My conure is sneezing, breathing heavy, and screeching. What's wrong?

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Frost. Increased respiratory rate and sneezing is often a clinical sign of a respiratory problem. Causes of this can include primary infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), heart disease, abdominal organ enlargement (liver, spleen), toxic exposure (cooking with teflon, smoke, other aerosols), and more. A veterinary visit for assessment and to provide a diagnostic/treatment plan is required to determine a cause and therefore treat effectively. Good luck.

An occasional itch and sneeze is not very concerning. Sometimes, they will have a long-term sinus infection after recovering from a respiratory disease. These infections are very difficult to diagnose and treat. At this time, it doesn't seem like he is having bad enough signs to warrant an investigation or treatment into this problem. If you are not noticing any nose discharge, and Jade is otherwise acting normal, then I think it's fine to not bring her into the vet right now. Although, it would be best to have a general exam done by an avian veterinarian at some point. Make sure that there is not something like perfumes/other scents, smoke, or excessive dust in the environment. Even the slightest amount of these aerosols can irritate their respiratory tract. I hope that helps.

Hi there! It sounds like Troy might be dealing with an upper respiratory infection with his sneezing, deeper breathing, and inability to cope with exercise well. Unfortunately, this would require antibiotics to treat. I would recommend calling and finding a veterinarian that treats birds. They will likely recommend an x-ray to ensure that the infection has not progressed to a severe pneumonia before treating. In the meantime, warm and humid air is easier to breathe when the respiratory tract is inflamed. You can turn on a warm shower and bring him into the bathroom for 5-10 minutes at a time. Closely watch his eating, drinking, and elimination habits during this time as well, as sick birds may also stop eating and become dehydrated. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, I would recommend taking your bird to a veterinarian when possible. This sounds like it could be an upper respiratory infection, which is common in pet birds. This often requires a course of antibiotics, depending on the extent of infection. Your vet can guide you best after their exam. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for reaching out about Shonnie. Head shaking is a common clinical sign of an upper respiratory infection, as is the sneeze. The stress of the move might have lead to immune suppression and progression of clinical signs. Short periods of time in a warm, steamy bathroom, a few times daily might help hydrate the sinuses but a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Since this has been occurring for several months, it is unlikely to improve or heal on its own. Other possibilities include fungal infections, nasal foreign bodies, metabolic disorders and more. Check and correct diet as vitamin A deficiencies can lead to secondary infections. Good luck.

It's possible Nova may have a bit of a respiratory infection going on. If the symptoms continue, the discharge is green or yellowish in color, or she shows other signs of illness, it is best to schedule a vet checkup. In the meantime, keeping her separated from any other birds to prevent the spread of illness, making sure her bedding and cage litter are not causing any dust that could be causing sneezing, and keeping her on a balanced diet with fresh water may help until you can get to the vet.