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Why is my cockatiel shaking head, vomiting, and struggling to swallow?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 9 months and 15 days old

Hi I've got seven month old cockatiel. In last few weeks I noticed that: 1: she shakes her head every few seconds even when she's comfortable. 2: Has a difficulty to swallow some foods specially rice. 3: Vomiting badly sometimes Please advise me with your opinion. Thanks Zara

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on July 16th, 2017

Those symptoms are mainly symptoms of nausea, it's common in birds suffering from a gastrointestinal infection, yeast (candida) being the most common cause (but not the only one). you will need to take Nazi to an avian vet specialist ASAP in order to get it treated.
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 6th, 2018

    Vomiting can be a sign of a severe gastrointestinal infection or foreign body ingestion, you must take him to an avian vet specialist in order to get treated urgently, failing to do so will most probably end up the same way as your parakeet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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