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Birds--General/parakeets has a cold?

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Expert: - 12/31/2006


Question
my girlfriends first parakeet(monster,age2)  seems to have a runny nose, sneezing, feels warm to the touch.(feet and body)

A local store recomended vitamin supplement.

 What should we do?
THANKS,
STEVE,DIANA

Answer
Hi, Steve and Diana.  Thanks for posting!

I'd say you need to get this bird to an avian veterinarian ASAP for a medical evaluation.  From your description, this bird has respiratory problems (they don't get colds).  If not treated properly quickly, your bird could become very ill very quickly and you could lose the bird (if it's immune system can't fight off the illness on it's own).  A vitamin supplement isn't going to help this bird with this particular problem.  The bird may also need a vitamin supplement in it's diet, but the respiratory problem needs to be taken care of first (perhaps with antibiotics).

Chrys  

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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