Why is my cockatiel's nostril clogged? Is it serious? What to do?

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 Hadi and including photos. There appears to be a wound lateral to the nostril. Could she have flown into something and hurt her head? The other possibility is self trauma due to a sinus infection which could be bacterial or fungal. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Not sure what you are referring to by "something up her nose", but they do have a piece of flesh called the operculum, within the nare. Exposure to a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes could moisturize the sinus passages. 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 your question about Beanie. Many birds do get clogged nares, and material like what you mentioned is often quite common. If you have tried to gently flush it without success, it may have hardened into a lump of material that is now stuck. This is called a rhinolith, and these typically require a veterinarian's assistance to remove as it can require specialized tools to remove them. I saw Beanie's age, and I would be concerned that maybe she is not able to pick her own nose anymore, which then would predispose her to getting build up. They often pick their noses with their feet, and older birds can get arthritis in their feet (similar to how older people can in their hands and feet). If their joints hurt or are stiff, they may not pick their noses like they should. I would recommend taking Beanie to a veterinarian for evaluation, not just for the material in the nose but to evaluate her for potential arthritis. Due to her age, they may also recommend other diagnostic testing, such as blood work to evaluate systemic health. If she has arthritis, they may recommend treatments to relieve pain and inflammation associated with it. I hope that this gives you a place to start, and that Beanie feels better soon!

This could be a sign of sinusitis, ie an infection of the sinuses caused by bacteria, a virus or a fungus. In countries with low humidity, this could also be a cause, however "heat" alone is not one. Some cockatiels also play with their nostrils and pick on them with their feet, This can also cause bloody discharge. However I do strongly suggest you take Rio to a veterinary doctor for an exam as a possible infection will need treatment. Here is a list of Avian vets in Chennai: https://www.lybrate.com/chennai/doctors-for-treatments-for-birds You can also take him to the veterinary college hospital: http://www.tanuvas.tn.nic.in/hospital_mvc.html

Without seeing a photo it is hard to say what you are describing. Cockatiels do have a normal crease in between nostrils which is what you may be seeing. However, some growths such as fungal or tumorous growths can appear there as well. If the area is rapidly changing, or Woody is showing any signs of illness such as refusal to eat or drink, listless behavior, etc, having a vet take a look is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Aquafina. This sounds serious and a veterinary visit is needed s soon as possible. A respiratory infection (bacterial, fungal), aspiration of food into the trachea, enlarged organs (liver, etc.) or infectious diseases like chlamydophilosis, are all possible. Heat support is important aiming for a constant temperature of 85-90 F. This is a case for a veterinarian not to be dealt with at home. Good luck.