Why is my quail having breathing problems and a swollen chest?

Thanks for reaching out about Chicky. Swelling on the chest is often an overextended crop, possibly an obstruction or stasis. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Ingested foreign bodies, infections (bacterial, yeast, fungal) and other causes are possible. Various viral disease, ingested toxins or metabolic disorders can result in ataxia and wobbly gait. Heat support is important in recovering animals. Sick animals should be isolated to prevent possible cross-contamination if infectious. Good luck.

Yes, it could have to do with the thyroid (usually goiter due to iodine deficiency). This can occur from feeding birds an all seed diet. Make sure you are giving Gabby a complete diet that has other ingredients besides just seeds. You can also give an iodine supplement if your veterinary thinks that goiter is the issue. Birds can also get thyroid tumors that can be mistaken for goiter. A tumor would not respond to iodine supplementation. Another issue that could cause a swollen chest would be crop impaction which would need to be treated as soon as possible. You should take Gabby to see a bird veterinarian asap. I hope this has helped. Thank you for using pet coach.

Thanks for reaching out about Eggwin. Respiratory concerns as you described could be a tracheal obstruction, fungal or bacterial respiratory infection, enlarged coelomic organs (liver, spleen, renal, reproductive) or other problems. At this age, infections diseases or obstructions more likely. A veterinary visit is recommended the sooner the better as it sounds as if she is in distress. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Charlie. Crop infections or impactions are common in cockatiels. A veterinary visit is recommend to assess and provide a treatment plan. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range for support.. Offer small amounts of water in an attempt to loosen or dilute crop contents. Good luck.

By your description, there may be some respiratory issues developing. A respiratory infection is quite serious in birds. Ideally, Cricket should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet for diagnosis and treatment. In the meantime, keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor.

This sign could be compatible with an respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). Viral and bacterial causes are quite common. The fact that the lower abdomen expands when breathing means that it is more likely that the lungs are affected. High temperature may be present. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are needed. 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.

Thanks for reaching out about Rosie. Sounds as if she is very ill with a respiratory problem. Shallow breathing might indicate a tracheal obstruction, coelomic mass, pneumonia or other problems. A veterinary visit is recommended as soon as possible, as this sounds serious. Good luck.