My Bird Is Sneezing:
When Should You See a Vet?
Here is how urgent it usually is, what may be causing it, and what to do next.
Your bird is sneezing more than usual?
An occasional sneeze is normal for birds, but frequent sneezing, nasal discharge or wet feathers around the nostrils may point to a respiratory problem. Please contact us today.
- Your bird is breathing with its mouth open or its tail bobbing
- Your bird is sitting fluffed up or on the cage floor
- Your bird is making clicking or wheezing sounds
- Your bird has stopped eating
- There is swelling around your bird's eyes
Closed on Tuesday
ExoCare is not a 24-hour hospital. Outside these hours, please contact the nearest 24-hour veterinary hospital.
What to do in an emergencyBird Sneezing
Why it matters
Birds have a delicate breathing system that reaches into air sacs throughout the body. A problem that starts in the nose can spread further if it is not treated.
Common causes
- Respiratory infection
- Dust, smoke or strong scents in the home
- Low vitamin A from a seed-heavy diet
- Something stuck in the nostril
- Fungal infection
Signs that often come with it
- Sneezing many times a day
- Discharge or crusting at the nostrils
- Wet or stained feathers above the beak
- Swelling around the eyes
- Changes in voice
What to do now
- Keep your bird away from smoke, sprays and scented products
- Note how often it sneezes, and record a short video
- Contact us today
Some sneezing is normal. Birds sneeze now and then to clear dust. It is how often it happens, and whether there is discharge or other signs, that tells us if it is a problem.
What to Bring to Your Visit?
A covered travel cageA small cage, partly covered to keep your bird calm.
A sneezing videoA short video helps us hear and see the problem.
Diet detailsWhat your bird eats, especially if it is mostly seed.
Other birdsTell us about any other birds at home.
Home changesAny new scents, cleaning products, smoke or building work.
Medicines givenAny medicines or supplements your bird has had.
Dr. Asma Fariha
Veterinary Surgeon · MVC Reg. No. 3362
Dr. Asma monitors valve disease over time, because staging is what determines when treatment should begin.
What People Say
Frequently Asked Questions
An occasional sneeze is normal. Frequent sneezing, or sneezing with discharge, is worth a vet check.
Common causes include respiratory infection, dust or smoke, and low vitamin A from a seed-heavy diet. An examination is needed to find the cause.
A seed-only diet can be low in vitamin A, which affects the lining of the airways. We can advise on a balanced diet for your species.
Bring your bird in a small covered travel cage, a video of the sneezing, details of its diet and a note of any other birds at home.
Some infections can spread between birds. Keep a sneezing bird apart from others until it has been checked.
Please avoid scented products, sprays and smoke near birds, as their airways are sensitive. Ask us before changing the room set-up.