Please Help! Cockatiel Regurgitating/Vomiting

I've owned a cockatiel named Paris for around 1 1/2 years. My friend moved out of state and she gave me Paris to take care of. Paris is a weak bird in general; she had to stay 1 - 3 weeks at the bird store because she was weak and unable to go home. I noticed how she's been regurgitating/vomiting recently (she's vomited/regurgitated in the past;I took her to the avian vet and they said she was just molting and regurgitating), but it's been severe. She bobs her head up and down before she flicks the seeds all over the place. Paris vomited twice in 2 weeks (during the first time, it was orange and seeds were mostly undigested). At first I thought she was just regurgitating (because the avian vet assured us that she was only regurgitating), but it seemed to have gotten very severe. I am extremely worried about Paris...


*Paris has a cagemate named Pearl and he's very aggressive towards her. Is she throwing up because of Pearl (usually because whenever I've caught Paris vomiting/regurgitating, Pearl attacks her before :/ but this is only happens sometimes)

Hello, and welcome to the Parrot Forums family.

Unfortunately, if Paris is spraying food side to side as you seem to be describing, that is definitely not regurgitation. She's vomiting. If, however, she's bobbing her head and placing some mush on a person, favorite toy or object, or into another bird's mouth, that would be regurgitation.

If in doubt, my suggestion would be to take her to a certified avian vet. A different one from where you went before, as it sounds like they were quick to dismiss your fears. Fact is, if she's always been a weak bird, chances are the vomiting is indicative of a potentially serious issue. And on another note of urgency, her casemate could be at risk as well if what she has is communicable. Do her droppings look normal? Or does the food seem largely undigested? Also check for loss of weight, as that would also be an indicator of a serious issue.

Having tests run for PBFD and PDD (via ABV testing) would be prudent, IMO. And an x-ray as well, since the ABV test can be a bit unreliable and an x-ray could show an enlarged proventriculus if PDD is a factor.

Please keep us updated, and I'll be sure to keep Paris in my thoughts and prayers.

Poor Paris!

Thank you for reaching out. My heart aches for the dear little thing. Yes, please get here to an avian vet. You may be saving her life. Please get her away from Pearl. He may be harming her gravely. I also have so many concerns about diet and such... these little creatures are so much more complicated than many think.

Again, thank you for being this little bird's only (maybe) hope...

Poor Paris!

Thank you for reaching out. My heart aches for the dear little thing. Yes, please get here to an avian vet. You may be saving her life. Please get her away from Pearl. He may be harming her gravely. I also have so many concerns about diet and such... these little creatures are so much more complicated than many think.

Again, thank you for being this little bird's only (maybe) hope...

Yes definitely get them to a certified avian vet. A dog and cat vet just doesn't know enough about them to do anything and a lot of vets will see a bird without training on them just to make some money

Definitely separate them and keep an eye on Pearl for signs of sickness. Hoping they pull through