Trying to learn more about parakeets

[Bryan Fair]

Hello, my name is Bryan. I'm joining this site because I have an interest in learning more about parakeets. More specifically I am trying to learn about the health of parakeets. My girlfriend has two, and nasal flushings have become the norm as of late due to runny noses (beaks?). Hopefully by checking out the various posts I can see if others have had similar issues and what they have done in response. If anyone reads this feel free to help point me to other posts that may be beneficial. Good day to all.

[Lady]

Hi Bryan,
:pp_welcome: Nice of you to join us. So your allergic to the parakeets? I mean their dust that is produced from their feathers. There are many articles you can read on the internet if you give it a quick search. Most have the same general information such as this one from Winged Wisdom pet bird magazine:

"How Can Feather Dust Be Controlled

There are a number of things that can be done to reduce the amount of feather dust. Frequent bathing of birds, daily sweeping, mopping and vacuuming, wiping down the cage and changing the cage liners often can help. For those who are sensitive, use a face mask when changing or cleaning the cage. Don't use a carpet in the room which contains the bird cage.

Limit the number of birds owned or get a smaller species which doesn't put out as much dust. Pet or play with birds immediately after bathing, when they are less dusty.

Changing furnace filters more frequently also helps. Some people put Hepa filtering devices in their bird rooms or other areas where they spend time. Some add these filters to their furnaces. Getting a vacuum with a Hepa filter also helps clean the air. Others use air cleaners (ionizers), but this is a controversial solution.

Replace drapes with vertical blinds, if possible. They catch less dust. There are even pillowcovers which act as filters. Dust living areas often with products like Swiffers which attract dust.

Some people will have problems, no matter what is done and should think twice about owning a bird. Others may be able to tolerate birds, but not the powder down birds. Birds are wonderful pets, but are not for everyone."

[Bryan Fair]

Thanks for the welcome. No ma'am, I'm not allergic. It's actually the birds that are getting runny noses. My girlfriend routinely takes them to the vet for nasal flushings. It was so bad last time that the poor things had feathers sticking to their beak. She moved out of her parents house a year ago into an apartment for college, and that is when the trouble began. It's an older apartment (with older duct work) so I'm thinking that may have something to do with it. I'm hoping someone on this site can tell me whether purchasing a air purifier is a good idea and maybe give me an idea on what direction to go for that. Thanks again for your comments. :)

[PlaxMacaws]

Thanks for the welcome. No ma'am, I'm not allergic. It's actually the birds that are getting runny noses. My girlfriend routinely takes them to the vet for nasal flushings. It was so bad last time that the poor things had feathers sticking to their beak. She moved out of her parents house a year ago into an apartment for college, and that is when the trouble began. It's an older apartment (with older duct work) so I'm thinking that may have something to do with it. I'm hoping someone on this site can tell me whether purchasing a air purifier is a good idea and maybe give me an idea on what direction to go for that. Thanks again for your comments. :)Hi Bryan. Welcome to Precisely Parrots.

Are you sure that the sticky discharge is coming strictly from their nares and not the aftermath of perpetual vomiting? Do you ever notice them bobbing their heads in a pumping motion? If they have been repeatedly purging this sticky substance from their crops, it may be a sign of a digestive tract infection. One of those that budgies are particularly vulnerable to is called Avian Gastric Yeast (or AGY). Please have a look at the following thread: [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]

I'm not saying that's what's likely to be behind the discharged substance. I'm merely saying that it would perhaps be a good thing to rule out with a test.

Best of luck... and please keep us updated.

[Lady]

I found this article online maybe it will help IDK...[Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks]
So the avian vet is doing the flushing.....what was the diagnosis....how long will this treatment last and didn't the vet give you any indication of what could be the cause or how to combat it?

[PlaxMacaws]

Alice: the article link you've posted raises an important question for Bryan: Are these budgies sneezing beyond what's considered a normal rate during a 24-hour period (i.e., on average once or twice per day)? If it's a respiratory infection, frequent sneezing may well be a symptom. If it's a digestive tract infection and the discharged matter has been washing over the entire facial area, then increased sneezing activity may or may not be apparent.

[Bryan Fair]

Thanks for all of the comments. It is definitely not vomit that is coming out of their noses. When she went to the vet, they also confirmed that the problem wasn't a result of a bacteria. So that means that it was the result of a fungus. So I think something in the house or ductwork is causing the birds poor health. Thoughts?

[Dragonlady2]

I would definitely look at getting an air purifier and specifically one with a heppa filter and no ionization. In the US, I believe a lot of people buy Rabbit air purifiers. There may be others that will do the job as well. Does your vet recommend anything to address the issue?

[Quakerella]

Good advice Helena, air purifiers can do wonders. I use one all the time. I am wondering if there is something the birds may be allergic to. Sounds funny but I am sure it could be possible. Perfumes, certain foods maybe, not sure just a thought

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Aerosols and cleaning products are more things to be aware of. After Casper was ill due to being accidentally sprayed with something unsuitable whilst his cage was being cleaned (when we first had him come to live with us and were complete novices) the vet recommended F10 for cage cleaning which is bird safe.
He spent a week at the vets having nebulisers and stuff. The vet said he knew when Casper was feeling better because when he went in to see how Casper was one morning he was greeted by Casper saying "Can I help you" which he must have picked up from listening to the practice receptionist.

[Bryan Fair]

Quakerella, would you be able to tell me what air filter you are using, as in the specific brand? One of the birds recently passed away, and lately she has been noticing mold and mildew around her older apartment. $100.00 may be the limit on what we can afford for an air filter.

Thank you all for the advice. Much appreciated.

[PlaxMacaws]

Bryan Fair: I'm truly sorry to hear that one of your birds passed away. Had it been sneezing or coughing much? I didn't notice an answer from you on that. How were its droppings? Did you rule out Aspergilliosis? Oh, and concerning your response to my last reply, AGY is NOT a bacterial infection... it's considered a fungal infection (yeast)- "megabacteria" is the false name that it became tagged with prior to proper analysis. Was there significant weight loss throughout your bird's illness period? Please be mindful that since various diseases (e.g., Aspergilliosis, AGY, etc.) may negatively impact the immune system, they can make a bird more vulnerable to secondary infections (both bacterial and viral). As such, is it possible that the sinus condition was secondary to another illness? Did the vet do a fecal smear analysis prior to your bird's death? Will you have a necropsy done? It may be a very good idea.

[Quakerella]

Bryan I am so very sorry to hear this. I agree with tony about getting the necropsy done. It will give you an idea whether it was something in the environment and it will help to keep your other birds and yourself healthy.

I use a Bionaire with a HEPA filter and no Ionizer. It works great for me as I have asthma. As for the mold you need to get rid of this first. Dampness and lack of air circulation is the biggest cause. Bleach and a good scrubbing will usually kill it; make sure you wear a mask.

[Lady]

Aww Bryan I too am sorry to hear of the loss of one of your girlfriends parakeets.
I searched the internet for a natural fungus cleaner and this is a link to the result I liked. [Users must be registered and logged in to view attached photos or hyperlinks] I did NOT research these suggestions so please be vigilant and make sure any advice given is safe for your pets and you. I know vinegar is safe as well as baking soda on their own. I do not know how they might affect the surface you will be using them on.
I worry about you using bleach as it is not a good choice around birds and like Quakerella stated you even should use a mask should you guys choose to use it.