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Birds--General/i have a parrakeet

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Expert: - 10/21/2007


Question
ok i have a parrakeet that was recently given to me and her nose is red wear she breaths and is cracked and looks kinda scabby colored. do you have any idea what this might be?

Answer
Hi, Ashley,

This could mean your bird has a respiratory problem, i.e., a cold or respiratory infection of some sort.  Do you see any discharge coming from her nostrils?  Is she showing other signs of illness?

If you're sure this is a female, are you sure the color is red that you are seeing?  Could the color be dark brown?  If dark brown and crusty looking, this could mean your bird is in breeding condition (normal for female keets).

If red, your bird needs to be seen by a certified avian vet ASAP, as in tomorrow.  Your bird needs meds.

If dark brown and crusty looking, you don't have anything to worry about.  However, be VERY sure which it is because if your bird is sick and you wait too long to have her treated by a bird vet, you could lose your bird.

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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