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Birds--General/Heavy breathing in a older Cockatiel
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Question
Ihave a cockatiel female that has been doing heavy breathing for four years, I took her to an avian vet, He place her on anitbiotics, and it did not help her, I am ging to have her tested for other diseases, it will cost around two hundred dollars, I hav retired her from breeding, I do not have any other birds that have the breathing problems, and they all hav ebeen around her, Iwas told she had asthma, from her first owner.What should I do?
Hi, Darleen. Thanks for posting!
If this female has been breathing heavily (?) for 4 years, then obviously the problem isn't a respiratory infection or she would have likely died by now (or gotten better). Perhaps your tiel does have asthma or some type of allergies (or some other type of chronic respiratory problem), but only testing by a qualified avian vet (not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet that is knowledgeable about and treats birds) can confirm or deny this.
Does she breathe heavily all the time or only after exertion? Are there any aerosol sprays or any other type of airborne pollutents in/around this bird? Do you use an air filtration system in the bird's room?
The bird vet is the best course of action at this point. Just be sure you take her to an avian vet and not a regular cat/dog vet (cat/dog vets know very little about aves).
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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