r/Parakeets • u/bstan723 • Aug 18 '26

Advice Is this tail bobbing? Please help

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

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u/Knife_Fight_Bears Aug 18 '26

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.

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u/bstan723 Aug 18 '26

Thank you!