Weird behavior, nail caught in nose, sneezing?

[kellie]

Hey guys! So a few things... Lukah bathed in his water dish today... first time I've ever seen him do this. (this was not alarming)

After bathing he got very very active (also not alarming)

However, he then started to travel around the cage super fast with his wings extended. This was worrisome because I felt like he was going to get his wing caught on something and break it. See the video below for how he was acting. He never does this. Is this due to loss of balance maybe? Should I be worried?

View My Video

Then, he started to scratch himself and got his nail caught in his nose. When he got it out he then scratched the other side and the same thing happened... is this normal? Should I be worried?

Also he was foraging and came up and, with his mouth open, made a weird tongue movement. Kind of like if you had your mouth open and said "la la la la" repeatedly. He has done this twice, both about 5 minutes apart and only for about 2 seconds each time.

He has been sneezing for about a week as well. Not constantly but quite a few times in the morning and then once or twice as the day goes on.

I guess I'm just like what the heck is happening here haha Any help would be awesome. I think I will take him to an avian vet tomorrow, as I work today, but any advice besides "take him to the vet!" would be really appreciated.

 

[kellie]

Also he is now acting super calm and is foraging quietly and not doing any of the above mentioned stuff. What is up with this bird! haha

 

[BoomBoom]

I wouldn't worry too much. All the behaviour you've mentioned my bird has done and still do from time to time.

1. Running fast with wings stretched and flapping whilst on top of the cage: my bird did this a lot when he was a baby. It's a playful/excited behavior and might be an attempt to test his wings.

2. Getting nail stuck in nares: more like picking the nose lol! My bird does this sometimes. I take his nail out if I notice he is being too vigorous because his nares get real pink and swollen after.

3. Sneezing: in moderation, I wouldn't worry. They're trying to unclog their nasal passages

4. La-la tongue: my bird goes it too. Not sure why he does it but he likes to wiggle and twirl that tongue sometimes, even when his beak is empty. It doesn't appear to be a reaction to itchiness. I wouldn't worry.

Sounds all normal to me!

 

[BoomBoom]

Ps. Sorry couldn't view the video, I'm on my smart phone and it would not play the link.

 

[kellie]

Thank so much! How much sneezing is too much? Some days he will sneeze a lot and ill think "if this keeps up I'm gonna take him to a vet!" But then the next day he will barely sneeze at all haha

 

[BoomBoom]

Hmmm I can't say for sure how much is too much. Some days I don't catch Boomer sneezing at all. On days that he does, I'd say 1-3 times a day. More if he was bathing and water got in his nares.

Does Lukah sneeze a lot? How dry is it in your room. 65-80 percent humidity is ideal. I would get a nice cool mist humidifier set up in his room if you haven't already.

 

[kellie]

You know I bet it is because the air is likely really dry. I live in the desert and its about 120 degrees Fahrenheit out here every day so I have the air conditioning on constantly

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm in SoCal so it's desert weather too. AC really dries the air on top of that. I highly recommend getting a cool mist humidifier ASAP. Lukah will really appreciate it. Lots of cheap and not so cheap ones to choose from at Walmart or Target. Get the one that does not require a filter so it's less of a hassle.

Besides relief from sneezing, you will also lower the chances of feather picking caused by dry, itchy skin. He will be a lot more comfortable and happy I'm sure. Remember, suns originated from the forest and woodlands of Brazil where they have nice humidity. Your bird will thank you for it

 

[Karigan]

I wouldn't worry about the sneezing. Has it lessened since the bath? Suns may not be powder birds, but getting some of the dust off with water has helped some of my birds. We live in a desert here in Canada and I know personally that I can't stop sneezing on really hot, dry days.

 

[MagegrayWolf]

From the video, your bird is just playing. When I bring my tiel outside in her carrier for some fresh air she will sometimes do something very similar.

Birds do pick their nose. The sneezing may be related to why your bird is picking it's nose.

 

[GCC2012]

Hahaha brides pick there noses?! I can't wait to see mine to that. Hilarious!

 

[GCC2012]

Oops I meant *birds pick their nose! Not brides, I don't have a bride!

 

[Karigan]

I was one once, does that count? ;p

 

[kellie]

Hahaha brides pick there noses?! I can't wait to see mine to that. Hilarious!

It was so scary! haha I thought he was gonna rip his nostril off!