Why is my cockatiel wagging its tail uncontrollably and acting scared?

Thanks for reaching out about Budgie. This is often a sign of serious respiratory disease. The tail is bobbing to assist in inspiration, like a billows. A veterinary visit is needed as soon as possible. Possibilities include a bacterial or fungal infection, enlarged organ (liver, spleen), or pain. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Angel and including photos. Birds with their heads tucked are often weak and sick. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can give comfort. Placing a thick towel on bottom of cage and removing perches will conserve energy. She probably needs to see a veterinarian soon, as birds are great at masking illness, and once start showing signs, are fairly sick. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Flint. Typically stress can cause rapid breathing but does not result in tail bobbing. Tail bobbing is due to difficulty breathing as in a large abdominal organ (liver, spleen), abdominal fluid or other problem. If continues, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

Tail bobbing isn't really a symptom in itself, unless you are seeing other signs such as difficulty breathing, sleeping all the time, not eating/drinking. It could be you are just startling your birds, so they are hunching down when you are near, or they are just active and moving about if they otherwise seem healthy. Offering a treat when you come by to visit can help them bond with you. If you do start seeing any signs of illness, or respiratory distress (heavy breathing, panting, etc) then scheduling a vet visit to rule out any more serious issue is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky and including photos. A veterinary visit is required to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Aspergillosis is a serious respiratory problem and very difficult to treat, where aggressive treatment having a better prognosis. Aspergillosis is usually related to an environmental exposure, so pristine conditions are the best prevention. Tail bobbing is a general clinical sign of some respiratory difficulty, of which there are many causes beyond aspergillosis. Dietary deficiencies, especially vitamin A, can predispose to secondary problems. Birds will not do well with an exclusive seed diet. Often local rescue groups might have funds to assist with veterinary visits. Good luck.

As with many common signs of illness in birds, prolonged, repetitive bobbing of the tail can indicate a respiratory infection. The key is "prolonged" and "repetitive". If a bird is having trouble breathing, the tail muscles work harder, causing the tail to bob up and down. So, if you are questioning it, then it is probably too much and your bird should see a vet.

Pronounced tail bobbing coupled with a bit of lethargy may indicate respiratory distress or illness. Ideally, Pepper should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose and treat infection or injury. By the time birds begin to show any symptoms, they can be quite ill. In the meantime, keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor. Monitor for additional symptoms such as loose droppings or loss of appetite.