My Quaker started having trouble breathing lately, it comes and goes, and other than that everything else is fine. I suspect some kind of an allergy to something that blossoms right now that causes this. Would it be safe to assume that and let it be, or should I get him to a vet? What do you think?

This is the time of year you get the Dust Storms? It could be anything.

I still would take him to a vet.

I definitely would take him to the Vet. Whenever you aren't sure of what is going on that is always a good idea. Our quakers are good at hiding their illness until it is too late. Just my opinion

Can you give us a better idea of what his symptoms are. The first time I heard Maya "hissing" it sounded like a raspy wheeze, turns out it's fairly common behavior. If you are in doubt though, a visit to the vet will give you peace of mind.

Trouble breathing? Do you mean you see the bird sit and rock back and forth, trying to breathe? (Put your ear up to the bird's body and listen to what you hear. Also listen to sounds that may be coming from his mouth.) But yeah, unless it definitely has turned out to be hissing or something like that, I'd consult a vet too.