If you notice discharge (wet or dried) in or around the nares, the equivalent of a runny nose, there is an infection present. Getting appropriate medical attention is crucial to your pet parrot’s quick recovery. But what exactly is causing your parrot to sneeze in the first place, and what can you do about it? Human diseases such as the common cold and flu are not contagious to parrots, or birds in general. Correction of a bird's sneezing usually involves environmental and husbandry changes and in many cases medication. For established tiels,1-2 sneezes per day can be 'background noise' (dust, pollen etc), especially around this time of year. Can Parrots Eat Banana? Swelling, nasal discharge, sneezing, and pawing at the nose could be signs of a foreign object. Bird food of low quality is usually loaded with additives and preservatives that can trigger allergies. If you find feather matting that is indicative of a problem that warrants attention. Apathetic nature 2. A more serious problem that could cause damage to the nasal or sinus passages could be the case if audible breathing sounds, tail-bobbing, weight loss, nasal or eye discharge or a change in vocalizations or eating habits accompany the sneezing. Most viral infections in birds lead to more serious systemic disorders in conjunction with the sneezing. It could be more serious than you think. Have you seen your pet parrot sneezing or showing other symptoms of a possible respiratory problem? If, however, a discharge continues after sneezing, sneezing is persistent or other signs such as swollen eyes, lethargy or loss of appetite occur, medical attention is needed. Dogs with infections almost always have a bloody or pus-like discharge from the nose and it may affect one side only or both sides. Although typically associated with respiratory or related infections, mucus may also be formed when parrots need to rid their nares of dust, or in response to smoke or other chemical irritants. Treatment: A vet can remove debris by using saline nose drops, Dr. Quesenberry says. It is common among backyard flocks and can be spread from chicken to chicken. My boyfriend, Pierre, decided to create this website for bird owners. Also, never underestimate your parrot. Your email address will not be published. – If your bird’s diet is deficient in vitamin A, which is responsible for the condition of the body’s soft tissues, the body will also produce excessive mucus to compensate. Sudden temperament change. Important signs of illness in your bird include: 1. In birds the only initial sign of a serious systemic disorder may be the sneezing. Knowing these causes can help you get to the root of the problem and determine the proper action to take. Other breathing disorders may also occur, such as heavy breathing, various wheezing. For more information, please read the article Sneezing and Nasal Discharge. When a parrot or other bird has a respiratory condition, it usually accompanies sneezing as well as nasal or mucus discharge. Sneezing is defined in birds, as it is in humans, as the body’s way of clearing dust and other debris from the airways while nasal discharge is … One of the reasons why parrots are highly coveted is because they can mimic hundreds of unique sounds and phrases. If you live in a pretty dry environment or if your parrot is constantly perched in an air-conditioned space, a simple humidifier might just do the trick. My bird does this a lot to, i wouldn't worry. Sneezing, in an attempt to clear the upper airways of discharge or exudate, is seen most frequently in acute rhinitis and tends to be intermittent in chronic rhinitis. Lack of energy. Ignoring these symptoms can result in the death of a bird and the loss of … Viral infections causing sneezing without other clinical signs are rare in birds. The cause of this is fungal, bacterial, parasitic, and viral infections. Nasal tumor. Here is how to shower with your parrot properly! Sneezing and Nasal Discharge. They are usually caused by viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections, which all warrant a trip to the vet. He does not seem to act sick and chirps happily like normal. In most cases if sneezing is regular and/or is combined with a wet nasal discharge further veterinary investigation is required. If your parrot’s sneezing is persistent, then going to the vet is your best bet. Caring for your birds, rabbits, reptiles and exotic animal friends in the only purpose-built stand-alone all-bird and exotic animal clinic in Waterloo, Sydney. Parrots generally lead exceptionally long lives, but that doesn’t exactly mean that they can’t contract illnesses over time. If a normally playful bird doesn't play very much any more, it may well be sick. Investigation of a bird's sneezing usually include choanal and sinus swabs for bacteria, fungi and Chlamydia. However, when it becomes more frequent and persistent and is accompanied by a thick and colored nasal discharge, it could well be a sign that your bird is sick. When these secondary infections occur, antibiotics are required. As mentioned, an occasional sneeze is normal. Just like with us humans, dust can trigger sneezing in parrots once it lands in their nasal cavity. The occasional sneeze may be a normal occurrence. Commonly the birds are on low vitamin A diets (an all seed diet) and are kept in poorly ventilated low humidity areas. He will sneeze about 6 times in a row and then sit there and stretch his neck, looking like he's gagging. Sneezing. Together with a team of bird enthusiasts we are doing our best to create the best resource for bird mamas and papas. Wheezing sounds 9. There are many causes of sneezing in a bird. Especially if it's frequent. Here are some of the reasons they sneeze: Bird Allergens: They sneeze sometimes for the same reasons as you or I would, they nasal passages are bothered by an allergen. Veterinarian's Assistant: I'm sorry to hear that. However, if you notice these symptoms happening more frequently, help is needed by way of a vet. While most birds can sneeze out whatever enters, sometimes the particle gets stuck in bird nostrils, causing an infection. IB usually runs its course in a few months, and besides ensuring their coop is well ventilated and free of respiratory irritants, antibiotics are usually not needed due to the minor symptoms. Why Your Parrot Is Sneezing And When To Be ... - Beak Craze If there were a infection or other problem you would see a discharge … So, it’s really important to keep a close eye on your pet and check if there are other symptoms present. 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