There are some signs in parrot behavior that you just cannot afford to ignore. Your bird cannot tell you when it is ill, and the only way you will know that there is a problem is if you look for signs and symptoms that something is wrong. When it comes to symptoms that should never be ignored, breathing problems is a very good example. If your parrot begins to breathe rapidly, this should garner your immediate attention. This is because rapid breathing is a symptom of numerous serious medical conditions that could affect your bird.

Before going into more detail about these medical conditions, it is a good idea to note that there is a difference between rapid breathing and panting. If your parrot becomes too hot and begins to pant, much like a dog or a cat will, then you can solve this problem by cooling your bird down. However, if your bird is experiencing rapid breathing, open mouth breathing, sneezing, wheezing, or any combination of these symptoms, it will need the attention of a veterinarian. Just what does this rapid breathing indicate? There are several respiratory problems that could be the culprit.

What Can Cause Fast Breathing in Parrots?

Most likely, one of the most serious and more common causes of the breathing issue will be Aspergillosis. This very serious respiratory infection is caused by a fungus that grows inside of peanut shells. Signs of Aspergillosis other than rapid breathing include troubled or labored breathing, lethargy, loss of balance, and seizures.

Another cause of the breathing difficulties is infectious bronchitis virus. Often refered to as IBV, this illness includes such signs as a wheezing or rattling, sneezing, and tracheal lesions. This illness seriously affects the respiratory system, but can be managed with medication.

Newcastle Disease is a syndrome that humans can contract too. This infectious disease attacks the respiratory and nervous systems. Symptoms other than rapid breathing include rasping, wheezing, star gazing (twisting the head at the neck for extended periods of time), and paralysis in the legs and wings. The paralysis is only temporary and will resolve with medication in about a week.

Another infection common among exotic birds is Sarcocytosis. This infection tends to affect parrots specifically. Signs of the illness include lethargy, breathing problems including rapid and labored breathing, and urine that includes a strong yellow pigment.

Some parrots, just like humans, can experience food allergies. In parrots, these allergies will often present themselves as a chronic respiratory problem. If you notice that your parrot experiences rapid breathing off and on after eating meals, you will need to work with your veterinarian to determine what food may be the cuprit and then remove it from your parrot’s diet.

There are many problems that can result in breathing difficulties for your parrot. Some of these problems are quite dangerous. Because of this, you should always consult your veterinarian if you notice any sort of breathing problem in your parrot, be it rapid breathing or any difficulties with the respiratory system. Your parrot cannot tell you when it is sick, but if you watch for the signs, you can certainly be aware of problems before they get too serious.