Why is my parakeet tail bobbing, itching, and having poop problems?

Thanks for reaching out about your budgie. The signs you are describing sound like there may be a respiratory issue going on in your bird. Tail bobbing can occur when birds are having difficulty breathing, and the scratching at the cere can indicate irritation. The other signs that she is having can occur with many diseases. I would recommend taking your budgie to a veterinarian for evaluation. If this is not an option in your area, I would recommend ensuring that your bird is kept in a warm environment and be sure that the nostrils are not blocked. Provide low or no perches in a small hospital cage and ensure that good and water are within easy reach. I hope this gives you a place to start, and that your bird feels better soon.

The tail bobbing may also be indicative or respiratory distress or infection. This can be bacterial, fungal, viral or parasitic in nature. The condition of the cere can be due to mites, malnutrition or simply low humidity. Ideally, they should both be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to diagnose and treat the underlying condition. Offer a balanced diet including commercial pellets ( Roudybush, Lafeber, Pretty Bird, Exact or Harrison's), a small amount of a fortified seed mix, fresh greens and vegetables and cooked grains, cooked beans and plain pastas. They can even eat a bit of scrambled eggs (shells included). You can get them to eat greens and vegetables by offering them in small amounts. Offer a variety since they do have preferences, but offer one at a time. If they are tame, you can offer food from your plate. Seeing you eat may interest them.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. The white feces is probably urates, a kidney product, and not feces. The increased urine is also a possible result of some kidney concerns. Tail bobbing is sometimes a clinical sign of difficulty breathing, possible coelomic fluid (ascites) or a respiratory disease. It would probably be a good idea to see an avian veterinarian. 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 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 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.