Parakeet Bloated and Sitting On Bottom of Cage

by Kerri
(Long Island)

Reader Question

We have two year-old parakeets. While the female is fine, the male seems to be sick. He is bloated and seems disoriented. His head bobs up and own uncontrollably every now and then and has been sitting on the bottom of the cage though he does spread his wings and stretch.

Please help me help our little guy.

Thank you so much!

Vet Suggestion

Hello,

The list of potential problems that might be causing the symptoms you describe in your male parakeet is quite long and includes dietary issues, environmental concerns, parasitism, infectious disease, tumors, obesity, and more. Some of these conditions are potentially life threatening if they aren’t addressed quickly, so I recommend that you see a veterinarian who has experience with birds as quickly as possible.

Try to bring your bird to the office in his normal cage so the doctor can evaluate your set up in addition to performing a physical exam and any diagnostic tests that might be necessary. If you don’t know of a local bird doctor, the Association of Avian Veterinarian’s website can help you find one.

In the meantime, thoroughly sanitize everything in your birds’ cage and keep it impeccably clean. Provide fresh water every day. Replace food with a new batch of his favorite type (pellets are better than seeds but this is not the time to make a diet change). Make sure the cage is in a draft-free location and warmed to around 83 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit.

Placing your female parakeet in her own cage might help keep her healthy if what your male has is contagious, but the stress of separation could outweigh any benefits. Use your judgment.

Best of luck,

Jennifer Coates, DVM

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