Why does my parrot throw up its food and then eat it again?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Hi, my ringneck eats and then he throws up the whole time on purpose, and then eats it again. The whooole time .. please help
5 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on August 20th, 2017
Often they regurgitate (not vomit) their food when they are in the presence of a friend or mate. It's a way for them to show off. If you have a particularly close relationship with your parrot, then this could explain the behavior; especially if it's something he does regularly. They can also do it more often during breeding seasons. There are a couple of different diseases of the gastrointestinal tract that can also cause frequent regurgitation, so it's best to have him checked out by an avian vet if this suddenly started occurring. If you are suspicious that it's more behavioral, then you may consider altering how you interact with your parrot. This is especially important when it comes to touching your parrot. In the wild, friends will only touch around the head and neck, while mates will touch areas below the neck, like under the wings and belly. Essentially, you'll want to give a little distance between you and the parrot. If that stops the regurgitating, then you'll know that's the problem. I hope that helps and all goes well with your Ringneck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
If you feel like your bird is eating well but vomiting due to being ill I would recommend taking it to the vet for a good exam. Some birds will vomit on things to mark there territory and show affection. It is hard to tell by the information given if this is a concern for your bird or not. I feel if you ever think things are not right a vet visit is best. You can always try a pet coach consult so you can provide more detailed information. Thanks for using pet coach
0Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 2nd, 2017
Vomiting in a bird is not normal but they do sometimes regurgitate. This is done to feed chicks or to show affection to a mate or human to which they are bonded. Vomiting is typically characterized by a quick flick of the head. Most owner will miss this but will see digested food stuck to the bars, perches and bowls in the cage. A bird that is regurgitating will bob its head and stretch out its neck. The food regurgitated is frequently whole, undigested food. Monitor Kiki for continued vomiting, lethargy, loose droppings or loss of appetite. A visit to your veterinarian or to a vet experienced in treating birds would be recommended if symptoms persist or worsen.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 8th, 2017
The first thing that you will need to determine is if he is vomiting or regurgitating. Regurgitating is not nearly as concerning as vomiting. With regurgitation, the bird will usually bring up a ball of mostly undigested food. With vomiting you'll see small pieces of more digested food and they will have more of a rapid head-flick motion rather than a bob motion (as seen with regurgitation). This link will explain more on how to tell the difference: http://www.animalhouseofchicago.com/locations/illinois/chicago-animal-house-of-chicago/articles/bird-vomiting-regurgitation If it is vomiting, then it is an emergency that requires special treatment. If there is no vet there, then I can help through an online consult. Regurgitation is less concerning, but can also indicate an infection or toxin that requires medication. You can wait one day and see if he returns to normal. Try feeding just a very small amount at a time. Also make sure he is drinking. You can put a little water in his mouth, but do not force it. Below is a link that explains regurgitation and vomiting a bit more. https://everythingbirdsonline.com/care-feeding/regurgitation-vs-vomiting/ I hope this helps and Milo feels better soon.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on February 11th, 2018
Vomiting in birds is never normal and should be addressed by your veterinarian or by a vet experienced in treating birds. That said, Tootoo may be regurgitating, which can be normal in certain situations. It is fairly simple to differentiate the two actions. Vomiting is characterized by a quick flicking of the head in a side to side motion while digested food is ejected. Regurgitation is characterized by a pumping of the head in an up and down motion while partially digested or whole food is brought up. If there is lethargy, decreased appetite and loose stool accompanying symptoms, a visit to the vet would be recommended sooner rather than later. Blood work, fecal exam and x-rays may be indicated after a physical exam.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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