Birds make good companions. It is easy to tame and take care of them since they adapt quickly to a new environment and can live indoors and outdoors. Despite having a strong immune system to fight diseases, birds are susceptible to many health conditions because of their sensitive nature. Hence, immediate action should be taken in case of respiratory problems. So, why is my bird panting?
Panting in birds can arise due to a burst in an activity where more energy is required, health issues or during the reproductive cycle. A painting bird exhibits sign such as Open-mouth breathing, flared nostrils, puffed-out feathers, strained and audible breathing, fast breathing, and heavy breathing while asleep, amongst others.
5 Reasons Why Your Bird Is Panting
The following are some of the five most common reasons why a bird pants:
1. Rigorous Exercising
When a bird is exercising, there is usually a rise in body temperature due to increased metabolism. Through panting, the bird can regulate its body temperature and cool down. It is also the best way to compensate for the oxygen deficit created during exercise.
2. Stress
New surroundings, a new owner, a small cage, loud noises or lack of social interaction can lead to stress in birds. A stressed bird will exhibit signs of increased nervous panting as it tries to deal with stress and calm down.
3. High Temperatures
Like humans, birds stay in shades to shield themselves from extreme heat. They also pant when the temperatures are high to cool their bodies. The room temperature should be regulated for tamed birds to prevent overheating and heat stress, which can lead to heatstroke.
4. Diseases and Infections
Diseases such as colds, pneumonia and respiratory infections can cause panting in birds. Panting occurs due to congestion of the respiratory system with mucus making it difficult for a bird to breathe appropriately.
5. Obesity
Birds should exercise regularly to burn extra fat to prevent excess weight gain. Obese birds find breathing hard due to the many fat tissues around their chest. Hence they have to regulate their breathing through panting.
What Does a Bird Panting Mean?
Panting is breathing with short quick breaths through the mouth or bills in the case of birds. It is a method of cooling used by many mammals, birds and some reptiles, accomplished using the evaporation of water in the nasal passage, mouth, lungs, and air sacs in birds.
Since birds don’t have sweat glands and due to the thermal insulation provided by feathers, they cannot cool themselves by evaporation of moisture from their skin. They can lose extra heat through their bills and feet or by opening their wings, but this is not enough because birds have high body temperatures compared to other mammals.
Hence panting is the most direct and efficient means of cooling in birds, which evaporates moisture from the lining of the air sacs. Panting increases air movement over the air sacs leading to increased moisture evaporation which causes loss of body heat and thus cooling a bird’s body.
Is It Normal for Birds to Pant?
Yes, it’s normal for birds to pant as it is the primary way they get rid of excess heat. However, panting can also be a sign of stress and illness. Therefore, it is necessary to find out why your bird is panting and take the required preventive measures.
What to Do If My Bird Is Breathing Heavy?
A bird breathing heavily should be attended to immediately. The bird can be assisted in recovering by:
- Moving the bird to a dry, well-ventilated room free of smoke and perfumes to avoid infections.
- Provide fresh water to prevent dehydration, as water is lost through panting.
- In case of a bacterial infection, antibiotics can be used to treat the bird.
- The bird should be fed a vitamin A and fatty acids diet to restore its immunity and malnutrition.
- A visit to the vet is also necessary to check the cause of heavy breathing and for treatment.
Bird Panting With Mouth Open
The following factors can lead to bird panting with an open mouth:
1. Exposure to Irritants
Due to the sensitive nature of the respiratory system, birds are likely to start panting with their mouths open if they are exposed to irritants such as dust, smoke, perfumes, pollen and even feathers. Respiratory infections can also lead to heavy panting.
2. Stress or Fear
If a bird sees a predator while locked up, it feels threatened and will start panting.
3. Exhaustion
A bird learning to fly, or one that has regrown flight feathers after molting, quickly gets tired when they first try to fly, leading to panting.
4. Enlarged Organs
Panting can be a sign of tumors or infections. It will help if you take your bird to the vet to be checked to rule out any health condition.
Bird Panting After Hitting Window
It is common to find a tame bird panting on the ground after a collision with windows or objects. The bird should be moved indoors to protect it from predators. Care must be taken when handling an injured bird to prevent further harm.
An open beak and breathing out of the mouth indicate shock in birds. The injured bird should be moved to a quiet, dark place to recover. Food or water must not be provided to such a bird as it can lead to death.
Labored breathing signifies severe collision, which can result in brain swelling. The swelling can be prevented by treatment with anti-inflammatory medications.
Why Is My Budgie Panting
A budgie panting and clicking can signify a tracheal disease or an infection. A clicking sound can also be used when a bird feels threatened or is territorial.
Tracheal diseases can be caused by the following:
1. Aspergillosis
This is a fungal infection common in birds housed in an environment with poor sanitation, high humidity and temperatures and is usually triggered by a budgie inhaling spores.
2. Inhaling Foreign Objects
When feeding, a budgie can inhale a millet seed or seed hulls. Trachea obstruction can occur, leading to respiratory distress.
3. Iodine Deficiency:
A seed-based diet lacks essential vitamins and minerals. Lack of iodine leads to enlargement of the thyroid gland, which compresses the trachea causing clicking respiratory sounds when breathing.
4. Exposure to Mites
The presence of air sac mites can cause wheezing, squeaking, difficulty breathing, and sneezing due to obstruction.
How Do You Calm a Panting Bird?
The following are some of the ways of calming a panting bird:
1. A panting bird can be calmed by first identifying and removing the cause of panting.
2. In case of high temperatures, move the bird to a cool and quiet place to cool off.
3. A panting bird should be left alone in the cage to relax after rigorous exercise. Toys are essential to keep them occupied so as not to feel lonely.
4. A lukewarm bath can be given to your bird for cooling and keeping it moisturized and refreshed.
5. Providing your bird with fresh water and chilled fruits such as watermelon and cucumber can help calm them down.