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Why is my budgie tail bobbing, fluffed, and breathing hard?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Female

Why does my budgie keeps on bobbing it's tail up and down, fluffed her feathers, and opening and closing it's mouth? There are no avian vet around us, What will we do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on April 9th, 2019

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on November 9th, 2017
Monitor Coco for other symptoms including, but not limited to lethargy, decreased appetite, loose droppings, wheezing, any discharge from the eyes/nose/beak, pronounced tail bobbing while breathing or perching low with feathers fluffed out.
If he is active and eating normally, he may simple be resting or recovering from activity. If you see additional symptoms, have him examined by your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating birds.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on April 7th, 2018
Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite, loose droppings, wheezing or discharge from the nose or mouth/beak. These are all symptoms of illness/respiratory infection.
As a "new" pet, Kumo should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any preexisting conditions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 1st, 2020
These are classic signs of respiratory disease. You will need to get him to a vet for an exam and to get some antibiotics/other treatment.

( https://brookfallsveterinary.com/pet-library/bird-articles/respiratory-disease/ )
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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

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.

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Is my bird's tail bobbing normal? When should I be concerned?

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Why is my parakeet wheezing and bobbing her tail when breathing?

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

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