Hi Roberta,
There can be many reasons for a bird to stop eating. Did you take him to an Avian Vet? Different tests are necessary to diagnose a bird. I’m not sure why you are asking about a hernia? Did the Vet say he had one? Those generally take extensive testing to diagnose and I believe the treatment is always surgical. Antibiotics would be prescribed for infection but would not repair a hernia. Anything I say is a total guess – a Vet needs to see him and run tests. I would contact the Vet and ask your questions since he has already run some tests. Vets are glad to explain if you are unclear about something. As with human medicine, if you are not satisfied with one Vet, you can always seek a second opinion. But you should first ask your Vet to explain the illness to you. Usually you would take a bird back to the Vet for a re-check when he is on antibiotics because he might need to be on them for longer.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda