My baby African Grey has clear nose fluid & fast breathing. Should I see a vet?

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.

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.

The amount of discharge stated is concerning. The symptoms described may indicate infection or respiratory disease. To be safe, Piper should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet. Xrays and a culture of the discharge may be indicated to diagnose illness or infection.

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.

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.

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or by an experienced avian vet. You can find one here: http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Do this sooner rather than later, since by the time a bird is symptomatic, it is usually quite ill. The vet may submit a swab from the mouth for culture and sensitivity. This may identify any infection causing bacteria as well as the most effective antibiotic to use in treatment. Blood work may be submitted to assess major organ function. Do not worry, only a small sample is needed. A stool sample should also be submitted to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, clean and sanitize her cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily. A grate should be used to prevent her from reaching her droppings or fallen food that could be contaminated. Survey the area around her cage for any cold drafts or other negative stimuli. If you use air fresheners or essential oils, do not use them around her. The same goes for non stick cookware. The wheezing and tail bobbing may indicate respiratory infection which can usually be treated with antibiotics, but it can be caused by parasites or viruses which will not be affected by these medications.

Anytime a small bird like a budgie has abnormal breathing sounds I recommend they get checked out ASAP. This is because respiratory diseases can become very serious, very quickly so early diagnosis and treatment is important. Your veterinarian may need to do tests but in some cases an exam and antibiotics are what is needed.