Why is my goldfinch tail bobbing and acting sick? What should I do?

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 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.

Thanks for reaching out about Baby. Yes, it is likely your parakeet is ill, with a possible respiratory disease. Tail bobbing is a typical sign of increased effort for inspiration. The head hanging down is a sign of weakness. Remove perches and place a soft towel on the bottom of the cage, on which to stand in comfort. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can also give aid. There are no over the counter medications which to give, so a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Reach out to local rescue groups or the humane society to inquire regarding financial assistance. 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.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiki. Tail bobbing is a sign of difficulty breathing and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Fluffed feathers can be an indication of attempting to trap heat. Ill birds in veterinary clinics are placing in heated incubators in the 85-90 F range to provide support, so giving supplemental heat can be helpful. This bird is probably very serious and early veterinary intervention can improve recovery. Good luck.

The tail bobbing, opening and closing mouth may be indications of respiratory difficulties. This may bebdut ot infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites) or trauma. The fluffed feathers, when taken with other symptoms may further point to potential illness. Ideally, she should be physically examined by your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. Birds are quite adept at concealing illness or injury so by the time they start to show symptoms, they may be very sick.