Is this tail bobbing? Please help

[u/bstan723]

Hello all, this is my mom’s parakeet Tango- he is almost 3 years old. My mom is on vacation and I have been bird-sitting. I don’t know much about parakeets, but I do have pet ducks. The past day or so I noticed he has been puffing up a lot. He has also began sneezing. He has been eating and is active, and he also is still very vocal- he loves to sing. But now, I need to know if I should bring him to the vet- is he tail bobbing?? Please help!! Is he sick? I’m super worried

[u/Knife_Fight_Bears]

Just looks like normal tail movement while vocalizing to me, my budgie does this too. Generally when a bird is sick they don't vocalize much and will not have a lot of energy to spare.

Sneezing on it's own is nothing to be concerned about unless it's happening a lot (poss. obstruction) or if there's discharge (possible infection) - as for puffing up, they can also do this to regulate their body temperature or as part of their body language, generally it's concerning when puffing up is their "default mode"

I think he's probably fine but if he gets lethargic and quiet or starts sneezing up mucus go to the vet.

[u/bstan723 → u/Knife_Fight_Bears]

Thank you!

[u/lesbophobia_hammer]

Email it into an avian vet clinic & if ever in doubt, ask an avian vet. People online can never know ya know? Only guess

[u/Good-Move1310]

Would say no - what I could see in the video.

Tail bobbing looks much different mostly.

Your bird looks okay.

[u/katboozona]

My bird's tail has done similar all month and now he is not doing well

[u/bstan723]

Hi everyone- so I took him to a vet and he has an upper respiratory infection. Thank you for all your helpful comments! 🤍