One of my brother's budgies seems to be very sick. When he breathes, his tail moves and he makes wheezing sounds. He has been very inactive lately. He often loses his balance and falls. His neck seems swollen, which makes head hang low, as if he is always tired. My brother refuses to go to a vet. I would like to know what is wrong and what we can do to help the budgie. Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 10 months and 20 days old

He have a respiratory infection, air sac mites or other condition. Jeff should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. He may be very sick. Birds are very good at hiding illness or injury until it is quite serious. Try to impress upon your brother the seriousness of the situation and also that he may be putting his pet's life at risk by not seeking veterinary attention.

I'm sorry to hear about Sky. Unfortunately, those symptoms sound like he is extremely ill and needs to be treated in person. Even if you don't have a bird vet, seeing if there is anyone that will take a look at him (regular vet, wildlife rehab, etc) is best as there is likely not much you can do at home. You can move him to a hospital cage that is kept warm with low perches and easy access to food and water, but it sounds like he needs care in person by a vet.