Qustion about my Cockatiel.

Question
I was looking at my cockatiel named pepper about 3 days ago and I notied a lump about the size of a quarter on her right side just below her right wing beside of her butt, I touched it to see if it was hard or not and it was soft.
She has been breathing really hard and making a ticking noise and also she has lost her appatite for food and so I was just wandering if you may know what could this be that is wrong with her?
I have tried to contact a vet but there are none in because of labor day and also none of the vets around here specialize in birds. So what can I do to help my bird get better?

                                   Thank you Brandi!

Answer
Brandi,

It very well could be a tumor if it is on her right side.  The fact that she is breathing hard means she is in respiratory distress.  You really need to have her seen an avian vet ASAP.  I realize this means you will have to travel, but it is important to get her the right help.

Cindy