Why is my cockatiel tucking head, tail bobbing, and shaking head?

Thanks for reaching out about Bakku and including pictures. The featherless patch behind the head is normal. But what is concerning is how fluffed and with his head tucked back. This is usually a sign of sickness but not definitive for any specific disease. Keeping him warm might help stimulate his immune system, but a veterinary visit is probably needed for a diagnosis and treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Chui. Sounds as if she is ill and needs to see a veterinarian. Wing drooped are an indication that she is weak enough not to spend energy holding her wings up. Schedule a visit for tomorrow, or an emergency visit this evening, if necessary. In the short term providing heat support in the 80-85 F range could give some support. Good luck.

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.

If your bird is sitting on the bottom of the cage, this is often a sign that your bird is too week to perch. Shaking the head might be a sign of nausea or regurgitation, or a sinus infection. A veterinary visit is recommended. But, providing heat support at home might help provide some strength to your bird. Most veterinarians will attempt to keep sick birds in incubators at 85-90 F. Take the perches out of the cage and provide a towel on the bottom of the cage for comfort. Place food and water bowls on the bottom within easy reach of your bird. Using a small syringe for administration of water could help with some dehydration. Good luck.

Unfortunately, without an in-person exam, it would be impossible to say. Birds are extremely good at hiding illnesses, and by the time they do show symptoms, it's usually pretty serious. I would try to schedule an appointment with a vet that can see birds ASAP. In the meantime, keeping your bird in a separated hospital cage with low perches, plenty of food and water, and kept warm can help make them comfortable and may help.

Thanks for reaching out about your birds and including a photo. Birds can be fluffed for basically two reasons: too cold or ill. Providing supplemental heat in the 85-90 F can test for the first one. If no improvement or worsens a veterinary visit is recommended to test for contagious diseases and prescribe a treatment. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Tring Tring and including photos. Bobbing up and down could be respiratory problems. Wagging sideways could be a broken tail feather or pain for other reason. Still eating and defecating? Check the vent for accumulation of feces. If continues, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess. Good luck.