Is a stuffy nose a concern?

[PetriesDad]

Hey,
So my baby sun conure(6 months) has a stuffy nose (clicking when she breathes and has her mouth open slightly), but she is eating the same and playing and even climbing more. I am going to go put her in the shower for a minute now, but I wanted to know if I should take her to the vet or if there is anything that I can do to facilitate her breathing more clearly. Is it serious if she has no other noticable symptoms? Her excrement is normal, eating regularly, she has no redness either. I don't want her to get worse so I am watching her closely. She started yesterday and I thought if she had a steam bath and slept extra early it would clear up. I look forward to hearing your suggestions.

Aaron

P.S. I have also been having breathing problems....I think I am going to go buy a humidifier because I live in an old house, but she hasn't ever had a reaction like this. The other two babies are fne and healthy. Should I separate them?

[imported_David]

It's very possible that she has nasal congestion. If she's constantly keeping her mouth slightly open, she is having trouble breathing. I would recommend a vet in this situation. It also might be from something in the air or food dust in her bowl but a vet can tell you what the problem is.

As far as a humidifier goes, that's a great idea for both you and your birds alike. Most parrots come from areas that have humidity and moisture. I have 1 humidifier in my bedroom because of the extremely dry air here in NE PA during the fall/winter.

I have 2 air purifiers in my aviary area because of the extreme dust and dander from my greys.--------Dave

[PetriesDad]

Thanks for the info! So I think she had a cold bc my roommates turned the AC on what they percieved as comfortable for them without thinking about my baby! She healed over time, of course I have a humidifier going and the temp is up 10 degrees now. But yeah she seems to be better. The avian specialist in my area is out of town and returning tomorrow from an avian conference so their clinic was closed. I didn't feel it was an emergency so we didn't go the that non-speciality vet. But her sympotms cleared up and she is acting normal again. Do you suggest I should I still take her to the vet? I am going to observe her some more and look at her tomorrow morning. I also plan on cleaning the cage and toys so that everything can be clean. Thanks for the help Dave, you are always filled with great info!

Glad to hear your baby is feeling better. The vet visit is your call, I for one would do it simply because it's better to be safe then sorry. Birds are very good at hiding illness!


Donna :)