Why does my lovebird have yellow crust in its ear? What should I do?

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!

Thanks for reaching out about Lucy and including photos. An inner ear infection is possible and could become worse, causing vestibular problems or systemic infections. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. You could clean it with a warm, wet washcloth, but it is a sign that he is not grooming himself well. Diarrhea, increased urine or arthritis are just a few concerns. A veterinary visit is recommended for a diagnostic and treatment plan. Good luck.

This is suspicious of mites causing the cere and cheeks to look like this. There is effective treatment for this condition, but it will have to be prescribed by a veterinarian. It's also good to have a vet check Kiwi, so they can definitively diagnose his condition and make sure that nothing else is responsible for this. I hope that helps and Kiwi gets better soon.

Although a picture would help to determine the underlying cause of it, 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. Please find the time to give us a feedback about the consultation as that will be used to improve our service.

Ear infections are not common in birds so what you are describing is a little concerning. I would recommend taking Tory in to be examined by a veterinarian so an accurate diagnosis can be made. She may need an antibiotic to help her get over the infection. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

No, I would not consider that normal. I suggest you get her to a vet for an exam. Crusts in the ear are usually due to ear mites but can also indicate an infection. Without distinguishing between the two I really cannot recommend any treatment; your vet would need to do that. Hope this helps.