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About Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott
Expertise
Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides. Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care. No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication. Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.

Experience
Certified Avian Specialist. For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.

Organizations
4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more

Publications
Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.

Education/Credentials
Doctorate, Ordained Minister

You are here: Experts > Animals/Pets > Pet Birds > Parrots > regarding runny nose in grey

Parrots - regarding runny nose in grey

Expert: Rev. Dr. S.August Abbott - 11/4/2009

Question
hi there i have a 5 and half month old baby grey since before i got him off the breeder hes had a runny nose hes had all tests done all came back negative been on antibiotics and nebulizer .his nose constantly runs most days some days it doesnt could you sugest anything that will help him vets now think hes allergic to his own feather dust

Answer
Our blue & gold macaw (Sadie) has this condition flare up twice a year during high pollen counts. It’s especially common in macaws and amazons (birds from rainforest/tropical climates). The discharge may harden (rhinoliths) and if not (gently) wiped away regularly, it may plug the nares and cause several other severely complicated health issues.

Use a soft, warm, moist cloth to gently wipe the nares clear.

Controlling it takes a little more effort than most bird owners typically spend, but I don't mind at all. Vacuuming every morning and every afternoon before bedtime (the bird's) has found me buying a new vac yearly, but I rarely pay more than $100 for it and that amounts to less than $10/month which isn't so bad. I prefer a canister vac since getting under small areas and into cracks and crevices is important - it's where the feathers and dander tends to hide.

I have a humidifier/air filter running all the time too - the more moisture in the air, the more it weighs down the smaller particles of dander and feathers.

I'll run a vaporizer without meds in it the couple times of year she has bigger problems, such as when pollen counts are high.

Changing the cage twice a day also helps.

It may sound like a lot of work, but it's become automatic - it takes less than 10 minutes each time, start to finish, including the vacuuming and the bonus to all this? I've had fewer allergic reactions too!

You can the girls and find out more here www.4AnimalCare.org/birds

Good luck and keep up the great job!

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