Is my 11 year old lovebird sick?

[moto bird]

My lovebird has been very lethargic lately. Over the past couple of months, it has "mellowed out" so to speak. Right now, its about 11 years old. I don't know if this is how they are supposed to be when they get older. It sits by its toys and sleeps all day with its feathers ruffled. Today when I took it out of the cage, it ruffled up its feathers, groomed itself, and then tried to fall asleep on me (it usually plays). There are no loose feathers anywhere, so I'm assuming molting is out. Its eyes are not watery and its feathers and face are normal looking. At night when we first put it to sleep, it makes a funny crackling sound with its peak, almost like it has something stuck in it (it's the same noise it makes when it gets out of the water after bathing). After a few minutes though, the crackling noise stops. Today I noticed that it looked like it had trouble breathing, like it was panting. It doesn't look like that all day, only when we try to get its attention (it was never like that though). What does it sound like when a lovebird has a cough? I don't know if its really sick and I'm extremely worried. How would I go about finding an aviary vet by me? Thank you to whoever answers this soon. I need advice and information ASAP.

[Nasal_Tufts]

It sounds like it's sick or is going to pass. Birds don't cough, they can mimic a human cough but they can sneeze, which sounds like a humans sneeze as well almost. You should take it to a avian vet ASAP. You could try looking up vets in your phone book and calling them and see if they are an avian vet.

[moto bird]

Originally Posted by Joel

First of all, where do ya live if ya don't mind saying?

Unless you feel it is critical to get to someone experienced in examining & possibly treating your bird tonight (if possible), then the only thing ya can do to maybe help now is to keep it warm (85 degrees approx. around the clock). Provide a small nite-light (maybe 7 watts) nearby the cage/hospital tank and a shallow drinking vessel with 50-50 pedialyte/water or Gatoraide mixed with water. Place it's favorite foods nearby (hopefully it is on a varied healthy diet) and get to the nearest A.V. in the morning for a thorough exam.......Best of luck to ya & the lil one.......

Thank you so much for answering quick for me. I've been so sick over this and going to see what can be done today as far as taking it to the vet. I live on Long Island, NY by the way. Thanks so much again!!! Will let you know what comes of it.

[Mr Five]

Hello Moto Bird,

Welcome to the forum. From what you've described it sounds like your bird is very sick and needs to be seen by a vet. Most birds even in their older ages will be somewhat active during day light hours. When a bird is sleep all the time it is a sign of sickness. They shut down trying to allow themselves to heal. Most birds will wake be active and then might nap. But you've stated that even when you take the bird out it wants to sleep. I would seek medical attention as soon as you can.

Mr. Five

[love_lovebirds]

hey there :)

I understand, i have an older lovie too, nearly 10 years, but still generally active and playful. Have noticed however that she doesnt do as much as she used to, has recently had a yeast infection which has cleared up now thank goodness (took her to vet yesterday to confirm if the meds worked.) But older birds generally do "mellow out" a bit. However if there is constant lethargic behaviour, droopiness or not eating, take to vet asap. There may be something else not age related there, but we all have to get old one day... hope that your bird gets better though. If its 11 then its obviously been well looked after by you.

Mels