Their breath stinks

[usamma]

I have totally removed seeds from their diet for awhile, because they were getting really demanding and not eating the pellets until they had tantrumed for a long time. (Both bird had been totally converted to pellets, but one came with a seed mix along with pellets which I continued since she had a lot of food come with her.) They can get seeds once in awhile in a separate dish not in their food dish, but no more part of their normal diet. Not sure if their bad breath is related to their pellet-only diet or not, but I'm just now noticing that it smells bad and funny, not sweet like before. They have never been huge about eating fruits/veggies but they get a bit of apple and raisins most days, and cranberries once in awhile. Any thoughts?

[LovelySydney]

Interesting - I dont think I have ever really noticed birdie breath! = )

[usamma]

Their breath used to smell a lot like the bodies of my budgies. Kinda sweet and nutty.

[LovelySydney]

aww well arent you lucky then!! Maybe the change in diet is doing it then. If you notice a significant difference and you KNOW that you have switched up food or treats recently thats all I can think of that might make the difference.

[usamma]

Maybe they need to floss more often.

[Ashling]

Cranberry juice sounds right- it is cleansing. Have you tried tictacs? Ashling has nectar breath, it is lovely! Except when she sticks her tongue up my nose.

[hollyhawkz]

OK guys on a serious note, infections from bacteria can set into crops as well as sinuses and it has a bad smell. I think it might be time to get them to a vet to get a crop swab. Better safe than sorry.

[usamma]

I'll keep an eye on it over the next couple of days. They are eating great and acting very happy. But definitively will be ready to take them in if it continues or gets worse.

[sodakat]

A yeast infection in their crops would cause an odor. What are the odds of both of them having a yeast infection at the same time? I have no idea.

[usamma]

Okay I'm going to take a good sniff at their beaks tomorrow. When my kids are suspected of having strep the first thing the doctor does is sniff their breath and usually his nose is as accurate as the rapid strep test that confirms the dx. I'll see if it has a yeasty odor. Maybe it's just their pellets that are full of vitamins and veggies and stuff.