Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 5/30/2006

Question
Hi Chrys...thx for your quick reply...I was wondering if you had any idea what could be wrong with my bird....I would love to take her to a avian vet but at the moment I am unemployed and an avian vet consult is 100.00 ...unfortunately, I cannot afford at the moment so I was hoping I could try something over the counter, if you have any ideas, pls let me know...thx for trying to help-------

Followup To

Question -
Hi Chrys..
I have a 7 mos old female parakeet...from a pet store..bought it with a male....since bringing home...appears to have breathing difficulties for past 3 months...thought it was respiratory so bought tetracyline in store...did not clear up...eats plays ..but under and around eyes looks like "bags" (swollen?) eyes tear a bit along with nostrils..have any idea?(male is healthy showing no signs of illness) Appreciate any help!  
Michelle

Answer -
Him Michelle.  Thanks for posting.

I believe your keet is sick.  You need to take her to an avian veterinarian immediately.  I'm surprised this keet is still alive to be honest.  This keet is 3 months overdue seeing a bird vet (not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet).  

Chrys

Answer
Hi again, Michelle.

I think your keet might have some type of respiratory infection, particularly with fluid coming out of her nostrils.  Over the counter meds are usually not effective...your keet needs prescription antibiotics that only a bird vet can prescribe.  A diagnosis of the type of infection your keet has is necessary in order to determine what antibiotic she needs.  Most vets will let you make payments if you ask in advance, especially if you tell them about your unemployment situation.

Aside from the above, the only thing I can recommend is that you feed the keet well (hopefully, she's not on an all-seed diet), perhaps supplementing with immune system enhancers, such as echinachea (which is a human vitamin supplement) which can possibly help your keet's body fight off any infection.  In order to use this or other immune system enhancements, you'd have to purchase in capsule or tablet form, open up a capsule or crush a tablet and sprinkle just a pinch of either over your keet's soft food mix.  You might also try some type of vitamin, such as Spirulina (aka blue-green algae).  Also, keep this keet warm if she puffs herself up as if cold, make sure she stays hydrated, eats properly, etc.  Your best bet is to take her to a bird vet for immediate evaluation.

Chrys