Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Why is my parakeet breathing heavily, tail whipping, and squeaking?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Male

My parakeet is breathing heavily and whipping his tail. He is also making a squeaking sound every time he breathes. The three other birds are acting normal, and he's isolated on a branch.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Dr. Andrea

Veterinarian

Published on September 21st, 2019

This is a very serious problem in a bird and indicates illness. What you are describing sounds most like an upper repiratory infection or illness. Your bird needs to see a vet right away. Birds are good at hiding illness and are often sicker then you think. Using a small cage or small aquarium (lined in paper towel and have a screen lid) with a heating pad on low underneath, can help your bird out until you get to a vet.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored