Why is my bird's nose wet? Is it an upper respiratory infection?

Thanks for reaching out about Petri and including a photo. This could be a low grade sinus infection. Try give a humidity treatment in a steamy shower for 10-15 minutes once or twice daily for a few days. If the clinical condition worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. This also would be a good time to review diet, as vitamin A deficiencies can play a part in low grade respiratory infections. Good luck.

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.

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 Cloud and including photos. Sneezing can be a normal behavior to clear the nostrils, especially in a dusty environment. Respiratory discharge or secretions, difficulty breathing, quiet and lethargic are all indications of possible illness and should be check out by a veterinarian. Good luck.

Sometimes, respiratory illness or fungal infections can cause growths or blocked nasal passageways in birds. If you can keep the area clear with a clean washcloth, that's best, however if there area is bothersome, can't be flushed out easily, or is changing in appearance, it would be best to have Luna looked at by a vet. They can safely flush out any debris in the nose and get her started on medication to treat any bacterial or fungal infection present.

Thanks for reaching out about Rachel and including photos. Fluid coming from the nostrils could be a sinus infection but also regurgitation. Sinus infections can be bacterial or fungal. Regurgitation can be caused by multiple things: ingestion of toxins or heavy metals (lead or zinc), liver or kidney disease, stomach infections or inflammation, gastrointestinal obstructions and more. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range to give aid. Monitor appetite and activity. If symptoms continue or worsen, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

The signs that you are describing are consistent with material in her upper airways (i.e. her nose). This material may be just be normal build up that can occur over time, or it could be due to an underlying infection. To help with this at home, you can try giving her baths, as this may moisten up the material to make it easier for her to get out. Baths can be provided by taking her into the bathroom with you while you take a steaming shower, or you can mist her with a spray bottle (don't spray her directly, just spray over the top of her and let the water droplets fall on her like rain). I didn't see you mention how old she was, but sometimes it is harder for older birds to expel material from their noses because of decreased mobility in their legs/feet. They use their toes to "pick" their noses, so if they have arthritis or another reason for a decrease in mobility, this can be hard for them. If this doesn't not improve the situation, or if you notice a decrease in activity, appetite, or weight, I would recommend taking Luna to a veterinarian. To monitor her weight at home, you can purchase a digital gram scale (found in the kitchen section of most department stores) - weigh her every other day to every day if possible. At the veterinarian, they would perform an examination of Luna, and could collect some of the material to evaluate under the microscope to look for abnormal cells or excessive bacteria. They may also flush her nose and collect that material to look for any possible infections. Please do not try to flush her nose on your own at home, as you may risk drowning her. Depending on what is found, your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics or anti-inflammatories as well. Please do not give Luna any human medications, as many of these can be harmful to our feathered friends. For options for veterinary clinics, there appear to be some that state that they see birds in the Austin area, so that may be an option for you? You can also find avian veterinarians in your area by using the AAV website. I hope that gives you a place to start!