https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/health-and-wellness/pet-bird-choking
*Your bird’s health goes beyond feathers. The Bird Health & Wellness Education Hub offers guidance on signs of illness, grooming basics, avian vet visits, and environmental safety - so you can give your bird a long, happy, and healthy life.
Choking in birds occurs when the windpipe is partially or completely blocked, preventing normal breathing.
This can happen easily, especially in baby birds, when they accidentally inhale liquids or small objects, such as fragments from toys.
Signs of choking may include gasping, exaggerated beak movements, difficulty swallowing, or subtle coughing sounds.
Unlike humans, birds cannot undergo the Heimlich maneuver due to their anatomy, but gentle inversion and compressions may help dislodge the obstruction.
Immediate veterinary care is crucial if choking is suspected, and radiographs or advanced procedures like endoscopy may be needed to locate and remove the blockage.
Long term care depends on the severity and type of obstruction.
Some birds may require antibiotics, antifungal treatment, or even an abdominal air sac tube to assist breathing.
Nebulization therapy might be recommended if liquid aspiration occurred, and although mild lung scarring may remain, many birds recover fully.
Always monitor your bird closely and seek veterinary help at the first sign of distress.
Chewy editorial team reminds you that prompt professional care can make all the difference in emergency situations involving your feathered companion.
