Keep your pet safe and healthy by understanding the underlying cause of your cockatiel sneezing. Read on to find out potential reasons and solutions!
Everyone loves their birds’ cute little personality traits and quirks. And when your ‘wittle baby lets out a sneeze, it is always so adorable!
But all may not be hunky dory behind that sneeze. Like all birds, cockatiels can be prone to certain health issues that might cause sneezing.
In this article, I will discuss the various reasons why a cockatiel may sneeze and provide tips on what you can do to help alleviate their symptoms and keep them healthy.
Why Is My Cockatiel Sneezing?
Cockatiels can sneeze due to various reasons, including respiratory disease, allergies, dust or debris, a foreign body stuck in their respiratory tract, and sinus infections.
Below are the two main types of sneezes you will encounter and what to expect.
Dry Sneeze
By a “dry sneeze,” I mean one that is not accompanied by any discharge from the nares (nostrils).
This type of sneeze can be caused by dryness or an irritant in the respiratory tract, such as dust or pollen.
An allergic reaction or a viral infection can also be the reason behind it (I cover all this in detail later, don’t worry).
A dry sneeze can be a harmless, occasional occurrence.
But it’s important to consult an avian vet if your cockatiel has frequent sneezing, and/or is showing other clinical signs of illness, or if the sneezing persists for more than a few days.
Wet Sneeze
When I say “wet sneeze,” I mean one that is accompanied by some form of nasal discharge, such as clear or cloudy fluid or pus.
This type of sneeze can be a symptom of a respiratory infection, such as pneumonia or bronchitis, which bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause.
Sinus infections or other upper respiratory tract infections can also cause wet sneezing.
Now that I have covered the two basic types let me take on a few specific cases that happen at times.
Cockatiel Sneezing And Blood Coming Out: Possible Reasons?
Blood, in any form or reason, is always a sign of a bigger problem. Here are some things that might be going wrong in your little bird’s body:
Sneezing with blood can signify trauma to the head or beak, such as because of a fall, a fight with another bird, or hitting its head somewhere.
It can also be a tumorous growth in the respiratory tract or nasal passages.
Another reason behind blood can be polyps, which are basically benign tumors that can occur in the nasal passages.
There is a chance your pet bird has an advanced respiratory tract infection, such as pneumonia, bacteria, viruses, or fungal infection.
Sneezing with blood can also be a sign of a hemorrhage.
Cockatiel Sneezing Fit: Reasons For Sneezing Continuously?
Cockatiels may experience sudden and acute sneezing fits that various environmental triggers can cause.
Poor air quality, such as airborne allergens or cigarette smoke, can irritate the bird’s respiratory system and lead to coughing and sneezing.
It is also possible for cockatiels to have an inherited or acquired immune-mediated condition known as “asthma,” which can further exacerbate this response.
Due to their small size and complex anatomy, cockatiels risk developing a respiratory infection when exposed to dust, smog, pesticides, smoke, and other environmental pollutants.
Stress from an overcrowded cage or unfamiliar surroundings can also cause a sneezing fit.
Cockatiel Sneezing After Getting Wet: Reasons?
After a cockatiel has been exposed to water, sneezing can occur due to respiratory system irritation brought on by the humidity and sudden change in temperature.
Common symptoms of this type of infection may include panting, clogged nares/nasal drainage, discharge from the eyes or mouth, and decreased appetite.
If your cockatiel is sneezing after getting wet, it is important to consult an avian veterinarian immediately.
They will be able to conduct diagnostic tests and treat any underlying medical conditions that may be causing their discomfort, as well as prescribe proper post-wetting care techniques.
Why is My Cockatiel Sneezing at Night?
Cockatiels, like humans, may experience sneezing fits at night.
This can be caused by several different causes, such as respiratory infections, allergies, or even anxiety if the bird is in an unfamiliar environment.
If your cockatiel experiences sneezing fits at night, it is important to ensure the bird is not exposed to irritating irritants such as dust, pollen, or chemicals.
This could trigger symptoms of respiratory distress.
In addition, the air temperature around the bird should be appropriate for it. Cockatiels are comfortable at around 50 – 70 F, so please keep your room temperature in this range.
Extreme temperatures can lead to increased sneezing at night.
Cockatiel Sneezing After Drinking Water?
Cockatiels can occasionally experience sneezing after drinking water due to various causes.
It can happen either due to an allergy or some problem with the water itself.
If the water has something that your bird is allergic to, such as chlorine or other chemicals, then this could result in a sneezing fit immediately afterward.
However, it is important to note cockatiels are also particularly susceptible to respiratory problems and infections.
Bird owners should be aware of underlying health issues that could lead to chronic sneezing.
This could include sinusitis, aspergillosis, or even bacterial infections.
How to Figure Out The Reason Why Your Cockatiel Is Sneezing?
Knowing if your cockatiel is sneezing due to dust or illness is important.
If it appears that an illness is causing sneezing, take your cockatiel to a veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
Alternatively, if it seems your bird is sneezing due to dust or debris, you should look at the cockatiel’s cage, feeding bowl, bedding, and the general area around the room.
Ensuring adequate ventilation can help reduce dust and other airborne irritants.
Finally, cleaning the bird’s cage regularly with mild soap may help remove excess dirt and grime from the inside of its enclosure.
Cockatiel Sneezed on Me: Should I Be Worried?
Well, no, if I were sneezed on by a cockatiel, I would probably not be worried
As long as the bird is healthy and has no obvious signs of illness, then contact with its saliva and dander should not be a concern for its owner.
However, contact with wild or unknown birds may represent an increased risk of potential zoonotic diseases such as salmonellosis or psittacosis
Extra caution should be taken when interacting with birds that you have just brought home or have stayed out in the wild for a long time.
If you have recently got home a pet cockatiel from an unknown source, or it is displaying signs of ill health even before the sneeze, it may be wise to consult a veterinarian.
How To Prevent Excessive Sneezing in Cockatiels?
You will need to go about it in two ways: keep your bird healthy, and make its surroundings clean.
Keeping the environment clean means don’t smoke in the room where your bird is in.
If you have a kitchen set up in the next room, please close the door when you are making food.
Clean the bird’s cage ad remove all feathers, dust, and debris regularly.
Get an air filter, if possible, with HEPA filtration.
While cockatiels like being in the company of their brethren, let them interact with their friends during playtime. Don’t put more than one in a single cage.
A high-quality diet with seed mixes, pellets, fresh fruits, veggies, and the occasional treat will go a long way.
Cockatiels need a lot of clean water and regular exercise. Out-of-cage time is very important for them.
Lastly, while the birds love to preen themselves, you should also chip in with regular baths or misting with a spray bottle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What to do if your cockatiel sneezes?
If your cockatiel sneezes occasionally, it is likely not a cause for concern.
However, if your cockatiel is sneezing frequently or showing other signs of illness, it’s important to take your bird to a veterinarian experienced in avian medicine.
How do I stop my bird from sneezing?
It’s not always possible to completely stop a bird from sneezing, as it can just be a normal bodily function for the bird.
Steps you can take include keeping the environment clean, minimizing dust, providing fresh water, controlling humidity, avoiding smoking and strong odors, and keeping your bird healthy.
How do you clean a cockatiel’s nose?
Cleaning a cockatiel’s nose is an important part of avian wellness care.
First, use distilled water and a non-toxic cloth or cotton ball dampened with the water to gently clean the bird’s beak, including around the cere, daily.
Place a shallow bowl filled with warm (not hot) water in the cage for your bird to enjoy dipping their head in and cleaning itself naturally.
What are the symptoms of cold in a cockatiel?
Cockatiels suffering from a cold will exhibit physical symptoms that may include watery eyes, runny nose, coughing, sneezing, and general lethargy.
Decreased appetite and fluffed feathers are also common due to the chilliness of their bodies.
How do you treat respiratory infections in birds?
To start with, you first need a diagnosis of the problem (viral, bacterial or fungal). For bacterial infections, antibiotics will likely be given.
Respiratory showers can also be advised to dissipate mucus and better airflow within the lungs.
Vitamin A supplementation is also crucial to help the bird’s immune system and reduce inflammation.
Finally, preserving your pet bird’s environment free from irritants, dust mites, and tobacco smoke can help in reducing the risk of further respiratory illnesses.
Wrap Up
Cockatiels can sneeze for various reasons, such as respiratory infections, allergies, dust or debris, foreign objects, and sinus infections.
Sneezing with blood can be caused by trauma, tumors, polyps, infections, and hemorrhage.
Cockatiels may also experience sudden and acute sneezing fits due to environmental triggers such as poor air quality or stress or after getting wet.
It is important to consult an avian veterinarian if the sneezing persists or is accompanied by other symptoms.
With proper care and precaution, you can ensure your pet cockatiel is safe and healthy. I hope you found this article helpful.
