Cockatiel sneezing, discharge

Cockatielmom18

New member
Sep 23, 2018
22
3
Parrots
Pearl (cockatiel)
Kid and Jeordi (budgies)
Kitty, Leia, Chips, Sico, Ginger, (<- RIP), Terrelli, Popularis, Ace, Whiteout, Cetoides, Ada, Lucasi, Oryx, and Tom (chickens)
Hello bird lovers
Everyone in my house has been a little under the weather, and I think Pearl might be, too. I'm in Tennessee and it dropped from like 70 to 30 degrees in a day. This morning I took Pearl out of her cage and she scratched her nose and of course sneezed as a result, but there was a small amount of discharge. Birdy sniffles? Should I be worried?
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Birds don't typically get "colds" as do humans, and any nasal discharge is cause for concern. Can you describe the color and thickness, possibly upload an image? Any other symptoms such as runniness from eyes, reduced appetite, abnormal droppings? One of the best diagnostic tools is a scale capable of measuring in grams. Birds mask illness and weight loss is an early sign for concern.

Another thought is related to sudden temperature reduction. Have you been using heat, might possibly cause irritation due to fumes or dryness?
 
OP
C

Cockatielmom18

New member
Sep 23, 2018
22
3
Parrots
Pearl (cockatiel)
Kid and Jeordi (budgies)
Kitty, Leia, Chips, Sico, Ginger, (<- RIP), Terrelli, Popularis, Ace, Whiteout, Cetoides, Ada, Lucasi, Oryx, and Tom (chickens)
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The discharge, to my knowledge, was clear, thin, and low in amount and was only from the nostril she scratched. Yes there has been a sudden drop in temperature. I do not know about what kind of heating my parents use for the house but it is rather dry. Could/should I use a humidifier?
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
No experience with humidifiers so cannot offer good advice. If you do, ensure there are not parts utilizing Teflon or other PFOA materials. At high temps, a deadly gas is created, resulting in quick avian death.

If discharge continues or other abnormal symptoms, a visit to certified avian vet would be best.
 

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