Bird Health
Bird Respiratory Infections in the UK
Published Last updated 3 min read
Quick answer
Bird respiratory disease shows as tail bobbing, sneezing, discharge, wheezing or open-mouth breathing. Birds mask illness until they are critically unwell — contact an avian vet the same day. Improve ventilation, remove Teflon fumes and dusty bedding while awaiting care.
Key takeaways
- Tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge, wheezing, reduced activity and fluffed feathers. Birds hide illness — seek same-day avian vet care.
- Psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci) is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans. Your vet can diagnose and advise on treatment and hygiene. Always wash hands after handling sick birds.
- Bacterial or fungal infections, vitamin A deficiency, dusty bedding, poor ventilation, Teflon fumes, cigarette smoke, and drafts. Underlying disease weakens immunity.
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Why birds hide respiratory disease
In the wild, sick birds are predated quickly — so pet birds often appear normal until breathing is severely compromised. By the time owners notice tail bobbing, disease may be advanced.
According to the RSPCA, register with an avian-experienced vet before illness strikes. Same-day assessment saves lives.
Common signs
| Sign | Description |
|---|---|
| Tail bobbing | Tail moves up and down with each breath — classic sign of breathing effort |
| Open-mouth breathing | Never normal at rest in small birds |
| Sneezing or coughing | Repeated with discharge |
| Nasal or ocular discharge | Wet feathers around nares or eyes |
| Wheezing or clicking | Audible breathing sounds |
| Fluffed feathers | Hunched, inactive, reduced appetite |
| Voice change | Quieter or altered vocalisation |
Common causes
- Infectious — bacteria (e.g. Mycoplasma, Chlamydia), fungi (Aspergillus), viruses
- Environmental — dusty seed hulls, poor cage hygiene, ammonia from droppings
- Toxins — Teflon/non-stick pan fumes (fatal at low temperatures), cigarette smoke, aerosols
- Nutritional — vitamin A deficiency from seed-only diets weakens respiratory lining
- Stress and drafts — poor immunity in cold, damp or poorly ventilated cages
Position cages away from kitchens where non-stick cookware is used. According to avian welfare guidance, Teflon fumes are a leading cause of sudden death in pet birds.
Psittacosis — important for UK owners
Psittacosis is a notifiable zoonotic infection that can pass from birds to humans, causing flu-like illness or pneumonia. Suspected cases require veterinary diagnosis, treatment and hygiene advice.
Tell your vet if you develop fever, headache or breathing problems after contact with a sick bird.
What to do before the vet
- Call an avian vet the same day
- Keep the bird warm — hospital cage or heated area
- Improve ventilation without creating draughts directly on the bird
- Remove dusty bedding — switch to paper-based substrate temporarily
- Isolate from other birds if you have a flock
- Do not use human cold remedies or antibiotics without veterinary prescription
Veterinary treatment
Diagnosis may involve physical examination, swabs, blood tests or radiographs. Treatment depends on cause — antibiotics for bacterial infection, antifungals for Aspergillus, environmental changes, and supportive fluids or nebulisation.
Recovery may take weeks. Complete the full prescribed course even if the bird looks better.
Prevention
- Pellet-based diet with fresh vegetables — not seed alone
- Daily cage cleaning — remove droppings and old food
- Low-dust bedding — avoid fine sawdust
- No Teflon in the home near birds; ventilate when cooking
- Quarantine new birds for 30 days before introducing to existing pets
- Annual avian health checks
When to call the vet
Same day for tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, discharge, or any breathing change. Respiratory emergencies deteriorate within hours.
Sources & further reading
Facts in this guide are rewritten in plain English from publicly available UK advice. We name the organisation where a specific point comes from their guidance. Links below go to the original pages — use them to read the source material directly.
PETHEALTH+ is independent. These organisations do not sponsor, approve, or partner with this website. Guidance checked against sources listed below (last updated 2026-06-25).
- Bird Care in the UK
- Egg Binding in Birds
- Bird Hot Weather Safety UK
- Bumblefoot in Pet Birds: UK Advice
- Pet Bird Diet in the UK: Safe Foods
- Bird Moulting in the UK: Normal vs Not
- Psittacosis in Birds and Humans (UK)
- Bird Winter Care UK
Also see symptoms, symptom checker, and poison guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are signs of a respiratory infection in birds?
- Tail bobbing, open-mouth breathing, sneezing, nasal discharge, wheezing, reduced activity and fluffed feathers. Birds hide illness — seek same-day avian vet care.
- Can bird respiratory disease spread to humans?
- Psittacosis (Chlamydia psittaci) is a zoonotic disease that can affect humans. Your vet can diagnose and advise on treatment and hygiene. Always wash hands after handling sick birds.
- What causes respiratory problems in pet birds?
- Bacterial or fungal infections, vitamin A deficiency, dusty bedding, poor ventilation, Teflon fumes, cigarette smoke, and drafts. Underlying disease weakens immunity.