Something's Up With My Grandma's Canary...
 

I just got back from my grandma's for Mother's Day. Usually, her house is filled with her bird's songs and chirps, but today, it was mostly mute. I say "mostly" because it did make this odd clicking sound and now and again, it would stifle a cluck. Every now and again, it would chirp. For the most part, it was fine, hopping around, eating, pooping, etc. But all the while, it was poofed out like it was cold. But the thing is, it was out in the kitchen where it gets plenty of warmth and there was no draft to speak of. Also, when it would drink water, it would act like it was choking. That's the best way I can describe it. It would dip its beak in the water, take a few sips, tip its like it was trying to swallow, then start choking like the water went down the wrong pipe. Then it would freak out, sneeze for a bit, then it would be back to normal.

Has anyone else's bird(s) done this?

I'm scared of birds, so that would just freak me out. It sounds like it could be sick, as it is acting out of the norm. Could someone take it to the vet for your grandma?

Sounds to me like it might be a respiratory problem. Poor thing, I would get it checked out.

Yes, it's sick and might die with alarming speed. Birds sicken and die amazingly quickly at times. Take it to a bird specialist ASAP!! If you don't have a bird specialist, a regular exotics vet might do. If you can't take it to any kind of vet, you might be able to get tetracycline or other antibiotic meant for birds at your pet store.

birds have highly sensitive respiratory systems. a grave and common danger household birds face is the chemical release of hot teflon coated pans. the non-stick surface releases gases that can easily kill a bird. if you're grandmother ever uses non-stick cookware i recommend moving the bird immediately.

Birds have a tendency to hide sicknesses until it can't any longer. This is a self preservation behavior built in so that when a predator shows up, they don't look like the weaker slower easier meal.

My bird had a respiratory problem due to some work being done on the house. Turns out that the dust, alongside the cold air coming in gave the poor thing pneumonia and we had to take it to a bird hospital for anti-biotics. Bird's back to being fine and singing again as usual.

The kitchen is one of the worst places for a bird.

http://www.aspca.org/site/PageServer...=pets_birdcare

Not only is it because of Teflon and other fumes as Irateplatypus mentioned, but often there is a door in the kitchen, and even a small draft can be harmful for the bird. The uneven temperatures associated with cooking and cooling down can also be harmful for pet birds.

First off, poor poor bird, but this was posted 3 months ago ... so the question that's on my mind is ... is it dead yet?

Ack! I didn't even notice that when I posted. Still..anyone that reads this and has a pet bird in the kitchen...move it!

I'd hate to make a bad joke of this.

But given that the canary is sick, I'd evacuate your grandma right away.