African Gray has crusty nostrils. Should I take my bird to the vet?

Thanks for your question, and thank you for the photo! When we see crusting around the nostrils and on the cere, it can be due to excess keratin/hyperkeratosis, or it may be actual material on the skin itself. If it is excess keratin, often suboptimal nutrition is the culprit. The most common nutrient that is involved in this is a deficiency in vitamin A. If it is material on the skin itself, this is often related to an infectious process, sort of like a runny nose with a cold. Due to this, I would recommend having Kiwi evaluated by a veterinarian. They can perform a physical examination and see if there are any other signs of vitamin deficiencies, and to see if there are any signs consistent with infection. Depending on the findings, they will recommend diagnostic testing and/or treatments that you can elect to pursue. Diets that are mainly seeds are often the culprit for a lack of vitamin A, and by adding pellets or vegetables into the diet this can be addressed. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and I hope that Kiwi feels better soon!

An exam with your veterinarian or an experience avian vet would be recommended. The combination of symptoms may indicate developing respiratory infection, aspiration pneumonia or other infection. At the very least, Kito will get a clean bill of health and you will get peace of mind.

Thanks for reaching out about Noel. The possibilities probably fall into three categories: infection, inflammation (allergies), or a nasal/sinus foreign body. Infections can range from bacterial to fungal. Allergy-like inflammation can be caused by dust or other small particles (including feather dander). Foreign bodies such as pieces of feathers, seed hulls, etc. can also get lodged in the nostrils. Vitamin A deficiencies can lead to inflamed nostrils, more prone to infections and inflammation. Try placing Noel in the steamy bathroom for a steam treatment. This can last for 10-15 minutes, a few times daily. If the condition continues, a visit to the avian veterinarian is needed. Good luck.

It sounds as if Casco may have an upper respiratory infection or respiratory issue if his nostrils are blocked and you can hear a raspy/wheezing sound. It would be best to bring him to a vet immediately for care, especially if he is already showing signs of illness. Until you can get to the vet, keeping him warm in a quiet spot with access to food and water can help.

Thanks for reaching out about Morgan. A runny nose can be due to multiple causes including bacterial/fungal/viral upper respiratory infections, nasal foreign bodies, vitamin A deficiencies, toxic exposures and others. Provide exposure to the steamy bathroom for 5-10 minutes to moisturize nasal passages. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. A diagnosis has to be reached in order to prescribe any recommendations or medications. Good luck.

Based on the one picture and the age of the bird, it looks like hyperkeratosis of the feet potentially from vitamin a deficiency. I would have the bird looked at by an avian veterinarian. Bring in a fresh fecal sample and expect to have some blood drawn and sent out for analysis. This would be a good place to start.

Unfortunately, there are no OTC medications that can safely be given to Little Gray. His symptoms may indicate a respiratory infection which will need antibiotics. These are by prescription only. See your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian for an exam and definitive diagnosis. In the meantime, keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the vet. You can supplement fluids with unflavored PediaLyte to treat or prevent minor dehydration.