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Why are my parakeet's feathers brown above its cere? Is it sick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female

Help! My almost 2-year-old parakeet names Luna has recently grown brown feathers above her cere! They definitely weren’t there before, as she’s a whit parakeet, and I don’t know what’s wrong with her! :(

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on September 18th, 2018

Thanks for your question about Luna, and thank you for the photos - they are very helpful. From what I can see on the photos, the feathers may not be growing in brown, but may be discolored brown. This is frequently from discharge from the nose that then gets crusted around the nostrils on the feathers. I would recommend taking Luna in to see a veterinarian, as this discharge is often related to an infection. They can evaluate Luna closely and determine if the brown coloration is on the feathers. They may recommend administering a course of antibiotics as well. Please do not give Luna any human medications, as many of them are harmful to birds.
I hope that helps to answer your question, and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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