My bird has wet sneezes, red nares, and smelly nostrils. Is it sick?

Hi there! It sounds like Troy might be dealing with an upper respiratory infection with his sneezing, deeper breathing, and inability to cope with exercise well. Unfortunately, this would require antibiotics to treat. I would recommend calling and finding a veterinarian that treats birds. They will likely recommend an x-ray to ensure that the infection has not progressed to a severe pneumonia before treating. In the meantime, warm and humid air is easier to breathe when the respiratory tract is inflamed. You can turn on a warm shower and bring him into the bathroom for 5-10 minutes at a time. Closely watch his eating, drinking, and elimination habits during this time as well, as sick birds may also stop eating and become dehydrated. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

Thanks for reaching out about Coco and including a photo. If the nose if persistently wet, that could be an indication of an upper respiratory tract infection. Sometimes, if birds have a full crop of water, and fall forward, the water can come out the nose, but this is usually a one time thing. If acting ill, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

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.

Thanks for reaching out about Sunny. Nasal discharge can be caused by a few things: bacterias, fungi, viruses, inflammation, foreign bodies, vitamin A deficiency, and more. Not all antibiotics work on all bacteria. Were any cultures performed? Short 10-15 minute bouts in the steamy bathroom might relieve some congestion. Diet should be reviewed to provide adequate vitamin A. Ensure that Sunny is away from the kitchen, especially when cooking or other aerosols or aromatic sources. If the sneezing does not clear, diagnostic tests should be performed to determine a cause. 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!