possibly sick bird

Question
I have had this parakeet for appoximately 2 years over the last two days he has been at the bottom of the cage and it seems his chest area looks swollen or puffy.He is eating and drinking i called the pet store i purchased him from and they said this is a sign of him being cold and to just put him in warmer place.Do you agree or should he be taken to vet i'm concerned about maybe a respitory problem or something.                    Rita

Answer
Hello Rita! Heat it the first most important thing anyone will tell you. An infrared heat lamp is highly recommended. A heat lamp as well as the bulb can be bought at the pet store in the reptile section. Vet bills for birds are very expensive and if you can help the bird yourself, you will save a lot of money (im talking like 200-300$!) Place the heat lamp 16 inches away from the cage. Since infrared bulbs stimulate blood circulation, and activate the immune system, this alone may cure your keet. It sounds to me like he does have a minor cold or congestion. Give him plenty of weakly brewed black tea to drink. Keep an eye on his droppings and if he does not improve you may take him to the vet and the vet will probably give you antibiotics. But the heat lamp should help a lot. Make sure there are no drafts in the room hes in. i hope your baby feels better!