My bird is opening his beak after eating and sneezing. What's wrong?

Thanks for reaching out about Shonnie. Head shaking is a common clinical sign of an upper respiratory infection, as is the sneeze. The stress of the move might have lead to immune suppression and progression of clinical signs. Short periods of time in a warm, steamy bathroom, a few times daily might help hydrate the sinuses but a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Since this has been occurring for several months, it is unlikely to improve or heal on its own. Other possibilities include fungal infections, nasal foreign bodies, metabolic disorders and more. Check and correct diet as vitamin A deficiencies can lead to secondary infections. Good luck.

Hi, and thanks for your question. This sign could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or possibly to a rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi and including photos. Sneezing and shaking a head are a possible indication of an upper respiratory infection. This bird should be assessed by a veterinarian, as one of the possibilities are chlamydophila which could be transmitted to other birds and people. Heat support and good nutrition can help but should not be used in lieu of a veterinary visit. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Cheeya. Opening and closing the beak, stretching the tongue would suggest at least two things. First, having difficulty swallowing, as if something is obstructing the esophagus or crop, or she is nauseous and attempting to regurgitate. The second thing that comes to mind, is a respiratory obstruction, something caught int he trachea. Placing Cheeya in the bathroom with warm steam might help lubricate either and help. But if clinical signs get worse or don't improve, a visit to an avian veterinarian is recommended. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Gigi. Non-colored pellets from Zupreem should generally be okay. Supplementing with fresh vegetables to provide pigments could help round out the nutritional level. Persistent sneezing and possible regurgitation should be investigated by a veterinarian. Regurgitation could be an indication of ingested foreign material or toxic items, metabolic disorders, intestinal upset and other conditions. Some birds will regurgitate to attract a mate also. Good luck.

Hello, I would recommend taking your bird to a veterinarian when possible. This sounds like it could be an upper respiratory infection, which is common in pet birds. This often requires a course of antibiotics, depending on the extent of infection. Your vet can guide you best after their exam. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for reaching out about Frost. Increased respiratory rate and sneezing is often a clinical sign of a respiratory problem. Causes of this can include primary infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), heart disease, abdominal organ enlargement (liver, spleen), toxic exposure (cooking with teflon, smoke, other aerosols), and more. A veterinary visit for assessment and to provide a diagnostic/treatment plan is required to determine a cause and therefore treat effectively. Good luck.