My cockatiel is breathing hard with an open beak. Is he dying?

Constant open mouth breathing could be a sign of a respiratory issue, extreme stress, other underlying illness, or even being too warm. If Honey is already in an area that is quiet and stress-free and is not too hot or too cold and she is still having problems breathing, it is best to seek veterinary care ASAP. Changes in stool could also point to an underlying illness, infection or even parasites that are causing her to be ill. If she's housed with other birds, it is best to move her to a separate hospital cage that is kept warm and with easy access to food and water until you can be seen by your vet.

If Benji is becoming easily winded, panting heavily, or seems in distress after any activity I would have him examined by your vet. It's possible there is an underlying health issue that is making it harder for him to breathe, and having him treated by your vet may help. In the meantime, keeping him calm and reducing his activity some may help, but if the problem persists vet care is best.

I'm sorry that your bird is so ill. This is a definite respiratory emergency. Could be an inhaled toxin like from Teflon or smoke oor a serious infection. Your bird needs heat, oxygen and ER care. Keep warm and upright until you can get to the vet. Do not try to give the bird anymore to eat or drink. Good luck with your sweet baby.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I am sorry that Flash is not doing well. These signs are very serious and he needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible. Antibiotics will do nothing for Flash here if this is traumatic in nature and not infectious. Your veterinarian can then decide what would be best. It is just not possible to tell you if he is dying right now without evaluating him. I am hoping that he does well and they can help you!

Hello. I am sorry that Bobo isn't feeling well. It does sound like Bobo is very very sick. I would recommend having him to a vet right away. Birds do not show they are sick unless they are severely compromised, and a parakeet sitting on the bottom of a cage breathing hard could be near death. It also sounds like Bobo might be suffering. If you can get him to a vet right away I would suggest this. Best of luck with Bobo.

Panting can sometimes be a sign of heat exhaustion or extreme distress in birds. If moving your bird to a calm, quiet and cool cage does not resolve the panting, or your bird is having trouble breathing it is best to seek emergency medical care from a local veterinarian ASAP. Keeping him in a cool, dark, quiet room may help him recover, but if his symptoms don't improve care is needed.

This is a very serious problem in a bird and indicates illness. What you are describing sounds most like an upper repiratory infection or illness. Your bird needs to see a vet right away. Birds are good at hiding illness and are often sicker then you think. Using a small cage or small aquarium (lined in paper towel and have a screen lid) with a heating pad on low underneath, can help your bird out until you get to a vet.