My bird whistles, sneezes, and breathes heavily. What should I do?

Thanks for reaching out about Aquafina. This sounds serious and a veterinary visit is needed s soon as possible. A respiratory infection (bacterial, fungal), aspiration of food into the trachea, enlarged organs (liver, etc.) or infectious diseases like chlamydophilosis, are all possible. Heat support is important aiming for a constant temperature of 85-90 F. This is a case for a veterinarian not to be dealt with at home. Good luck.

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 Petri and including a photo. This could be a low grade sinus infection. Try give a humidity treatment in a steamy shower for 10-15 minutes once or twice daily for a few days. If the clinical condition worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. This also would be a good time to review diet, as vitamin A deficiencies can play a part in low grade respiratory infections. Good luck.

Mithu has an upper respiratory infection caused by either bacteria, a virus or a fungus. if this is not caused by bacteria, the antibiotic will not work. The fact that all your parrots have breathing problems at night may point to a ventilation problem, a fungal problem or a virus infection. Try Bihar Veterinary College for a bird veterinarian. Bihar Veterinary College   Address: Near Patna Airport, Patna, Bihar 800014, India Phone:+91 95768 95386 If they do not have a clinic for parrots, then they will be able to tell you where to take your bird and where you can get advice.

The signs that you are describing are consistent with material in her upper airways (i.e. her nose). This material may be just be normal build up that can occur over time, or it could be due to an underlying infection. To help with this at home, you can try giving her baths, as this may moisten up the material to make it easier for her to get out. Baths can be provided by taking her into the bathroom with you while you take a steaming shower, or you can mist her with a spray bottle (don't spray her directly, just spray over the top of her and let the water droplets fall on her like rain). I didn't see you mention how old she was, but sometimes it is harder for older birds to expel material from their noses because of decreased mobility in their legs/feet. They use their toes to "pick" their noses, so if they have arthritis or another reason for a decrease in mobility, this can be hard for them. If this doesn't not improve the situation, or if you notice a decrease in activity, appetite, or weight, I would recommend taking Luna to a veterinarian. To monitor her weight at home, you can purchase a digital gram scale (found in the kitchen section of most department stores) - weigh her every other day to every day if possible. At the veterinarian, they would perform an examination of Luna, and could collect some of the material to evaluate under the microscope to look for abnormal cells or excessive bacteria. They may also flush her nose and collect that material to look for any possible infections. Please do not try to flush her nose on your own at home, as you may risk drowning her. Depending on what is found, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories as well. Please do not give Luna any human medications, as many of these can be harmful to our feathered friends. For options for veterinary clinics, there appear to be some that state that they see birds in the Austin area, so that may be an option for you? You can also find avian veterinarians in your area by using the AAV website. I hope that gives you a place to start!

Based on the condition of the environment that you are describing and the sneezing and nasal discharge your bird is having, I would be concerned about an upper respiratory tract infection. Your bird will likely need antibiotics and possibly a nebulizer to help open up his airways. I hope this helps. Best of luck with your new bird. Thanks for sing Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

I would recommend taking your bird to the vet as soon as you are able. Respiratory disease can be very serious, especially in small birds. If you have the capability to nebulize at home it could be helpful until you can get her seen. You veterinarian may recommend performing X-rays to help determine what is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!