My green cheek conure is sneezing with mucus. What should I do?

An occasional itch and sneeze is not very concerning. Sometimes, they will have a long-term sinus infection after recovering from a respiratory disease. These infections are very difficult to diagnose and treat. At this time, it doesn't seem like he is having bad enough signs to warrant an investigation or treatment into this problem. If you are not noticing any nose discharge, and Jade is otherwise acting normal, then I think it's fine to not bring her into the vet right now. Although, it would be best to have a general exam done by an avian veterinarian at some point. Make sure that there is not something like perfumes/other scents, smoke, or excessive dust in the environment. Even the slightest amount of these aerosols can irritate their respiratory tract. I hope that helps.

These signs could be compatible with an upper respiratory tract inflammation/infection or eventually to a chronic rhinitis (inflammatory, allergic, infective). No need for a specialist at this stage, but clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics are probably needed. 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.

Hello, I would recommend taking your bird to a veterinarian when possible. This sounds like it could be an upper respiratory infection, which is common in pet birds. This often requires a course of antibiotics, depending on the extent of infection. Your vet can guide you best after their exam. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi. Girl could have an infection or inflammation in her upper respiratory tract, or could simply be responding to the dry air in most homes this time of year with the heat on. Try taking into the bathroom when the shower is going for a little steam therapy or add a humidifier near her cage. If that doesn’t help, then a trip to the vet is warranted to make sure there isn’t anything more serious going on.

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian or by an experienced avian vet. You can find one here: http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803 Do this sooner rather than later, since by the time a bird is symptomatic, it is usually quite ill. The vet may submit a swab from the mouth for culture and sensitivity. This may identify any infection causing bacteria as well as the most effective antibiotic to use in treatment. Blood work may be submitted to assess major organ function. Do not worry, only a small sample is needed. A stool sample should also be submitted to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. In the meantime, clean and sanitize her cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily. A grate should be used to prevent her from reaching her droppings or fallen food that could be contaminated. Survey the area around her cage for any cold drafts or other negative stimuli. If you use air fresheners or essential oils, do not use them around her. The same goes for non stick cookware. The wheezing and tail bobbing may indicate respiratory infection which can usually be treated with antibiotics, but it can be caused by parasites or viruses which will not be affected by these medications.

Thanks for reaching out about Jojo. Yes, you should be slightly concerned. Mucoid nasal discharge if typically an indication of an infectious or inflammatory process, probably in the upper respiratory tract. Exposure to the steamy, warm bathroom can help soften discharged and allowing expectoration, but a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

As you would expect, these symptoms are not specific for any specific concerns. The sneezing and breathing heavy might be signs of an upper or lower respiratory disease. There is also the possibility that Hex acquired a foreign body in his nostril and is trying to sneeze it out. Placing Hex in the hot, humid bathroom might help open nasal passages, just like a warm shower can open up nasal passages on people. The vocalizations could be an indication of pain, stress or an illness. If the clinical sings persist, a veterinary visit is recommended.