How Did He Die?

Question
Dear Cynthia,
             At 5:00 A.M. this morning my 10 year old sister comes into my room crying saying that Chico (her cockatiel) just died. I went down to go look at him and there he was lying on his side, eyes closed and mouth open. My little sister told me he was fine a few minutes ago when they were watching TV together, then out of nowhere he dropped dead. My little sister said that she had put him in the bathroom with the door closed and heat on for a minute or two. Chico also had a cold. But the question is Cynthia, do you now what could have been the cause of his sudden death?

Answer
Annelise,

There is no way for me to tell you how he died.  An Avian Vet would have to do a necropsy, which is an avian autopsy.  You mentioned he had a cold, but cockatiels are not affected by the Rhinovirus which causes the human cold.  They are, however, affected by other respiratory ailments which can mimic a cold.  You didn't say how long your sister has had her cockatiel, or if this bird has recently been exposed to any other birds.  If it is a new bird (60 days or less) or the bird was in the company of other birds within the last couple of months, Chico may have caught psittacosis, which causes internal and external issues.  Externally, the bird could appear to be suffering from a "cold," but internally, he could be dying.  

He also could have eaten something toxic, or breathed in something toxic.  Chocolate and avocado are very toxic to birds.  If Chico breathed in something toxic while in the bathroom, or was exposed to overheated Teflon, this would cause a quick death.

These are just some thoughts, not a diagnosis.

Thanks for being such a concerned sister!

Cindy