Why is my parakeet fluffing feathers, craning neck, and gasping?

This is a very serious problem in a bird and indicates illness. What you are describing sounds most like an upper repiratory infection or illness. Your bird needs to see a vet right away. Birds are good at hiding illness and are often sicker then you think. Using a small cage or small aquarium (lined in paper towel and have a screen lid) with a heating pad on low underneath, can help your bird out until you get to a vet.

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.

Some crusting can happen when a bird is ready to mate, but that looks a bit more than that -- It is possible your bird has a respiratory issue going on, a fungal infection taking hold in the nostrils, or another type of infection/illness. It would be best to bring him to a vet to have the area flushed out and treatment started for any underlying infection. Separating him to a hospital cage that is kept warm and with easy access to food and water may also help to prevent the spread of any illness and to keep Ocean comfortable if your other parakeet is picking on him until you can be seen by your vet. You can also use a warm washcloth to try and remove any debris to make him more comfortable.

It would be hard to say as those are both very general signs of potential illness. It could be that Lucy is cold or had some food stuck to her beak, has nasal discharge from an illness, or is experiencing another underlying issue. Moving her to a warm spot with easy access to food and water and cleaning any crusting may help, however if these symptoms continue or worsen, seeking veterinary care in person ASAP is best to have her examined and treated for health issues.

Thanks for reaching out about Baby. These are general sings of being ill and a veterinary visit is recommended, as soon as possible. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can give some aid but is not a treatment. Problems could be metabolic (liver, kidney), infections, dietary deficiencies and more. Review diet and husbandry practices, correct any deficiencies. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Yes and including photos. Birds fluffed their feathers to provide more insulation, whether cold or ill. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some comfort. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and help determine why he is acting ill. Monitor for food and water intake, might have to be separated from other bird to determine. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Indigo. This sounds like it could be a respiratory infection. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can improve the immune system but a veterinary visit is recommended for diagnostic/treatment plans. Hopefully is bacterial and antibiotics will resolve the issue. Good luck.