My cockatiel's nose is red. Is it an infection? What should I do?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Cockatiels occasionally can form rhinoliths, which are small accumulations of debris and mineral. These are harmless but can clog the nares and result in trouble breathing. They can be carefully removed by a veterinarian. Other causes can be a fungal or bacterial infection which can be treated by antibiotics prescribed by your vet. I hope this helps and am happy to look at any photos or answer any questions you may have!

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!

This is not at all normal and I would recommend seeing a vet immediately, especially if it has happened more than once. Injury to the face or nasal passages, respiratory problems, disease, illness, nutritional issues, something stuck in the nose, etc can all be possible causes, and seeking vet care ASAP is best to determine the problem. If Sunny is housed with any other birds, it would be best to move her to a separate hospital cage with easy access to food and water to prevent being picked on by other birds until you can get into your vet.

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.

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.