My Jenday conure's throat is swollen. What's wrong with my bird?

Hello. I wonder if what you are seeing is a crop full of food or air. The crop is on the right side of he neck and can become very distended normally after a meal, or after a bird has been vocalizing if they take in air. If there is a motility disorder of the crop, this may become abnormally distended and require medications. If it is truly a mass of the skin, muscle, or thyroid, then it would depend on the diagnosis whether any medical therapies would be appropriate over surgery. A biopsy would be a good place to start, though blood work and radiographs may also be indicated. A veterinarian experienced with birds should be able to do an exam and any diagnostics tests needed in order to suggest the most appropriate treatment.

You can monitor Cloud for additional symptoms (lethargy, loss of appetite, bleeding, etc) or you can have him examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet. If you can post an image with a new question, we may be able to provide more specific advice.

It's possible there could be an infection brewing in the crop (sour crop) or even an impaction depending on what Simba has been eating. If the crop is very swollen, or bothersome to the point that he is attempting to pick at it, it would be best to bring SImba into a local vet for care. They can take a look, remove any impacted debris and may recommend an antibiotic or fungal medication to get him feeling better.

Thanks for reaching out about Chubaka. Fluffed feathers indicate illness, as he is trying to keep himself warm by trapping more air, thereby increasing his insulation. Head bobbing and swollen neck could be an obstructed crop and nausea, or ruptured air sac and difficulty breathing. A veterinary visit is recommended, sooner the better as smaller birds have less energy reserves and decline quickly. Good luck.

I would be concerned there is an issue such as an organ problem, underlying illness, or infection with the symptoms you are describing, especially if there hasn't been any change to Kiwi's diet or treats he is given. If the problem persists or has been ongoing for more than a few days, your best course of action would be to have him seen by a vet in person. Keeping him warm, eating and drinking, and removing any dirt or debris from the vent if there is any stuck may help him stay comfortable until the cause is figured out by your vet.

It's possible that the bread is caught in the crop or isn't breaking down and digesting. Birds should also not be given dairy products as it can lead to diarrhea and dehydration. It is best to stick with a formulated baby bird food until your bird is old enough to begin adding in solids (usually a balanced adult diet) to their meals. If the crop remains swollen or Marcos appears listless, doesn't want to eat, or in pain it is best to seek veterinary care immediately.

Thanks for reaching out about Fugi. Swollen sides of the face could be an abscess, cyst, sinus infection or ruptured air sac, just to list a few. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Try placing a warm moistened washcloth to the swelling for 3-5 minutes to see if this helps. Good luck.