My budgie has a crusty cere and dull, yellow-red eyes. What's wrong?

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!

Hi, and thanks for your question. Although a picture of it would help to determine the underlying cause more specifically, that is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to an infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. 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!

That is likely to be due to a mild to moderate conjunctivitis, probably secondary to a trauma or infection. A check up would be needed as appropriate treatment would include antibiotics and anti-inflammatory eye drops. Corneal injuries must be ruled out as well. 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.

Angel is beautiful, thankfully his cere looks a nice healthy colour. It is not uncommon for the beak to flake a little depending what part of the keratin cycle he is in . As for the crusts, these are most commonly due to a little mite that borrows under the skin. Known as scaly beak, it is caused by knemedicoptes mites. To treat it you need an ivermectin based drop, many vets stock a product called xeno which you apply to the skin. I would weigh him to ensure appropriate dosing. If you are concerned he seems dull or symptoms are worsening you should take him to an avian vet.

Thanks for reaching out. A thickened tan cere on a female budgie is a common clinical sign of an ovulating bird. After the reproductive phase stops, the beak usually returns to normal. If it doesn't, there is a possibility of an underlying disease problems and a veterinary visit should be scheduled. Good luck.

These signs could be compatible with a mites infestation and possibly an upper respiratory tract infection/inflammation. Eyes squinting could be related to it as well as consequences of conjunctivitis or tear duct inflammation. I would recommend a check up to determine underlying cause of it and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.

Hi there, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Snowy may have an eye infection or allergies affecting her eye. The discoloration around the eye is probably from the excessive tearing. Since you are unable to take him to the vet try flushing the eye with a sterile saline solution and using a humidifier in the room to help in case it is allergies. Best of luck. Let us know if you have any further questions.