Can parakeets get fevers?

[Jules]

This may sound silly, but my parakeet's body and feet feel a little warmer than usual...and i think he's sneezing, it's a little tiny squeak sound every so often. He seems ok otherwise, though, just wondered if there was anything i should know. Thanks!

[The Outlaw]

Jules:

All new bird owners eventually draw the conclusion that when their birds have warm feet, they are ill. In fact, its more likely that you bird had one foot up under its body and then switched to the other. According to my vet, the warmth of a birds feet is no indicator of fever. However, a bird with very cold feet is too cold.

As for whether or not they get fevers, I have never seen a vet insert a thermometer anywhere.

THE OUTLAW

[Monica]

Birds can get colds, though have not heard about fevers.

Maybe the little squeak you are hearing is your bird grinding its beak??? Try watching his actions. If he is having some nasal discharge then you should make sure that the temperature is around 75* F, and you may need to take him to see a vet. Some birds do quietly talk as well, so try to first see if there are any signs of illness, and watch your bird to see if its making the sound, grinding its beak, or actually sneezing (a sneeze like a dog might do, there is head movement involved).

[CACPioneer]

Just a little side-note, but budgies regulate their body temperature through their feet. If your budgies feet feel hot, then he's releasing his excess bodyheat. This doesn't necessarily mean that anything is wrong. If his feet are cold, then that means that he doesn't have any excess body heat at the moment. Budgies' feet temperature changes throughout the day as their need for body temperature regulation changes. Not sure if that helps you any, but just thought I'd mention it!