itchy sneezy green cheek

[Brisch]

My 5 month old cinnamon green cheek has been very itchy the last little while. He is in the middle of a molt, he has lot of little pin feathers. He takes at least 2 baths a week (hes discovered the cats water dish). He is eating and drinking normally, and pooing normally. He hasnt lost any weight and hasnt lost any energy, but he does sneeze once in a while. He sneezed on me the other day and a little colorless discharge did come out, he doesnt have a runny nose or a build up of discharge. He does like to scratch his nose as well. I am worried he might have an upper respitory infection, but I have also read this may be caused by molting. He eats seed/pellet mix, gets millet, and fresh fruit, and steals whatever he can while your eating. I have also noticed he gets espeacially itchy when hes around the cat. Is it possible that he is allergic to the cat? Any suggestions or info is much appreciated, I am a new bird owner and just want him to be healthy and happy

 

[paulhanlon]

OK for the itchyness the little pins are new feathers coming in now the ones that are coming through on his head take the pin in between your finger and thumb and roll it until it turns to a powder just be careful as it could be a blood feather and you will hurt him and probs end up getting bitten and as for his sneezing it could be that the little guy has a cold or maybe he is having a reaction to something in your home I would recommend a visit to the vets to be on the safe side hope I have helped you with this problem.

 

[Alisana]

Have you got an air purifier? I would recommend one of those. They're used by people who have allergies to animal dander. It'll keep the level of dander down from both your cat (fur) and bird

I also agree with paulhanlon, a vet check is required. If it's a respiratory issue, it could become serious, so it's better to act early than later.

Let us know how you go.

 

[MissyMe83]

Yes, if he had some discharge I would think upper respiratory infection. Your vet can prescribe some meds that will clear that up. If it is an URI please be aware that they can become serious in a short time and can be deadly.

Good luck : )

 

[echoskybound]

Allergies sound very likely, although a vet would know best. A few months ago in the spring, I brought my conure to the vet because he was sneezing and itching his nares. I was concerned because there was clear discharge when he sneezed. The vet said that clear discharge is not a concern, it's a sign of allergies or just a normal productive sneeze, and he was having seasonal allergies. I got some air purifiers, and kept the window in his room closed so that the spring air couldn't get in, and that cleared it up.

You should, however, be concerned about colored discharge, because that's a sign of infection. Is the discharge kind of yellow/brown/green? If so, definitely take him to the vet right away.

 

[Brisch]

No its very clear, absolutely no color, and there isnt very much when he sneezes. Just enough that I noticed, I have him on ornacyn plus (general spectrum antibiotic) and I noticed today his poops are very runny. That to me is more concerning then the sneeze

 

[MollyGreenCheeks]

What is your response when he sneezes???? If you respond "bless you" or anything else, then he may just be sneezing to get the response out of you. Long story short, Molly did the same thing and everything I read was if they sneeze get them to a vet ASAP. Well I waited for a few weeks because there was occasionally clear discharge but no other symptoms. I finally got scared and took her to the AV and after blood and stool test showed she was in perfect health and it was determined that Molly was likely sneezing due to the molting dust and then continuing to sneeze due to my responses to the sneeze.

BTW, while molting they should either be sprayed or bathed daily. The water helps the molting process! I also recommend a quality air purifier!

Bottom line, if you are seriously concerned, make an AV appointment before something gets serious!

 

[Brisch]

Ok, the runny poop seemed to be due to the amount of orange he ate, he only sneezes maybe once a day if that. He is eating, playing, growling at my cat. He is molting and I do say bless you when he sneezes, I just wanted personal opinions on if he sounded sick or just seasonal allergies/molting dusts. Thank you for everyones help, and I will keep you all updated.

 

[MollyGreenCheeks]

Ok, the runny poop seemed to be due to the amount of orange he ate, he only sneezes maybe once a day if that. He is eating, playing, growling at my cat. He is molting and I do say bless you when he sneezes, I just wanted personal opinions on if he sounded sick or just seasonal allergies/molting dusts. Thank you for everyones help, and I will keep you all updated.

Keep in mind that the food he eats will result in different poop colors and consistencies. Grapes and apples, for instance, result in watery poops (and messy carpet).