Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

    rewards header
    Become a member today!
    Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
    Already a member? Sign in
    Petco Pay LogoBecome a credit card member today!

    Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
    when you use Petco Pay!

    APPLY NOW
    Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My parrot's neck is bent and flying unstable after injury. What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 8 years and 8 months old

I have a parrot who either banged into something or fell while flying or got stuck somewhere or got hit by something. It has been 3 weeks since the incident and I see her neck has been slightly bent since then. There is slight awkwardness in her movement but she moves her neck around freely to scratch and sleep. She can fly very little and is unstable while flying and prefers to climb with support or stay in one place. Her situation has improved slightly but not enough. What should I do?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Ady Y. Gancz, DVM, ABVP (Avian), ECZM

Answered By Ady Y. Gancz, DVM, ABVP (Avian), ECZM

Veterinarian, Board-certified avian specialist

Published on November 30th, 2017

Hi, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach,
The signs you are describing are neurological and could result from many different etiologies, trauma being just one of them. It is, therefore, recommended that your parakeet be examined by a vet. If no other cause is detected and trauma remains the main suspicion, at this late stage, 3 weeks after the initiation of the symptoms, treatment options are limited. Some cases will improve with time, while in others the damage may be irreversible.
Vote Icon1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 17th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Blu and including photos. A veterinary visit would be recommended to assess for any trauma such as broken bones, contusions or possible head trauma. Monitor appetite and water intake.
    Good luck.

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Food & Nutrition
Why is my parrot always looking up? Should I take him to the vet?
Some neurologic, muscular, diseases processes, and nutritional issues can cause similar symptoms. It would be best to bring Parrot into a local vet ASAP to have him examined, bloodwork taken and possible X-rays taken to look for underlying issues and provide treatment. In the meantime, making sure he is kept calm and quiet, can still access food and water (and is eating a balanced diet of seeds and pellets for budgies) and separating him from any other birds in the cage can help him feel more comfortable until the underlying cause can be determined.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My parakeet is weak, off-balance, and sits at cage bottom. What to do?
It would be best to bring your bird to a local avian veterinarian, especially if he has been ill for a few weeks. it's possible that an underlying illness, neurologic issue, muscular disease, stroke or other problem has occurred that needs to be examined and treated as needed. In some cases birds may not recover fully, and you may need to adjust your bird's environment to help him get around a little easier, such as adding in flat platform perches or changing access to food and water.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My budgie flies crooked and crashes. What's wrong with her wings?
You are probably correct in that your bird has suffered some sort of wing injury. I would recommend taking her to be evaluated by your veterinarian and possibly having X-rays performed to see if any of her bones are fractured. I would also recommend that you trim her wings for now to keep her from flying and further injuring herself.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my parakeet constantly tilting her head and looking down?
Thanks for reaching out about Echo. Concerns would be around a neurologic event and a veterinary visit scheduled soon. Maintain a warm environment around 80-85 F for comfort, try offering food and water via a syringe if not eating. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Help! My parakeet has a broken beak from other birds. What's next?
Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I recommend separating the injured bird from the other two immediately. Keep in a safe cage in a warm draft free area. Provide food and water and minimize stress and handling once separated. I would recommend taking him to an avian veterinarian to assess the severity of the injury and determine what treatment may be needed. Aav.org can help you find an avian vet in your area if you do not have one.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Why did my bird suddenly get wobbly with a head tilt and look up?
Thanks for reaching out about Tipu. Monitor for repetition of the episode. If persistent problem, a veterinary visit is recommended. Possibilities include neurologic disorders due to ingested toxins (lead, zinc, plants, etc.), metabolic disorders, nutritional deficiencies, head/neck trauma, infections (viral, bacterial, fungal), just to list a few. Monitor appetite. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can give some support. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
Why is my 7-year-old budgie's head twitching and wings puffed?
Thanks for reaching out about Keasha. A veterinary visit is probably urgent. The first thing that is suggestive would be a neurologic condition. This could be a toxin ingestion (lead, zinc, plant), metabolic concern (liver, kidney), neoplasia (pineal tumors are fairly common in budgies), just to mention a few potentials. Fluffed feathers and dropped wings are suggestive of weakness or cold. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some support but is not a treatment in itself. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Related Searches

Parakeet ShopParakeet TreatsParakeet ToysParakeet CagesBird SuppliesParakeet FoodBird Health & WellnessParrot Health & GroomingParrot TreatsParakeet PerchesCockatiel ShopLovebird Health & GroomingParakeet Feeders & WaterersBird Food & TreatsLovebird ShopLovebird TreatsCockatiel TreatsConure ShopCockatiel CagesCockatiel Food
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Share

Styled arrow button