My parakeet is wheezing, puffed up, and sleeping a lot. What's wrong?

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.

Anytime a small bird like a budgie has abnormal breathing sounds I recommend they get checked out ASAP. This is because respiratory diseases can become very serious, very quickly so early diagnosis and treatment is important. Your veterinarian may need to do tests but in some cases an exam and antibiotics are what is needed.

He have a respiratory infection, air sac mites or other condition. Jeff should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. He may be very sick. Birds are very good at hiding illness or injury until it is quite serious. Try to impress upon your brother the seriousness of the situation and also that he may be putting his pet's life at risk by not seeking veterinary attention.

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.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a chronic rhinitis (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!

Hi. I'm sorry Paco isn't feeling well. Hiding their beak in thier feathers and sleeping a lot is definitely a sign of a sick bird. Because birds are prey species they often hide signs of illness for a long time before it's noticeable. Make sure Paco is in a warm, quiet, draft free area so as not to stress him more. I would find an avian veterinarian to take him to immediately. If he's swollen he may have fluid buildup, a tumor or other internal disease going on. Sick, stressed birds can die very easily unfortunately so be as gentle and stress free with handling and transport as possible. Until you get him seen, keep him in a warm quiet location and try to tempt him to eat- either his regular diet or pieces of rice or pasta, fresh fruit or veggies. Good luck to you and Paco.

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.