My parakeet is puffed, tail bobbing, sleeping. Can't afford vet.

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.

Reach out to the local humane society or animal rescue, as they sometimes have connections that assist people with veterinary bills. Contact your local vet and ask if something can be worked out. Borrow money from friends or family. If she is egg bound or ill for other reasons, not much can be done at home. Supplemental heat in the 80-85 F can give some comfort but is not a treatment. Offer water via a small syringe. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Mickey. Can not determine if this is fatal, but if you can, try to schedule a veterinary visit. Could a humane society assist financially? Provide supplemental heat at 80-85 F range, to give some support. Syringe offer water and food. Good luck.

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.

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.

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.