A question about quarantine

So it has been 30 days since my boss found a cockatiel at work. He has been in quarantine from Bundii and Millie since I brought him home. He seems healthy apart from some kind of sinus issue. We do not have a local avian vet and the closest one is in Brisbane which is 7-8 hours away. There is no excretment from his nostril but it seems blocked. It looks like cockatiel dust and dander.

I have been giving him regular baths/mistingsnwhich seems to be helping. The nostril seems deformed/enlarged. I have also used a moist cotton bud to try to clear the blockage. I did take him to the local vet who has an interest in birds but is not an AV. She said he seemed healthy although probably a little overweight. Probably due to being on a seed diet. He is now on a pellet diet.

I have two questions. Has anyone come across the enlarged nostril thing before and any suggestions as to what it could be?

Secondly, do you think it is ok to introduce him into the same area as Bundii and Millie?

I'd say try to contact the avian vet by phone or skype and at least get their opinion if possible. It does sound as if he's ok tho.

I would at least get him tested. Avian Services Center: DNA sexing and disease testing for all species of birds. Will send you a collection kit and run a full panel for 85 (not sure about Australian pricing). It will take extra time but worth it for your Bundii's safety. It sound to me like just a result of poor conditions but it's always better safe than sorry

I agree, I'd be ever so careful, Amanda. You just don't know how long he was out and about...or what and who he was in contact with. There are some diseases that don't show up for a long time, plus what if he's a 'carrier' of some sort of disease.

I planned on quarantining for a month before introducing my new bird... my avian vet told me 8 weeks minimum! I think the longer you can wait, the better.

Why can't the local vet run basic blood and fecal tests to rule out serious diseases? I understand if one came back positive, an AV may need to be consulted at that point, but I think you should request some tests be run for your piece of mind to know she is safe to introduce to the others. Would there be a way to have the local vet consult with the AV about the nostril problem? Or to check her for a minor infection/allergies (which is what it sounds like to me if it's continually blocked).

Kiwi's old vet was not an AV, though he knew more about birds than the average vet. Kiwi was clearly sick with something respiratory related when he came home, and dragging him 2+ hours in the dead of winter to the nearest AV wasn't a good option at that point (luring him in/out of the carrier to go 2 miles down the road was hard enough!). That vet managed to draw blood to be sent for testing, ruled out the serious diseases and successfully treated the respiratory infection with antibiotics. He also saw Kiwi a few times after that just to consult because he refused to eat fruits/veg and a couple checkups

Bundiibird said:

I have two questions. Has anyone come across the enlarged nostril thing before and any suggestions as to what it could be?



Secondly, do you think it is ok to introduce him into the same area as Bundii and Millie?

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I've seen enlarged nostrils and blockage before on an avian vet page (actually located in Australia - Currumbin, Queensland if I remember correctly), and from what I recall them saying it's often caused by a vitamin A deficiency when it involves cockatiels. I'd take a look at their FB page if you have Facebook and see if it's similar, though in that one case it was very extreme.