Worried about our little guy

[ParakeetDragon]

Hey there, first time poster here. My son's parakeet, Dragon, was exposed to a cold draft (outside temps at or below freezing) for several hours today. Yesterday the temps were in the 80's, so he had his bedroom window open overnight. Then late this morning the weather took a nosedive, and unfortunately he had forgotten to close the window. Dragon appears to be okay, but he has been softly fluttering his wings frequently and we are unsure if this is shivering and/or a sign of illness. Should we start him on an antibiotic (tetracycline?) just in case? I know birds can go downhill quickly by the time they look "sick".

TIA for you help.

[GreenWing]

Take your bird to the vet. DO NOT give the bird drugs without an Avian vet's guidance and diagnosis.

Furthermore, move the bird's cage to an area where he won't be exposed to a cold draft.

[marie83]

Take your bird to the vet. DO NOT give the bird drugs without an Avian vet's guidance and diagnosis.

Furthermore, move the bird's cage to an area where he won't be exposed to a cold draft.

+1

[Eric&Rebecca]

Cockatiels can take temperatures of up to -10 so I wouldn't be too worried. I would keep him warmer than usual now but our cockatiels both do the little shaky thing and they are fine. I think it's just something they do. Cockatiels, budgies and Aussie parakeets are hardy little birds. That doesn't mean to say you should test it voluntarily but I still wouldn't worry.

Our previous cockatiel got a cold once and he recovered all by himself in a couple of days under a heat lamp.

Also never give your bird medications unless an avian vet tells you to do so. If they not sick it can do bad damage. If you're still concerned go to an avian vet or ask for a home visit.

[Strawfrawg]

Agreed with Eric&Rebecca, with encouragement to at least CALL a vet. Also agreed with GreenWing that you should never administer meds without a vet consultation.

Don't feel too bad...I did the same thing once with my cockatiel, and he was okay. I put him on my lap with an electric heating pad under a towel (turned low) and he returned to normal shortly. I just kept an eye on him to make sure his droppings and food intake were okay.

Moving the cage is a good idea, though. Kids are forgetful, so best to reduce the potential for another mistake.

How is Dragon doing now?