Bird Vomiting

Vomiting in a bird is a serious medical emergency that demands immediate veterinary attention. It is critical to distinguish vomiting from normal regurgitation, as true vomiting signals underlying illness, infection, or toxicity. Prompt action and specialized avian care are essential for diagnosis and successful treatment.

Bird vomiting is a sign of serious underlying disease, infection, or toxin exposure.
It is vital to differentiate abnormal vomiting from normal regurgitation.
Vomiting often leads to rapid dehydration and critical weakness in small birds.
Immediate veterinary consultation with an avian specialist is crucial for a positive outcome.

Why Does My Bird Get Vomiting?

Bird vomiting is caused by irritation or disease affecting the upper digestive tract (the crop, proventriculus, or ventriculus) or systemic illness impacting the bird's overall health. Unlike regurgitation, which is a conscious, voluntary action, vomiting is a reflex indicating distress. Common causes include bacterial or fungal infections (like Candidiasis), viral diseases (like Polyomavirus or PBFD), ingestion of toxins (such as zinc, lead, or Teflon fumes) and physical obstructions from swallowed foreign objects. Since birds have high metabolisms, any condition causing vomiting progresses rapidly and is life-threatening.

Types of Bird Vomiting

Infectious Vomiting

Caused by pathogens like bacteria, yeast, or protozoa that inflame the crop or proventriculus, leading to persistent regurgitation and true vomiting.

Toxic Vomiting

Results from the ingestion or inhalation of poisons (e.g., heavy metals, household cleaners, or smoke). Toxins irritate the digestive system and often cause concurrent neurological or systemic symptoms.

Obstructive Vomiting

Occurs when a physical blockage, like a foreign body (e.g., thread, plastic pieces) or an internal tumor, prevents food from passing normally through the digestive tract.

Systemic Vomiting

Linked to severe, whole-body illnesses such as advanced liver or kidney failure, where organ dysfunction impacts the entire digestive process.

Symptoms of Bird Vomiting

Violent Head Shaking

The bird forcefully shakes its head, spraying partially digested food over its face, head and cage.

Lethargy and Weakness

The bird is sitting fluffed up at the bottom of the cage, sleeping excessively, or showing disinterest in its surroundings.

Dehydration

Visible weakness, wrinkled skin on the feet, or sunken eyes due to fluid loss from vomiting.

Regurgitation on Floor

Unlike normal regurgitation directed at a mate or toy, the bird drops the vomit randomly on the cage floor or perches.

Slimy Discharge

Food brought up is often slimy, foul-smelling and partially digested, unlike the warm, undigested food of regurgitation.

Loss of Appetite

The bird refuses its usual food, indicating nausea or pain.

Visible Swelling:

Possible localized swelling around the crop area if an infection or blockage is present.

Sudden Collapse

In cases of severe toxicity or advanced disease, the bird may collapse due to metabolic crisis.

Prevention & Bird Care

Isolation

Maintain strict isolation until your avian vet confirms the bird is fully recovered and non-contagious.

Appetite and Droppings

Closely monitor your bird's food intake and the consistency/color of its droppings for several weeks post-treatment.

Dietary Consistency

Feed a balanced, high-quality diet and avoid sudden, drastic changes in food types.

Safe Environment

Remove all sources of heavy metals (zinc cages, lead paint) and Teflon-coated cookware.

Regular Screenings

Schedule regular avian health checks and annual blood work to catch underlying issues early.

Bird Vomiting FAQ

Regurgitation is normal (voluntary neck pumping to feed), while vomiting is a sign of illness (involuntary head shaking/spraying).

Yes. Vomiting in birds almost always signals a serious condition that can rapidly become fatal due to dehydration and systemic failure.

Very quickly. Small birds can become critically dehydrated in a matter of hours, making immediate intervention essential.

While some minor objects may pass, most foreign bodies require veterinary assessment and may need surgical removal.

Keep your bird warm, quiet, and offer fresh water, but do not attempt to medicate or force-feed without professional guidance.

Some bacterial and fungal infections can be transmissible, but proper hygiene minimizes risk. The immediate concern is your bird's health.

Yes. Similar symptoms may point to chronic diseases, nutritional deficiencies, or severe stress. Consult our other specialized treatment pages to learn more.