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The Daily Insight

Why has my bird lost his voice?

Author

James Stevens

Updated on February 25, 2026

Can be caused by inflammation or infection. Aspergillosis is a common cause of voice change. If the lower end of the wind pipe is infected (bacterial or fungal), the bird may suffer from loss of voice or altered voice, such as gasping, squeaking, wheezing and labored breathing.

Can African Greys lose their voice?

I have 3 month – old African Grey who seems to be losing it’s voice. Voice change can indicate inflammation around the syrinx, which is the equivatent of the vocal cords in mammals. However, this is located in the chest cavity in birds, and is an area of narrowing of the air ways.

Why has my African Grey parrot stopped talking?

A parrot that has stopped talking is likely afraid, unwell, depressed, or adjusting to changes in its life. Abnormal silence or strained noises signify that something is affecting its lungs, throat, or syrinx. Aspergillosis and bronchitis can make vocalization uncomfortable, difficult, or no longer possible.

Can my African Grey get a cold?

Respiratory infections are a common affliction for African Grey parrots. If left untreated, they can greatly harm your bird. To keep your bird healthy, monitor them for symptoms and take them to the vet often.

How do you help a bird with respiratory problems?

Supportive care includes heat, oxygen, rest, fluids and gavage feeding.” An increasing number of veterinarians are now using nebulization to deliver antibiotics and other medications directly into a bird’s respiratory tract.

Can parrots lose their voices?

When a pet bird has a change in or loss of voice, this will localize lesions to the trachea, or more specifically the syrinx. This turbulence means that some disease agents, such as an inhaled foreign body or Aspergillus spores, are most likely to drop out in the syrinx.

Why is my parrot not making noise?

Any type of disease in the syringial area or trachea could cause a bird to stop vocalizing or could result in a change in vocalization. If your normally chatty bird becomes quiet for more than a 24-hour period, or if you notice any other changes in your bird’s vocalizations, get it to your veterinarian immediately!

How do I know if my African GREY is dying?

  1. Puffed Feathers. Birds that are sick and dying tend to have a puffed up appearance to their feathers.
  2. Poor Feather Condition.
  3. Discharges.
  4. Shivering and Shaking.
  5. Difficulty Breathing.
  6. Lack of Appetite.
  7. Changes in Drinking.
  8. Vomiting.

How cold is too cold for parrots?

It’s obvious to assume anything below freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit or 0 degrees Celsius) is too cold for parrots as it’s straightforward for them to freeze to death. But again, you need to understand most parrots should live at a temperature that’s a minimum above 18 degrees Celsius (65 degrees Fahrenheit).

How do you know if your bird is having trouble breathing?

Signs of dyspnea, or increased respiratory effort, include open-mouth breathing, increased sternal motion, tail bobbing, and/or tachypnea (rapid breathing). The bird might also hold its wings away from its body and sit in a wide-based stance.