comforting ill parakeet

Question
Hi!

Recently one of my parakeets began looking ill...He was fluffed up all day yesterday, he hardly moved or chirped, and he was shaking.  He injured his wing a few weeks ago, but it seemed like he was doing better until yesterday.  I took him to an avian vet last night and she wasn't sure if his illness was cause by his injury.  She gave him some pain medicine and sent him home with an antibiotic.  It seems like he is doing A LOT better.  He is not as puffed up and he has been chirping and eating.  I was wondering what measures I can take to facilitate his recovery.  I am thinking about getting him a heat lamp and trading out his water for some lukewarm, weakened black tea.  Are these good ideas?  Do you have any other tips that you can recommend?

Thanks

Answer
Hello Rachel and thank you for your post.
I am sorry that your little friend is not feeling well :(
Do NOT give your bird any kind of tea.  The caffeine in the tea will kill him!  
If he is drinking his water, that's great.  If he has diarrhea, then you can give him some pedialyte (this can be found in the infant isle of your local grocery store).
For the time being you can put him into a box lined with some soft towels (I do not recommend terrycloth as this can get nails caught easily and cause foot damage) or soft T-Shirts and a heating pad under the box, set on the lowest setting and only under about half of the box to prevent over heating and an escape from the heat if he gets too hot.
The main thing that you want to do right now is to keep him warm and calm.  Too much activity is not good for him right now, until he's better.
You did great by taking him to the vet as soon as you noticed him puffed up (Kudos to you for it!).  It is a great sign that he is chirping and eating.  Continue as directed with his medication.  Follow what your vet said, and he should be just fine.
Please keep me updated on his condition.  

Good luck and God bless.
Dianna