Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 3/3/2007

Question
I have two parakeets, a male and female. The female I believe to be around 7 years old. Since at least yesterday she has kept her feathers constantly ruffled and kept her head in her wings. She shakes from time to time and has started making a high-pitched one-note call every so often. However, she still has an appetite. I want to know if there is anything I can do for her. She doesn't like being transported which I am hesitant to do since the last time I took a sick parakeet to the vet the trip there drained him, causing him to die soon after we arrived. Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi, Lohana.  Thanks for posting.

Your keet has symptoms of being ill.  You need to get this bird to a bird veterinarian ASAP.  I understand the trip can be very stressful, but your bird might die if you don't get her to the vet ASAP.

Birds will continue to eat and act normally (as much as they can) even when they are sick because to do otherwise would draw predators to them/the flock.  This is instinctive, but doesn't mean your bird is less sick.  Get her to the bird vet ASAP.

Chrys