tail bobbing). I would reach out to the Humane Society for help. It is important to seek help quickly as it sounds as if Sky is fairly sick. At home, providing heat support in the range of 85-90 degrees. This sometimes stimulates the immune system but will not replace seeking a veterinarian. Sorry I can't help more. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Pronounced tail bobbing coupled with a bit of lethargy may indicate respiratory distress or illness. Ideally, Pepper should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose and treat infection or injury. By the time birds begin to show any symptoms, they can be quite ill. In the meantime, keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor. Monitor for additional symptoms such as loose droppings or loss of appetite.