Dizziness after flying

[sunnydelsol]

I tried to search this on Google, but I didn't see anything that seemed even remotely related. Maybe some of you will know what I'm talking about.

My green cheek conure is about 4 years old and even though she has tons of opportunities to fly around the house (supervised), she almost never flies. When she does, she ends up panting and breathing really hard, and she seems dizzy for 10-15 minutes afterwards.

When she lands, she usually goes straight for my neck or chest to cuddle into my shirt/hair, and if she doesn't, she just stumbles around like she's drunk and unable to stand up. Is this normal? She's always been this way, so it's not a recent thing. My sun conure has never had any problems flying, and she would fly all day if she could.

 

[MLB]

Are her feathers clipped? Idk much about that kind of stuff but maybe if u clip then so she cant fly it will help...

 

[Peta]

Hi and welcome aboard.

Has she always been flighted and she just chooses not to fly, or has she ever been clipped?

My little guys are all flighted and have the opportunity to come out everyday but choose not too. When on the very rare occasion that they do come out some of them will be panting like old guys & gals, the vet told me it was because they're not used to the excertion, but they have never seemed dizzy with it. I would definately have a word with your vet about that, even a quick phone call may be able to put your mind at rest. I wouldn't automatically think of clipping your bird but definately have a word with the vet.

Please let us know how you get on with this, its a new one to me.

 

[NicoleN]

Perfect website for you:

http://www.tailfeathersnetwork.com/birdinformation/flighttraining.php

Sisqo is a clumsy flier, so I've been working on his skills. I know he flew before (he flew away once...scary!), so I think maybe he just forgot or something, lol. I've been using some of these tips though and he's gotten much better.

Also, maybe your bird was clipped before he/she ever learned how to fly. Just an idea.

 

[Peta]

Thats a great site, Its amazing how we take birds flying for granted sometimes, All mine are flighted except for Kito at the moment, but he's getting there. Took off today and got about 3 foot high and went 5 foot, landing on window sill. All mirrors and windows are covered already just for this time.

 

[sunnydelsol]

Thanks for the responses! I've had her since she was a couple of months old, and the only time she's even been clipped is in the summer so she can play outside.

I think the sun conure has tried to "mentor" her a bit (she flies in a circle, comes back to the green cheek and looks at her expectantly, over and over), but she still avoids flying whenever possible. I didn't think it could be exertion because I make sure she gets a lot of exercise - she loves to "fly" while holding onto my finger.

I mention it to the vet at most checkups and summer clippings, but she said the only thing she could think of is anxiety. I'm beginning to think she might just be neurotic.

 

[zarafia]

Ok the first thing that springs to mind here is that being out of breath after flying is a MAJOR symptom of a disease called aspergillosis. It can linger in a bird for many months but it is deadly!. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose but once they are to the point of being out of breath they can usually find it. They can also find it with x-rays cause it is a fungus that grows in their airsacs and organs.
It is treatable. Please have your bird to the vet and tell them of those symptoms.
Now that I've pressed your panic button I have to say that it could be something else. I'm no vet. But right now I can't think of anything else.

 

[webchirp]

Anyone have an update on this? My greencheek just did this last night and scared the tar out of me! But once I held him for a minute, he had his balance back...didn't last but a minute but he couldn't stand on his own after doing large laps in the new bird room which is way more flight than he's used to.

 

[Spiritbird]

When in doubt take bird to an avain vet.