My bird sleeps all day and is throwing up

Question
Hello,

I have a 10 year old fancy budgie who is acting very ill. My husband was watching him for the week while I was away, when I came home the apartment was very cold.  I immediately turned off the air conditioner and warmed the place up.  He ate a lot but then started to regurgitate all the seed.  I noticed his water bowl was close to empty, when I gave him fresh water he downed a whole bunch and that seemed to help.  He is sleeping all the time.  much much more than usual, and sleeps with his head on his back which he usually does not do.  

This morning and afternoon he has only thrown up a little bit and has ate a lot.  However, he is still sleeping way more than usual and is not playing at all which is very strange.  His poops are very runny.  I called the vet and the receptionist said it sounds like a croup infection, which can be treated.  I am nervous taking him to the vet because is he so weak.  If it is his time that last thing I want to do is stress him out. I hate to say it but I wonder if it is an infection or lack of care while I was gone.

Please advise, I can't stop thinking about him, his situation brings tears to my eyes.

Answer
Hello Carrie,

I doubt a lack of care caused whatever is going on with your bird, unfortunatley there is no way to determine what is going on with your bird without a visit to the vet. Also 10 years is about the maximum life span for a budgie, you have done well if you kept him for that long. Best of luck, hope he pulls through for you.