Why is my budgie tail bobbing, scratching, and chirping less?

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.

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.

With parakeets the cere is blue in male and tan/brown in females. If you think a female, egg binding should be considered. In either, male or female, drier feces, tail bobbing could be respiratory but also intestinal. Decreased feces is possible to decreased food consumption. A veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

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.

The tail bobbing may also be indicative or respiratory distress or infection. This can be bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic in nature. The condition of the cere can be due to mites, malnutrition or simply low humidity. Ideally, they should both be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying condition. Offer a balanced diet including commercial pellets ( Roudybush, Lafeber, Pretty Bird, Exact or Harrison's), a small amount of a fortified seed mix, fresh greens and vegetables and cooked grains, cooked beans and plain pastas. They can even eat a bit of scrambled eggs (shells included). You can get them to eat greens and vegetables by offering them in small amounts. Offer a variety since they do have preferences, but offer one at a time. If they are tame, you can offer food from your plate. Seeing you eat may interest them.

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 Flint. Typically stress can cause rapid breathing but does not result in tail bobbing. Tail bobbing is due to difficulty breathing as in a large abdominal organ (liver, spleen), abdominal fluid or other problem. If continues, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.