My budgie is puffed up and tail bobbing. What does this mean? Is he sick?

The tail bobbing, opening and closing mouth may be indications of respiratory difficulties. This may bebdut ot infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites) or trauma. The fluffed feathers, when taken with other symptoms may further point to potential illness. Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Birds are quite adept at concealing illness or injury so by the time they start to show symptoms, they may be very 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 Kiki. Tail bobbing is a sign of difficulty breathing and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Fluffed feathers can be an indication of attempting to trap heat. Ill birds in veterinary clinics are placing in heated incubators in the 85-90 F range to provide support, so giving supplemental heat can be helpful. This bird is probably very serious and early veterinary intervention can improve recovery. 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.

Thanks for reaching out about your budgie. The signs you are describing sound like there may be a respiratory issue going on in your bird. Tail bobbing can occur when birds are having difficulty breathing, and the scratching at the cere can indicate irritation. The other signs that she is having can occur with many diseases. I would recommend taking your budgie to a veterinarian for evaluation. If this is not an option in your area, I would recommend ensuring that your bird is kept in a warm environment and be sure that the nostrils are not blocked. Provide low or no perches in a small hospital cage and ensure that good and water are within easy reach. I hope this gives you a place to start, and that your bird feels better soon.

As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged, repetitive bobbing of the tail can indicate a respiratory infection. The key is "prolonged" and "repetitive". If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. So, if you are questioning it, then it is probably too much and your bird should see a vet.

Yes you should take her to the emergencies. Ripple is probably ill, but i couldn't tell you what is wrong based on these very general symptoms, you will need to take her to an avian vet where a blood test and faecal exam will be done to determine what is the cause of the disease before it can be treated.