Birds--General/my spiker

Advertisement


Question
Hi I have a cockateil that is 19 years old and recently I noticed that one of his naal openings looks clogged and although the other one is clear, it looks irritated .  what causes this and should I be worried? thanks for taking the time to help!!                Beth

Answer
Hi, Beth.  Thanks for posting!

Your bird might have some type of respiratory problem, especially if one nostril is red and irritated.  It could also be that there is something foreign in one nostril and because of this, the other nostril is working double-time resulting in irritation.  I wouldn't hesitate at his age to have him evaluated medically by an avian veterinarian...the sooner the better.

Chrys

Birds--General

All Answers


Answers by Expert:


Ask Experts

Volunteer


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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.