Our bird got tangled up in my wife's hair tonight, and almost suffocated; after we cut him loose he had a tight band of hair around his neck that we couldn't get off of him. We rushed him to the vet who cut the hair off, but tonight all he does is sit on his perch and close his eyes. He is also breathing out of his mouth with we have never seen him do before. The vet did not know anything about birds, and we are very concerned. Is there anything to worry about?

Thank you,
Terry and Belinda F.


Terry and Belinda,

Your bird's breathing through his mouth can be due to the stress of his ordeal or there may possibly be some physical problem due to the near strangulation. Minor stress symptoms shouldn't be noticed after an hour or so and if they continue beyond that, it is highly recommended for you to find an avian vet quickly.