My cockatiel is sick and struggling to breathe. What should I do?

Thanks for reaching out about Aquafina. This sounds serious and a veterinary visit is needed s soon as possible. A respiratory infection (bacterial, fungal), aspiration of food into the trachea, enlarged organs (liver, etc.) or infectious diseases like chlamydophilosis, are all possible. Heat support is important aiming for a constant temperature of 85-90 F. This is a case for a veterinarian not to be dealt with at home. Good luck.

If Girl is having trouble breathing after that little of activity I would be concerned there is an issue such as an upper respiratory infection or some sort of injury. Since breathing problems are concerning and serious, it would be best to try and get her to a vet in your area so that she can be examined and treated for any healthy problems. Keeping her warm, reducing activity, and eating and drinking may help, however a vet visit is needed to address the issue.

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.

Ideally, Pedro should be physically examined by a veterinarian. If an avian vet is not available, see the local veterinarian. He or she can contact an avian specialist by phone or online. Place him in his own cage or remove the chicken chicks. It isn't recommended to keep these two species caged together. Offer a mash made with warm water and a handfeeding formula to get him eating. Unflavored PediaLyte can be given via dropper if he will accept it. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor.

Thanks for reaching out about Rosin and including photos. This could be an upper or lower respiratory disease situation. If struggling to breath, needs to see a veterinarian ASAP, even if this means an emergency visit this evening. No nasal discharge noted on pictures but could still be an upper respiratory condition. You can try placing in the steamy bathroom for 5-10 minutes to see if this helps, but nothing else can be done at home. Respiratory problems can be bacterial or fungal, enlarged organs (liver, spleen), reproductive, inhaled foreign body or toxicity. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Unfortunately those are very general signs that Bubble may be ill and should be seen by a veterinarian in person. Extreme stress may also cause a bird to breathe rapidly or act aggressively. It is best to contact a vet near you to see if they treat birds or can point you to an avian vet if he continues to breathe rapidly. Until you can be seen, keeping Bubble in a warm hospital cage with easy access to food and water may help make him more comfortable, as well as keeping him in a calm, quiet area in case the breathing is worsened by stress/fear.

Thanks for reaching out about your cockatiel. Lethargy and weakness are only general signs of illness. Possibilities range from metabolic problems (kidney, liver), infections, nutritional deficiencies, inhaled or ingested toxins, and more. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. This sounds serious and should be dealt with today. Good luck.