Humidify the air preferably with a hot-air vaporizer or just boil water on your stove to get some warm moisture into the air. A vet emergency clinic would put him in an incubator to keep him warm if he's really sick, so I'd say the warmer the better! Seriously if you can get towels or blankets around and over his cage and a heating pad under it and get it up to 90 degrees in there, it will probably be good for him considering the congested lungs.
I'll keep your little fellow in my thoughts - good luck to you both!
You could put him in a 'hospital tank' for now - a small glass or plastic tank. Put a towel on the bottom, and food and water in dishes on the ground. Put a heating pad under half of the tank so he can get on or off the pad at will.
On sedation: as far as I know there are pros and cons. Stress can be lethal to a bird--I know of birds that have died during routine examinations--but sedation is not without its inherent risks, either. I think if Chirp has a tendency to really stress out, I'd recommend the sedation. Ask a lot of questions and trust what your vets say--they are the experts.
My cockatiel once broke his beak--and I mean broke it--when it finally started to grow out from under the skin on his nares, there was a huge chunk just gone ... when I initially took him to the e-vet for an exam, he had severe head trauma and was completely disoriented, falling all over himself, vomiting all over the vet. And it was a really tough couple of weeks keeping him doped up on painkillers just so he could be pain-free enough to eat. He's absolutely better now, though, like it never happened to him. I know your little guy can pull through, too. I will be thinking of you both.
I'll definitely be thinking of you both, hoping Chirp makes a swift recovery.
Don't feel silly for even a second for doing what you believe is best for your bird. I commend you for your courage and willingness to do whatever it takes to get Chirp the help he needs.
Please keep us posted regarding further developments.
I know how hard it is to not freak out, but I think you're doing the best you can for your little Chirp, and I really hope it's an infection, and he starts doing better once the drugs kick in.
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I'll keep your little fellow in my thoughts - good luck to you both!
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Goodluck.
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My cockatiel once broke his beak--and I mean broke it--when it finally started to grow out from under the skin on his nares, there was a huge chunk just gone ... when I initially took him to the e-vet for an exam, he had severe head trauma and was completely disoriented, falling all over himself, vomiting all over the vet. And it was a really tough couple of weeks keeping him doped up on painkillers just so he could be pain-free enough to eat. He's absolutely better now, though, like it never happened to him. I know your little guy can pull through, too. I will be thinking of you both.
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Don't feel silly for even a second for doing what you believe is best for your bird. I commend you for your courage and willingness to do whatever it takes to get Chirp the help he needs.
Please keep us posted regarding further developments.
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*hugs*
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