Why did my bird suddenly get wobbly with a head tilt and look up?

Thanks for reaching out about Echo. Concerns would be around a neurologic event and a veterinary visit scheduled soon. Maintain a warm environment around 80-85 F for comfort, try offering food and water via a syringe if not eating. Good luck.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cockatiels can indeed present with signs of loss of balance-many times due to things like infections, trauma, neoplasia, etc. your vet may need to do a few tests to see exactly what is going on inside of your pet before you proceed further. I hope this helps!

Thanks for reaching out about Bato. He needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, so this probably means as an emergency. On the bottom of the cage and ataxic (unable to stand) can be due to ingested/inhaled toxins, metabolic disorders (liver, kidney), heart problems, malnutrition, infectious diseases (viral, bacterial) and other causes. A diagnosis is needed to properly treat. Providing heat support can give some aid but is not a treatment. Offering water through a syringe might determine if strong enough to swallow. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Keasha. A veterinary visit is probably urgent. The first thing that is suggestive would be a neurologic condition. This could be a toxin ingestion (lead, zinc, plant), metabolic concern (liver, kidney), neoplasia (pineal tumors are fairly common in budgies), just to mention a few potentials. Fluffed feathers and dropped wings are suggestive of weakness or cold. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some support but is not a treatment in itself. Good luck.

If your bird is sitting on the bottom of the cage, this is often a sign that your bird is too week to perch. Shaking the head might be a sign of nausea or regurgitation, or a sinus infection. A veterinary visit is recommended. But, providing heat support at home might help provide some strength to your bird. Most veterinarians will attempt to keep sick birds in incubators at 85-90 F. Take the perches out of the cage and provide a towel on the bottom of the cage for comfort. Place food and water bowls on the bottom within easy reach of your bird. Using a small syringe for administration of water could help with some dehydration. Good luck.

Head tilt is usually related to neurologic or balance issues. or sometimes issues such as inner ear infections, and if Moe is already having balance/neuro problems it could be related to this already ongoing condition. However, with any new symptom that appears, it is best to let your veterinarian know in case they want to test for any additional issues or change treatment plans to address it.

Loss of balance is a very concerning sign and I would recommend bringing her to a local vet for a complete exam. Muscular and neurologic issues, underlying illness, seizures, old age, toxicity, nutritional issues and more can call cause problems with balance and requires an exam to help narrow down the possible causes. Until you can get into the vet, you can move Millet's perches closer to the floor of her cage to prevent injury if she falls, and make sure she has food and water dishes that are easy to climb in and out of if she is having trouble getting around. If you see any additional signs of illness, be sure to let your vet know.