Bird emergency? Call now, read later.

If your bird is struggling to breathe, sitting fluffed on the cage floor, bleeding, or just breathed fumes or ate something toxic, call an avian or emergency vet right away. Birds hide illness and can go downhill within hours.

Pet Poison Helpline(855) 764-7661 · 24/7 · $99 per incident ASPCA Poison Control(888) 426-4435 · 24/7 · a fee may apply Find an avian vetAssociation of Avian Veterinarians directory
Critical signs and what to do while you get help ↓

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    Critical signs and what to do right now

    Call a vet immediately if you see

    • Tail bobbing with each breath, or open-mouth breathing while resting
    • Puffed up and sleepy, eyes half closed, or sitting on the cage floor
    • Soiled or pasted vent (droppings stuck to feathers under the tail)
    • Blood in droppings, very watery or black droppings, or far fewer droppings
    • Not eating or drinking
    • Bleeding that won’t stop
    • Seizures, falling, wobbling, or unable to grip the perch
    • Swollen belly and straining in a female (possible egg binding)
    • Any fume exposure (overheated nonstick pan, smoke) or a toxic snack

    While you get help

    1. Fumes or smoke? Move your bird to fresh air now, open windows and switch off the source.
    2. Call the vet or a poison line. Say what happened, what your bird ate or breathed, and when.
    3. Keep your bird warm and quiet. A warm room, a partly covered cage and dim light.
    4. Make food and water easy to reach. Lower a perch and place dishes beside it.
    5. Don’t give home remedies, oils, salt water or human medicine, and don’t try to make your bird vomit.
    6. Bring the evidence: the package, plant or item, plus a photo of fresh droppings.

    This page is general information, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, call. It’s always better to be told your bird is fine. More detail: Signs of a sick budgie and when to see a vet.

    Sources and notes

    Entries are based on veterinary sources. Lists from different sources sometimes disagree, especially for woods; where they do, we mark the item Caution. Small birds like budgies react to smaller amounts than larger parrots.

    ⚠ Emergency help