why does my cockatiel open his mouth like he's gasping for air?

Question

This just accord like two days ago and the mouth opening has gotten sorta worse. I offer my bird water but he doesn't want any. I know he's not chocking because one time he was chocking and he was more frantic. There are no avains around here. It would be great if you could post a website on local avains or something like that. When my bird opens its mouth it's like my cockatiel is opening for a big mouth full of ice cream. ( I do not give my bird ice cream. ) Please help!

Answer 1

Open mouth breathing and wheezing constantly every other second, acting lethargic, swaying on his perch, puffing up or closing his eyes it is a sign that you need to get him to the vet very fast. My duck had an open mouth breathing problem and it was only 24 hours with symptoms before he died. He died of pneumonia. If he is simply yawning he generally wont learn forward to try and breathe or do it very often and wont weaze and gasp with his mouth open.

He needs water to live. Birds cannot go very long without water at all.

There are a few possibilities of what it could be but they are all related to the avian respiratory system: - sinus, aspergillosis, allergy, bacterial infection or upper/lower respitory infection are just a few that cause this symptom.

If you call your local dog/cat vet they will be able to tell you a good vet that deals specifically with avians or at least has some knowledge of them. Or you could look on the www.aav.org site as someone advised above. Don't let it go until tomorrow if you are concerned, you will regret it if you do.

I can sympathize, my parrot is on three types of meds right now due to a respitory problem. I think it is a change of season that lowers their immune system. I hope your birdy gets better quickly.

Answer 2

Both of my cockatiels do that. I was a bit worried when I first saw it, thinking they were choking on something. I am not sure why they do it, maybe some feathers in their throat after preening?...or maybe they are simply yawning or stretching their necks.

To be safe, call a vet and ask.

Answer 3

Can you hear him physically gasping? Does he open his beak, stretch out his neck then close his beak? If he does this, he's probably just yawning. If he does it repeatedly, he's probably got something in his throat or trying to clear his crop. Just make sure he has acces to fresh water at all times. If he just keeps his beak open and you can hear him panting, he is probalby overheating? If he's outside, take him back inside and you can mist him is he likes it. if none of these apply, call an avian vet if you don't have one near you. here's a site where you can find one nearest you: www.aav.org/vet-lookup I think you should probably call anyway, because if he's acting frantic, it may be more serious. hope this helps and good luck!

Answer 4

Cockatiels Have whats known as a crop. I have two Tiels and they both open their beaks like that to Fix their crops.

Answer 5

does his neck get longer when he does is like he is trying to reach hight with his beak? My cockatiel does it all the time and is fine! but ask a vet to be sure.

Answer 6

Pneumonia? I heard when birds do that, its because of pneumonia but I'm not sure.

I do not know what area you are from. But i'd say call your local vet and ask if they know of any!?

Answer 7

Either hot [i.e. from flying around or baking in the sun] or thirsty, even if he doesn't accept the water.

Answer 8

I've had several birds in my lifetime. I think I remember reading that when they open their mouths they are mimicking what they do to feed their babies. It is a sign of affection.

Answer 9

Annie`s answer is right our`s does the same thing stretches his neck and yawns very big and often. Don't WORRY IT WILL BE FINE.

Answer 10

He could be yawning, but it also could be more serious. Here is a site to look up an avian vet.
http://aav.org/vet-lookup/