Snot

[LaurenB]

I was just cuddling with Tiki, and as I was looking at her nostrils, a little snot bubble popped out of one. Then she picked her nose with her toe, and sneezed... And some mucus hit my face.

Tiki sneezes after baths, after playing in my hair, and sometimes just randomly. I've even felt a little bit of the spray before. But the snot bubble is new to me and makes me think there is more mucus in there then normal.

She's not displaying any other signs of illness.

Is a little bit of snot from time to time normal?

 

[Birdman666]

Nasal discharge is generally something I'd get checked by a vet.

Could be a sign of an infection.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Totally agree with Mark here. Occasional sneezing is one thing, sneezing a bit of water after a heavy duty bath is also quite normal, but a snot bubble is reason for concern, IMHO. It 'may' be nothing, but if your bird has a respiratory thing going on, and it remains untreated, then that can ultimately lead to serious problems.

 

[Scott]

I have never seen nasal discharge from a totally healthy bird, so please seek an avian specialist vet if you are able!

 

[LaurenB]

Since the one incident, I have not seen any other symptoms. Tiki is eating normally, pooping normally, and playing normally, with the exception of being a little monster because she has begun to molt.

My avian vet has not been in the office and won't be back until Monday. I tried another vet and made an appointment for Friday evening, after the incident. But then I didn't see any other symptoms. And I didn't want to drive her over an hour to this vet, that I don't know (whereas I know my vet and she is EXCELLENT), when she wasn't even displaying any symptoms. So I pushed the appointment back to Saturday morning in case she began to sneeze or have discharge again. By Saturday morning, she was still acting fine, so again I cancelled that appointment. I have an appointment for Monday morning still with my regular avian vet, in case she again shows symptoms between now and then. But I have to work tomorrow morning so....

I was able to e-mail my vet and she responded and told me to try misting her nares to wash anything out of her sinuses. If I see any other symptoms then I should bring her in.

I have a humidifier in her room right now, I've given her a bath every day so far, and I've been taking her into the bathroom for a few minutes at a time with a hot shower running. Due to having to work tomorrow, I think I'm going to make another appointment for my day off Thursday and take her then.

 

[Allee]

I'm happy to hear Tiki appears normal and isn't showing new symptoms. I think I would really watch her closely and keep the appointment on Thursday if you don't take her sooner.
Birds are really good at hiding illnesses.

 

[LaurenB]

Just wanted to update anyone on Tiki if you were curious...

I took her to the AV today, despite still not showing any more symptoms. The vet gave her a thorough check over and said she appears perfectly healthy. Lungs sound good, nares look normal, etc. She went ahead and did a sinus rinse (which Tiki did NOT appreciate) just in case and it came out perfectly clear.

I feel like maybe I over reacted and poor Tiki was put through a very uncomfortable exam. But I am so so relieved that she is okay!!