Budgie sneeze fits

[robinbirds]

My female budgie Green is having sneeze fits. I noticed it for a week but now it's getting more intense and occurring more often. I don't know what is happening and I'm not sure whether it is sneeze fit or something else. I'm linking a video of her doing that. What should I do now?. Please help.

[Shirls]

Hello and welcome to the forum robinbirds. That really is a strange noise/sneeze. I can't really help as i haven't experienced this type of thing before. But am wondering what sort of wood is that peg holding onto, it looks chewed, has she injested something perhaps a bit sharp or irritating?

Just a suggestion, you may well probably know already, but only some woods are suitable for budgies. Sorry I can't be of more help. Someone else may be able to advise you shortly. Well done for providing the video it will help if someone else can avise.

The only other thing that comes to my mind is that my hen makes a raspy noise to her partner when she wants him to feed or groom her, but it is a slightly different noise to your little hen.

[robinbirds]

Hello Shirls . I don't know what type of wood it is. The wood has been there for over a year. As they are out of the cage they chew everything in the house. That may be a problem. I'll be more careful hereafter. But she is active as always. There is no breathing problem or tail bobbing. She's eating well and pooping well. Playing, preening and screaming as usual. The only problem is this strange sneeze thing several times a day.

[Hezz]

There could be something in her seed (dust) that is setting her off, or some other form around a place she spends a bit of time. It is possible that the wood is giving off dry dusty splinters, or possibly a small piece gets stuck in the little slit at the back of the bird's mouth (called a choana), as to me, it seems less nasal and more throat-related.

[robinbirds]

If something is stuck in her throat, how can I help her?

[Shirls]

I can only suggest giving some moist vegetable to perhaps dislodge whatever it may be, that is if it is something stuck in the throat. Try celery or mashed up hard boiled egg yolk mixed with sweetcorn (a favourite of my buds), this may ease the problem. Let us know how you get on.

[Hezz]

How often is she doing this? If it is often and seems to be causing her distress, you may need to seek expert help.

[robinbirds]

She's doing this 3 to 5 times a day and sometimes during sleep.

[Hezz]

Then I think it's probably worth your while and peace of mind to have her checked out, taking along the video. Maybe checking out all her surroundings for what might be causing her irritations beforehand, to rule the obvious out. Make sure that no one is using air fresheners, deodorants, sprays, candles, burning teflon, or any of the other things that can irritate a bird's respiratory system.

[robinbirds]

Hi everyone. Sorry for the late reply.

My budgie was actually vomiting while doing that. I noticed that the following days. She threw up undigested food. I consulted a vet and showed him the video. He said that it must be stomach infection and bringing the bird is not necessary. He prescribed antibiotics. But before giving antibiotics he told me to try cumin seed water for a few days.

(Cumin seed water: Take half to one teaspoon of cumin seeds and put it in half to one glass of water and then boil the water. The cumin seed essence will mix with water and the water turns yellow. Then filter and serve.)

I gave her the water she really liked it. I thought of diluting it if she refused. But she drank it well. I switched to normal water only during the night. I did this for atleast five days. The vomiting frequency gradually reduced and gone completely. Now she's alright. She is not vomiting anymore. Back to normal.

Thank you all for your support and response. I'll update if necessary.

[Hezz]

Very interesting re the cumin seed water. I had not heard of this before and might be very handy for others with a bird who is having vomiting issues. Thank you for getting back to us with an update, and so happy that your budgie is now back to her normal happy self.