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Birds--General/Parakeet health
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Question
Hi,
I just bought a parakeet two days ago to be a companion to my other keet. When I watch them together my original parakeet, Mouse, seems to be perfectly healthy but Lui, the one I've just purchased seems to be breathing oddly. His breathing is much more rapid than Mouse's and sometimes he opens his beak to take his breaths, I've never seen Mouse do that before. I was wondering if this is healthy or not? Could he be sick?
Hi, Andrea. Thanks for posting!
Open-mouthed breathing like you describe is a sign of respiratory problems. If you live in an area where there are 4 seasons, this is the time of year when parrots can get respiratory illness. Couple this with the fact that the stress from a move to a new home can result in your bird's immune system being down, you new keet could be sick. If you purchased your keet from a pet store and the pet store has an avian veterinarian on duty, I'd call this vet/the pet store ASAP and relay your situation. If no vet at the pet store, I recommend you take your keet to an avian vet ASAP. Don't hesitate...if your keet is sick, s/he needs medication ASAP.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you very much for your response. Although I'm a bird owner, I don't know very much about sicknesses and other things that parakeets can have. You assisted me a lot, I'll be sure to get help for him right away! -Andrea | ||
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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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