Why is my canary breathing fast and fluffed up? Is it serious?

Sorry to hear about Apricot. I would not consider this normal. The clicking could be a clinical sign of a partial tracheal obstruction, possible infection or a parasite. Air sac mites are fairly common, an sometimes it can take months for numbers to accumulate to cause some problems. Increased mucous due to inflammation (inhaled irritant or toxin) or an infection (bacterial) can causes respiratory problems. Providing supplemental heat support in the form of a heat lamp or heating pad under the cage, might help stimulate the immune system. I would recommend making an appointment with an avian veterinarian.

These concerning signs could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion 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.

Thanks for reaching out about Frost. Increased respiratory rate and sneezing is often a clinical sign of a respiratory problem. Causes of this can include primary infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), heart disease, abdominal organ enlargement (liver, spleen), toxic exposure (cooking with teflon, smoke, other aerosols), and more. A veterinary visit for assessment and to provide a diagnostic/treatment plan is required to determine a cause and therefore treat effectively. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Benji. Increased respiratory effort can be serious and a sign of an infection, enlarge internal organ (liver, spleen), pain, or other problems. A veterinary visit is highly recommended,the sooner the better. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some comfort. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection (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!

Thanks for reaching out about Rosie. Sounds as if she is very ill with a respiratory problem. Shallow breathing might indicate a tracheal obstruction, coelomic mass, pneumonia or other problems. A veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible, as this sounds serious. Good luck.

I would recommend taking your bird to the vet as soon as you are able. Respiratory disease can be very serious, especially in small birds. If you have the capability to nebulize at home it could be helpful until you can get her seen. You veterinarian may recommend performing X-rays to help determine what is going on. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck!