My cockatiel is sluggish, pooping a lot, tail swishing. Is she sick?

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.

Unfortunately, the symptoms you described are very vague signs of illness, so it would be hard to say what is going on without an exam in person. It's good that you're keeping her separated, and I would do so by keeping her in a warm hospital cage to see if that helps her improve. It's possible the diarrhea could be due to a diet change and the stress of coming to a new home, so giving her a day or two to see if she improves may help. Checking for parasites, and making sure she's on a balanced diet (removing any snacks or fruits and veggies for a few days if she has GI upset) may also help. As for the toe, that is very common in commercially bred birds. If it is causing trouble I would have it examined when you are able, but provide low, flat perches and platforms for her to hang out on in the meantime. This can help her stretch the toe and have a place to relax without losing balance. If she doesn't improve in a day or so, or seems to get worse, it is best to try and find a bird vet in your area that can see her right away.

Those are all very general signs that could indicate Quill isn't feeling well, especially since birds are very good at hiding illnesses until its too late. If the temperature in her room checks out OK and she is still showing symptoms, it wouldn't hurt to bring her to a vet just in case to rule out any issues. Taking note of any other changes, such as to stool consistency, eating habits, etc can also help clue you in (and your vet) to possible issues.

It sounds like Xena is feeling pretty ill and should be seen by a vet. Issues such as GI upset, obstructions, egg-binding, illness, nutritional issues, parasites, etc can all cause the symptoms you are seeing and would need to be examined by a vet and treated. In the meantime, gently massaging around her vent and using a warm wet washcloth to loosen and remove the stool may provide some relief and help her go to the bathroom again. Keeping her in a warm hospital cage and eating and drinking as much as possible may also help until you can be seen by a vet.

Your little bird is fluffed and does look ill. The itching could be from a parasite that she has- like a mite. But is also could be related to egg laying- any chance she might be egg bound (have an egg stuck)? I would keep her warm and offer her favorite foods. she should see a vet to figure out what might be wrong.

Hello. You do describe a bird that may be unwell. Infections, parasites, poor nutrition, possibly unsuitable environmental conditions can all cause malaise in a bird. It is very important to have a hands on examination done on your bird so the reasons for his condition can be identified & addressed. I hope Bunty is feeling better soon & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Piper is definitely showing symptoms of sickness, it's hard to say what it might be as the symptoms are very general but I would strongly recommend taking him to an avian vet ASAP in order to get it checked and treated.