My conure sounds hoarse. Is it sick? What should I do for my bird?

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.

These signs could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). No need for a specialist at this stage, but clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are probably needed. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

Thanks for reaching out. The raspy voice and sitting on bottom of the cage are concerning. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Respiratory infections (bacterial, fungal) are common, as is aspiration. Vitamin A deficiencies can play a part also. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Skittles. At three months old, should be standing strong, mostly feathered and eating solid foods. Concerns should be re-address to the seller. It is usually recommended birds be weaned prior to sale, as hand-rearing skills are needed to prevent aspiration pneumonia. A "sheep noise" is worrisome, as am concerned this could already be food in the trachea or he is vocalizing due to stress/hunger. Providing heat support is essential. If the seller does not help, a veterinary visit is recommended, soon. Good luck.

Seeds, seed husks, other food particles or dust can get stuck in the syrinx (voicebox)and affect his "voice". Have him examined by your vet if he doesn't improve, becomes lethargic or stops eating.

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or by an experienced avian vet. You can find one here: http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Do this sooner rather than later, since by the time a bird is symptomatic, it is usually quite ill. The vet may submit a swab from the mouth for culture and sensitivity. This may identify any infection causing bacteria as well as the most effective antibiotic to use in treatment. Blood work may be submitted to assess major organ function. Do not worry, only a small sample is needed. A stool sample should also be submitted to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, clean and sanitize her cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily. A grate should be used to prevent her from reaching her droppings or fallen food that could be contaminated. Survey the area around her cage for any cold drafts or other negative stimuli. If you use air fresheners or essential oils, do not use them around her. The same goes for non stick cookware. The wheezing and tail bobbing may indicate respiratory infection which can usually be treated with antibiotics, but it can be caused by parasites or viruses which will not be affected by these medications.

Thanks for reaching out about Petri and including a photo. This could be a low grade sinus infection. Try give a humidity treatment in a steamy shower for 10-15 minutes once or twice daily for a few days. If the clinical condition worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. This also would be a good time to review diet, as vitamin A deficiencies can play a part in low grade respiratory infections. Good luck.