My budgie is sick with panting, biting, dirty vent. What to do?

I'm sorry to hear Jimmy isn't feeling well. Heavy panting, difficulty breathing, or gasping for air are all serious symptoms and very concerning. It would be best to seek veterinary care ASAP especially if he is having difficulty breathing. Moving him to someplace cool and shaded as well as kept quiet and dark may help if the panting is caused by heat or stress, however if he continues to pant, seeking care is needed.

Thanks for reaching out about Cactus. Could he be nauseous, trying to regurgitate? Fluffed up is a general sign of illness. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid. If weak, remove perches and place a soft towel on the bottom of the cage for comfort. Ensure that food and water bowls are within reach. Heavy metal toxicity (lead, zinc), metabolic disorders, ingested foreign bodies and infections are all possible. You need to see your veterinarian, to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Blu. What did it get bit by? If a mammal or open wounds, probably needs to see a veterinarian, at least for antibiotics. But also possible foot fracture and/or pain medications. Provide heat support due to cold weather. Good luck.

Panting alone doesn't point to any particular thing, however if Parrot hasn't been active and is just panting from sitting there, that could indicate an issue with the heart or lungs, or extreme stress or illness. In that case, a vet visit is best to check for the cause and get him treated. If he is panting after activity such as flying around a lot, being chased by a hand, etc, giving him time to rest and relax and return to normal is best--however if he doesn't, vet care is a good idea.

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.

Unfortunately, these symptoms point to illness. A visit to your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet would be recommended. Birds are quite adept at concealing illness, so by the time they are showing symptoms, they are already quite ill. For now, clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the bottom and change daily. Keep the cage away from strong drafts and keep your budgie warm and as stress free as possible until she sees the doctor.

It's possible he could be hot or stressed. Moving Smelborp to a cooler location, or providing a shallow dish to bathe in may help. You can also use a water bottle filled with cool water on a "mist" setting to help give him a shower (and a chance for both of you to bond). Offering a favorite treat every time you interact with him may also help him feel better and make him less likely to bite- if the weather is hot, a nice chilled piece of fruit may be enjoyable! A stressed or tired budgie may bite if they wanted to be left alone. If you suspect this is the case, giving him some time to himself to relax and rest before attempting to interact again is best.