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Why is my bird spitting up water? Is it vomiting or regurgitating?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | 0.5 lbs

My bird just started spitting up water. We got him about a month ago from a friend. This is the first time I noticed it

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on September 16th, 2017

The "spitting up" may be vomiting which can be serious in birds. Vomiting can be caused by infection, obstruction, trauma, toxicity or nutritional deficiency. It differs from regurgitation (which is normal) in that a vomiting bird will rapidly flick it's head from side to side as ingesta is expelled. This can come from the crop or stomach. When a bird regurgitates, the head will bob up and down as partially digested or while food will come up. Ideally, Sydney should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to diagnose illness or injury. Contact your friend for additional history which may aid in a diagnosis. Blood work, fecal exam and and examination of crop/stomach contents may be indicated after a physical exam.

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