PARAKEET IS ILL

Question
I HAVE A PARAKEET WHO IS A LITTLE OVER 15 YEARS OLD AND HE HAS DEVELOPED 2 PROBLEMS. RECENTLY IT SEEMS THAT HE CAN'T CLOSE HIS RIGHT CLAW (FOOT). HE NOW STANDS ON HIS LEFT LEG AS OFTEN AS HE CAN AND LEAVES HIS CLAW OPEN WHEN NEEDING IT FOR BALANCE OR FOR LANDING ON SOMETHING. I CANNOT TELL IF HE IS IN PAIN!
SECONDLY HE SEEMS TO HAVE A RESPERATORY PROBLEM FOR SOME TIME. HE WILL SUDDENLY COUGH/CHOKE AND GETS VERY ANIMATED AS IF IT SCARES HIM. USUALLY THE EPISODE LASTS ONLY SECONDS OR A FEW MINUTES AT A TIME. ALSO WHEN PERCHING TO SLEEP HE MAKES SMALL NOISES WHICH SOUND LIKE HE IS HAVING TROUBLE SLEEPING.
HE STILL FLYS, EATS AND SINGS. ANY HELP YOU COULD GIVE ME WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED!

Answer
Hi Bob,

  From what you are describing I am thinking that your bird may have a tumor of some sort. Budgies are very susceptible to these, especially in advanced age. It is believed to be mainly due to all the inbreeding that has been done to achieve all the wonderful colors and patterns that we see in budgies today. As happens in so many animals,when we start messing with genetics repeatedly, we usually end up with health problems.

 It sounds as if your bird may be in some pain and with the difficulty in breathing you are describing, I am very concerned about his welfare. The best thing I can suggest is for you to get him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. This is the only way you are going to know for sure what is wrong and to see if there is anything that can be done for him. At age 15, your bird has lived a long life and obviously has had good care along the way. make sure that the rest of the days he has are comfortable as possible by getting him to your nearest avian vet as soon as you can.

Best of luck to you,

Jan