Cockatiels are very sensitive creatures having a very sensitive respiratory system. Due to a weak respiratory system, sneezing starts in cockatiels. About 40% of cockatiels are more exposed to infections due to sneezing. There are two main types of sneezing. Wet sneezing is quite harmful for cockatiel species. This type of sneeze in which moisture produce is normal. The sneeze in which mucus produce is harmful for cockatiels as well as for birds.
According to Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, they are very smart and healthy birds. This book is excellent for cockatiel owners to seek knowledge. It is about health related issues of cockatiels. This book covers detail on injuries of cockatiels.
In this article I will tell you:
- Symptoms of sneezing in cockatiels,
- 7 reasons of sneezing of cockatiels,
- What kinds of sneeze cockatiels have?
- How can I prevent excessive sneezing of my cockatiel?
- Frequently asked questions.
Let’s start without wasting time!
Fun Facts
As a cockatiel caretaker, I will tell you some catchy fun facts about sneezing of cockatiels.
Keep hovering!
- Cockatiels feather serves as a storm of dust. The powdery substance produced in feathers irritates them and sneezing starts.
- If a cockatiel lives in dry air then it will lead to sneezing. Humidifiers are suitable for cockatiel living in dry environments.
- Cockatiels are prone to allergies. Strong odors cause allergies in them and sneezing starts immediately.
- Suffering from deficiency of vitamin A will lead to issues including frequent sneezing.
- Sneezing is the symbol of illness or any severe health issue in cockatiels.
Symptoms of Sneezing in Cockatiels
As a cockatiel owner for 8 years, I will tell you signs and symptoms of sneezing in cockatiels.
- Running nose
- Change in voice
- Running water from eyes
- Fluffing of wings
- Swelling around eyes
- Unable to sit on perch
- Lethargy
- Vomiting
- Very loud sneezing
- Difficulty in breathing
- Wagging of tail
- Nasal congestion
Why Do Cockatiels Sneeze? 7 Reasons!
Sneezing is not an illness. But, sometimes, its results are serious. Sneezing occurs due to reasons like allergies, infection, dust particles, strong odors etc. As a cockatiel owner for 8 years, here I will tell you 7 major reasons why cocktails sneeze.
Dust Particles
Cocktails are dusty birds. Their feathers have keratin in which dust particles are present. After the feathers development, keratin sheds off. It forms dust. Preening and flapping of wings also produces dust. When cockatiels inhale this dust, sneezing immediately starts.
Chemical Usage
As you know that cockatiels have sensitive respiratory system. They are sensitive to various perfumes, chemicals, scents, odors etc. Frequent use of hair spray, air fresheners, perfumes etc, will lead to sneezing.
Bad Air Quality
If your cockatiel lives in a dry air over long period of time, then there is more chances that sneezing stars. Air conditioners, dry air and change in body temperature affect the nasal passage. As a result sneezing starts. If there is less air circulation near the cage, then it immediately starts sneezing.
Stucking of Food
Sometimes, small particles of food stuck in nasal passage. It will irritate cockatiel and sneezing stars. As an owner, if you don’t remove that food particles by your own, then it is better to keep your cockatiel to the vet.
Food Allergies
Birds are sensitive to allergies. There are few food items after which allergic reactions appear in cockatiels. They start sneezing. So, it is better to avoid these foods with cockatiels.
Respiratory Disease
Cockatiels are prone to respiratory diseases. Due to respiratory diseases, sneezing starts in cockatiels. Most cockatiels come under the effect of Chlamydophilosis. It is a contagious infection and respiratory disease that names psittacosis. The symptoms are loss of appetite, shivering, running nose, sneezing etc.
Vitamin A Deficiency
Vitamin A is important for cockatiels. It is helpful in producing mucus that reduces sneezing. You should add food to cockatiels that are rich in vitamin A. If symptom like nasal discharge appears, then it shows lacking of vitamin A.
What Kind of Sneezes Do Cockatiels Have?
As a cocktail owner for 8 years, I will observe two types of sneezes in my cutie pie.
Dry sneeze: It is the sneeze in which there is no nasal discharge. It occurs due to dryness and dust particles in the air and the environment. Sometimes, dry sneezing occurs due to allergic reactions or viral infections. It is harmless for cockatiels and occurs rarely.
Wet sneezing: Cockatiels have nasal discharge. This type of sneezing names wet sneezing. This type of sneezing occurs due to infection in the respiratory tract. It is harmful for cockatiels.
How Can I Prevent Excessive Sneezing?
As a cockatiel owner, should be avoid home remedies to cockatiels. It is better to consult a veterinary doctor to examine the cockatiel sneezing. If sneezing occurs due to any infection, you cannot treat it at home. It requires treatment through any specialist or veterinary doctor.
After the proper check up, it means that the cocktail is safe and there is no need to worry about it. As a cockatiel owner, you should reduce cockatiel sneezing through the following tips.
- You should clean the cage of the cocktail on a daily basis without using any toxic cleaner.
- You should not use any perfume, strong odor, or air freshener near your cocktail.
- The diet that contains vitamin A should be fat to the cockatiels.
- Warm water baths are helpful in reducing the sneeze of cocktails.
- Air purifiers should be used in cockatiels’ cages.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Do Cockatiel Bites Feet?
If you see that your cockatiel starts biting its feet, then it is a sign that it has any disorder or allergy. It is better to consult a vet to know disease from which cockatiel is suffering.
Could Environmental Factors Be Causing Cockatiel to Sneeze?
Yes, environmental factors are responsible for cockatiels to sneeze. Smoke, dust, perfumes, odors, smell of cleaners are responsible for cockatiels bad health. Because, it affect the respiratory tract of cockatiels and irritate them.
To overcome this situation, it is better that the environment should be clean. Avoid strong smells near your cockatiel. If your cockatiels’ environment is dry, then it is better to use a humidifier to keep humidity. It is helpful in reducing the sneezing of cockatiels.
Why Do Cockatiels Sneezing During Night?
Cockatiels start sneezing during night due to dusty cage. Environmental factors like strong scents and smoke also lead to sneezing in cockatiels during night. As an owner, make sure that the cage is clean and properly humid.
Is Cockatiel Sneezing due to Flu?
Yes, cockatiel may start sneezing due to flu. Basically, it is due to allergens, irritants, strong odors and dry air. Symptoms of sneezing due to flu includes nasal discharge, loss of appetite and lethargy. If these symptoms prolonged, then consult a vet.
Final Thoughts
Sneezing is the natural body function of cockatiels. It is normal, but sometimes it is alarming situation. It affects the respiratory tract of cockatiels. If your cocktail has dry sneeze, it is natural not an alarming situation. Symptom like nasal congestion, running nose, loss of weight etc, shows consult of a vet. Keep an eye on your cockatiel to prevent it from any serious health issue.
If you have any queries, text me in the comment box, I will reply to you soon. Thanks for reading!
Thanks for reading!
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I’m Amna, and I absolutely adore birds, especially parrots. I’ve been immersed in the world of these colorful feathered friends for over 10 years. While I’m not a bird doctor, I’ve gathered a wealth of knowledge on how to care for and understand them.
My experiences extend to various bird species like parrots, macaws, cockatoos, canaries, and finches. In addition to my personal adventures with birds, I’ve dedicated time to volunteering at a local bird rehabilitation center.
My true passion lies in sharing what I know about parrots and birds with you. Through my articles, I aim to share the information you need to provide the very best care for your avian companions. So, let’s embark on this journey together and make your feathered friends’ lives as joyful and healthy as possible!