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My budgie is sick, wheezing, and falling. Does he need a vet?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 20 days old

One of my brother's budgies seems to be very sick. When he breathes, his tail moves and he makes wheezing sounds. He has been very inactive lately. He often loses his balance and falls. His neck seems swollen, which makes head hang low, as if he is always tired. My brother refuses to go to a vet. I would like to know what is wrong and what we can do to help the budgie.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 29th, 2017

He have a respiratory infection, air sac mites or other condition. Jeff should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. He may be very sick. Birds are very good at hiding illness or injury until it is quite serious. Try to impress upon your brother the seriousness of the situation and also that he may be putting his pet's life at risk by not seeking veterinary attention.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on August 17th, 2017
I'm sorry to hear Ricky isn't feeling well! Unfortunately, without an exam it would be hard to tell what is causing him to be ill, as his symptoms are very vague and can be a number of things including injuries, illness or even neurologic/nutritional issues. it would be best to try and seek the care of a veterinarian or avian vet in your area to see if they could examine him and figure out what is wrong. If he is housed with other birds, moving him to a hospital cage that is isolated and making sure he is kept warm with access to plenty of food and water may help until you can be seen by a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on March 28th, 2019
I'm sorry to hear about Sky. Unfortunately, those symptoms sound like he is extremely ill and needs to be treated in person. Even if you don't have a bird vet, seeing if there is anyone that will take a look at him (regular vet, wildlife rehab, etc) is best as there is likely not much you can do at home. You can move him to a hospital cage that is kept warm with low perches and easy access to food and water, but it sounds like he needs care in person by a vet.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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