My parrot bites, sneezes, and has weird droppings. What's wrong?

By your description, it does not seem to be abnormal behavior. It may simply be something he does for attention. You can monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, loose droppings or perched low with feathers fluffed. These are typical signs of illness.

Thanks for reaching out about Shonnie. Head shaking is a common clinical sign of an upper respiratory infection, as is the sneeze. The stress of the move might have lead to immune suppression and progression of clinical signs. Short periods of time in a warm, steamy bathroom, a few times daily might help hydrate the sinuses but a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Since this has been occurring for several months, it is unlikely to improve or heal on its own. Other possibilities include fungal infections, nasal foreign bodies, metabolic disorders and more. Check and correct diet as vitamin A deficiencies can lead to secondary infections. Good luck.

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 your parrot. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess for an upper respiratory infection. This seems like an emergency since not eating. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F might give some comfort but does not replace a veterinary visit. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Frost. Increased respiratory rate and sneezing is often a clinical sign of a respiratory problem. Causes of this can include primary infections (bacterial, fungal, viral), heart disease, abdominal organ enlargement (liver, spleen), toxic exposure (cooking with teflon, smoke, other aerosols), and more. A veterinary visit for assessment and to provide a diagnostic/treatment plan is required to determine a cause and therefore treat effectively. Good luck.

Based on the condition of the environment that you are describing and the sneezing and nasal discharge your bird is having, I would be concerned about an upper respiratory tract infection. Your bird will likely need antibiotics and possibly a nebulizer to help open up his airways. I hope this helps. Best of luck with your new bird. Thanks for sing Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

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.