Birds can struggle to breathe for a variety of reasons, ranging from illness to environmental factors. As a caring bird owner or rescuer, it is important to recognize the signs of respiratory distress and take appropriate action to help the bird. Some quick answers to key questions can help guide you in assisting a bird that is having difficulty breathing.
What are the common causes of breathing problems in birds?
There are several potential causes for labored breathing in birds:
- Respiratory infections – Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections often affect the respiratory tract. Common illnesses include pneumonia, air sacculitis, and aspergillosis.
- Air sac mites – Microscopic mites can infest a bird’s air sacs, causing irritation, inflammation, and labored breathing.
- Inhaled foreign objects – Birds can accidentally inhale food, pieces of toys, substrate, or other foreign material into the trachea and lungs.
- Trauma – Blunt trauma to the chest or neck can damage the respiratory tract.
- Toxins – Inhaled smoke, fumes, or dust can irritate the respiratory system.
- Tumors – Tumors in the chest cavity may compress air sacs or lungs.
- Egg binding – Egg binding or dystocia can put pressure on air sacs and make breathing difficult.
What are the symptoms of breathing problems in birds?
Look for these signs that indicate a bird is having trouble breathing:
- Labored or open-mouth breathing
- Wheezing or clicking sounds
- Stretching the neck out to breathe
- Bobbing tail up and down with each breath
- Discharge from nostrils
- Cyanosis (blue color) of skin or mucous membranes
- Lethargy and not moving around or vocalizing normally
What should you do if your bird is showing signs of respiratory distress?
If your bird is exhibiting any symptoms of breathing difficulty, prompt veterinary care is essential. In the meantime, follow these steps:
- Keep the bird warm, quiet, and in a smoke-free, toxin-free environment.
- Place in an oxygen chamber or near a humidifier if available.
- Gently wipe away any discharge from the nostrils.
- Avoid handling excessively to minimize stress.
- Monitor for changes in breathing, mentation, or cyanosis.
When should you seek emergency veterinary care?
Get emergency assistance without delay if the bird has:
- Severe respiratory distress where the beak is open with each breath
- Little to no movement due to lethargy
- Marked cyanosis of mucous membranes
- Collapsed or unconsciousness
These signs indicate the bird needs oxygen therapy and intensive care immediately.
What diagnostic tests are used for respiratory problems in birds?
Veterinarians use a combination of tests to diagnose the cause of breathing issues in birds:
- Physical examination – Listening to the lungs and air sacs with a stethoscope, inspecting the mouth and nares, palpating the trachea and chest.
- Radiographs – Chest X-rays to visualize the lungs, air sacs, and trachea.
- Endoscopy – Inserting a small camera into the trachea to view the airways.
- Microscopic examination – Cytology or histopathology of discharge or tissue samples.
- Bacterial culture – Identifying pathogenic bacteria from a swab or fluid sample.
- Blood work – A complete blood count and biochemical profile.
How are respiratory infections treated in birds?
Treatment depends on the type of infection but may include:
- Antibiotics – Enrofloxacin, doxycycline, trimethoprim-sulfa combinations.
- Antifungals – Amphotericin B, itraconazole.
- Nebulization – Delivering medications via inhalation.
- Oxygen therapy – Providing supplemental oxygen in an oxygen cage.
- Bronchodilators – Medications to open airways.
- NSAIDs – Reducing inflammation and swelling.
- Air sac flushing – Rinsing contaminated air sacs.
Treatment course is usually several weeks to months depending on the severity of infection.
Supportive care tips
In addition to medications:
- Keep bird warm, stress-free, and well-hydrated.
- Use a humidifier to ease breathing.
- Gently clear discharge from nostrils.
- Assist feeding if energy is compromised.
What is the prognosis for a bird with respiratory infection?
The prognosis depends on factors like:
- Cause of infection – viral, bacterial, fungal
- Chronicity of illness
- Severity of symptoms
- Bird’s age and overall health
- Timeliness of treatment
Mild infections can often be fully cured if treated early. More severe or chronic infections may only be managed versus cured. Quick veterinary care gives the best chance for recovery.
How can respiratory infections be prevented in birds?
Some tips to help prevent respiratory infections include:
- Avoid exposure to smoke, fumes, and toxins.
- Maintain good hygiene of food and water bowls.
- Disinfect cages/housing regularly.
- Quarantine new birds before introducing them.
- Reduce stress and overcrowding.
- Ensure proper nutrition.
- Have yearly exams to catch issues early.
While not every case can be avoided, minimizing risk factors gives the best chance at prevention.
What if my bird inhaled a foreign object?
If you witness or suspect your bird inhaled an object like a piece of toy or food, seek emergency veterinary care. Signs may include:
- Sudden onset of coughing, gagging or respiratory distress
- Discharge from the nostrils or mouth
- Wheezing sounds
- Head shaking
- Listlessness or lethargy
Diagnostics will include radiographs to locate the foreign body. Treatment may involve:
- Endoscopy to retrieve the object
- Emergency surgery if the object can’t be retrieved endoscopically
- Oxygen support
- Antibiotics and anti-inflammatories
- Corticosteroids to reduce swelling
Quick removal of the blockage is vital to prevent serious lung damage or death. Always monitor the environment for potential hazards.
Can air sac mites cause respiratory distress in birds?
Air sac mites are a common cause of breathing difficulty, especially in budgerigars but also finches, canaries, and wild birds. Signs include:
- Labored breathing
- Feathers ruffled for prolonged periods
- Discharge from nares/beak
- Loss of voice
- Cyanosis of head
- Scratching at ears/head
Diagnosis is made by microscopic examination of an air sac wash. Treatment consists of:
- Ivermectin or moxidectin to kill mites
- Antibiotics for secondary infections
- Anti-inflammatories
- Nebulization
- Oxygen therapy in severe cases
Prevention involves keeping the environment clean and avoiding introducing infested birds.
Can egg binding cause problems breathing in female birds?
Yes, egg binding or dystocia can cause labored breathing in female birds. The signs include:
- Difficulty or straining to lay an egg
- Sitting fluffed up in the bottom of the cage
- Loss of appetite
- Straining to defecate
- Breathing with tail bobbing
The egg puts pressure on internal organs including air sacs and lungs. Emergency veterinary assistance is needed to provide:
- Injectable calcium
- Oxytocin to stimulate egg laying
- Fluids and nutritional support
- Egg extraction if needed
Breathing should improve once the egg passes or is removed. Prevention involves providing proper diet, calcium, and a suitable nesting environment.
When should a breathing problem be considered an emergency?
Consider these respiratory signs an emergency requiring prompt veterinary treatment:
- Beak breathing or extreme difficulty inhaling
- Little or no movement due to severe lethargy
- Collapse or unconsciousness
- Severe cyanosis of mucous membranes
- Neck extended upward to breathe
If a bird exhibits these signs, oxygen and urgent care are needed to prevent death. Even minutes can make a difference, so don’t delay.
Can I give a bird with breathing issues an over-the-counter human medication?
No, do not attempt to give human over-the-counter cough, cold or respiratory medications. Birds have very different respiratory systems and medication requirements than humans. Dosages for parrots or finches can vary greatly from those for people. Giving the wrong medication or dose can be extremely dangerous or even fatal for birds. Only give medications prescribed for that specific bird by an avian veterinarian.
Should I take special precautions when cleaning the cage of a sick bird?
Yes, be very careful when cleaning the cage of an ill bird to avoid spread of infection. Recommendations include:
- Wear gloves and face mask when cleaning.
- Gently sweep or vacuum droppings rather than stirring up dust.
- Discard cage liner and all feed/water bowls.
- Disinfect the cage and accessories with bird-safe cleaners.
- Rinse all surfaces thoroughly after cleaning.
- Wash hands well afterwards.
Following these steps helps prevent infecting other birds in the household. Quarantine sick birds in a separate room when possible.
Can smoke or fumes cause breathing problems in birds?
Yes, birds are very sensitive to airborne irritants. Exposure to substances like smoke, heavy perfumes, scented candles, overheated nonstick cookware, paint fumes, hairspray, chemical cleaners and more can quickly lead to respiratory distress. Signs may include:
- Wheezing
- Sneezing
- Ocular or nasal discharge
- Rubbing eyes
- Fluffed feathers
- Open mouth breathing
Remove the bird from the irritating environment immediately. Provide fresh air, oxygen if available, and seek veterinary treatment as needed. Prevent future issues by eliminating harsh toxins from the home.
Can feathers or down cause breathing problems if ingested?
Yes, birds can develop respiratory distress if they ingest feathers and down while preening. The material can get lodged in the trachea, air sacs or lungs. Symptoms may include:
- Gasping or coughing
- Neck straining to breathe
- Discharge from the nares
- Bluish discoloration of the skin
- Lethargy
Emergency removal of the blockage may be needed to save the bird’s life. Prevent problems by providing proper nutrition, calcium supplements, and bathing opportunities to minimize over-preening.
What are some safe ways I can make the air easier to breathe for my bird?
Some safe methods to help a bird with breathing issues include:
- Placing the cage near a humidifier or in the bathroom during showering
- Taking the bird into the bathroom while you shower for the steam
- Putting the cage partially over a pot of steaming water
- Using plain saline drops or spray to moisten dry nostrils
- Providing oxygen in an oxygen cage if available
Avoid methods like burning incense, candles, or overusing chemicals around the bird. Maintaining proper humidity and ventilation is key.
Can breathing problems recur after treatment in birds?
Yes, respiratory infections and other breathing issues can reoccur in birds after initial improvement. Reasons recurrence may happen include:
- Incomplete treatment duration of medications
- Re-exposure to infectious agents
- Underlying chronic respiratory disease
- Immune system deficiencies
- Persistent air sac damage
- Foreign material still lodged in airways
Prevent recurrence by completing the full treatment course as prescribed, isolating from sources of re-infection, and correcting any underlying conditions contributing to vulnerability.
Conclusion
Respiratory signs in birds should never be ignored. Labored breathing, discharge, wheezing and other symptoms can signal potentially serious illness requiring prompt veterinary attention. With aggressive supportive care and treatment, many birds with breathing difficulties can fully recover. Being watchful for symptoms and acting quickly gives the best chance of helping your bird breathe easy again.