Why is my green cheek conure breathing heavily only when I hold her?

Based on the symptoms you are describing I would be concerned that the bird is either not getting enough nutrition or that he has aspirated some of the food and now is developing pneumonia. My best recommendation for you is to have your bird examined by an avian veterinarian. If your bird did aspirate he will need some antibiotics to help with the infection. Your bird may also need supplemental oxygen while the infection is getting under control. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

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 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.

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.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Heavy breathing can be a sign of a number of things, including stress, changes in temperature, and sometimes illness. Birds do breathe by moving their chests in and out, and it is often more visible than other pets, however if she is heavily breathing, open mouthed panting, or has her wings away from her body those can all indicate stress or distress. If she doesn't calm down after being moved to a quiet, cool location, or shows other signs of illness in addition to the heavy breathing, seeking veterinary care is best. A vet exam is a good idea anyway since she was recently acquired and possibly not in good condition when you got her.

This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Viral and bacterial causes are quite common. The fact that the lower abdomen expands when breathing means that it is more likely that the lungs are affected. High temperature may be present. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are 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.