Hole in Parakeets Bridge

Question
QUESTION: I have 2 parakeets...4 years old...brothers...bred and purchased at local pet store.  They are usually happy, but the older bird (by a few days) has always been dominant, and is getting more and more aggressive.  Overnight, the younger and more docile parakeet developed a large hole where his right nostril is.  There is only a minor spot of drainage...could be blood.  I don't know if his brother got too rough, or if this is some sort of disease.  I have called 2 pet stores and 4 vets, but haven't gotten any clarification.  Please help.  My normally quiet little Francisco seems upset.

Also, they will only eat celery and lettuce (besides their seed), eventhough I've tried lots of other things.  Are they getting enough nutrition?  Should I give them a vitamin supplement?

ANSWER: Let's first stop feeding celery and lettuce. There is little nutritional values in these items, just water. Also, no vitamin supplements should be necessary in a balanced diet. If, by any chance, you really want to add vitamins, just be sure you never add it to their water supply, no matter what anyone tells you. Often these are suggestions by people selling a product or painfully ill informed about caged birds (even some vets can be unaware of proper avian care/treatment).

The hole you describe, is it that the nare ('nostril') has become bigger or gaping - or is there another area near it that looks like a hole?

Is the bird scratching himself there? Do you notice any signs of infection (is it very red or continuously oozing; is there pus, white, green or yellowish discharge?)

Finally, seed should only be about 20-25% of their diet. They should be on a pellet diet with regular feedings of fresh foods such as dark leafy vegetables (kale, mustard greens, beet tops and so on), melon, berries, beans, whole grains and so much more than just seed (which may shorten their life span and lead to fatty liver disease).

 Take a look at my site for more about the ideal way to feed them - and nothing's for sale, nothing's promoted - it's all free and complete information

 www.4AnimalCare.org (click on 'birds')

Let me know how it goes - and more about the area you're describing.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello.  I was away for the weekend, and when I returned, the other bird had a similar gape in his nostrum.  I also noticed they were both scratching...different from the preening they're doing right now in the middle of molting.  So I immediately called the pet store.  She thought they might have mites, and that's what is eating away at their flesh...also the reason for scratching.  She recommended the following, which I did:

1)  Remove birds from cage.
2)  Use a q-tip to apply a small amount of "Mites & Lice Bird & Cage Spray" to the nostrum area.
3)  Thoroughly clean and spray cage.  Then return bird.

They didn't like it much, but I did it, and they seem to be scratching less today, but there is no change to their nostrum areas.  I also gave a light spray to the cage again, with them in it, careful not to get it in their face.

I had a death in the family and have to leave again this weekend, so I'm concerned about leaving them while in this condition.  What should I do?  I love my boys so much.

Thank you.
ANSWER:  I'm sure the pet store clerk meant well, after all - they are in the business of sales; however, throw that product away and never waste a penny again on such things. These are actually potentially toxic products and quite often cause more harm than good.

If these guys actually have mites or lice (have they been outside or exposed to outdoor birds?) - a professional treatment is the only one to trust.  Since there are different types of mites and one med doesn't treat ALL of them, it's important to have the problem diagnosed.
 Honestly, problems that let go or tried to be treated at home often end up costing hundreds (even thousands) of dollars by the time a vet is seen.  I know this first hand from a rescued cockatiel I took in years ago. Because his owner refused to get him checked and treated, he ended up costing my rescue nearly $2,000 and sadly lost his life anyway.  If they treated him from the beginning it may have cost them $45.00 and he'd still be here.

 With this in mind, please-please have your companions seen.  Since you're going away for the weekend - consider boarding them with an avian vet who can do a diagnostic at their leisure AND give the birds a good, safe and caring place to be while you're gone.

 If you can't do this, at least have someone coming in daily to check on them at your home - change their water and refreshen their food - plus observe them for any complications.

Good luck with them, God bless.


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you so much for getting back to me quickly.  The birds have not been outside, so I assume you don't think the problem is mites.  I live in a rural community, and there are no bird vets, but I've been making phonecalls all day to find one in another town. I've arranged for a friend to take the birds while I'm away, and will continue to find some answers before I leave.  You and your team are great to be doing this!  Much appreciated.

Answer
"Mites" is one of the most popular 'diagnoses' made by pet store clerks, just as they mention the various products they happen to have at hand to treat it.

Consider:  The man on the corner was selling magic whistles that when blown just once a day would keep away fire breathing dragons.  One customer spoke up and said, 'but I've never seen a fire breathing dragon!', to which the man replied, "See how well it works?"

Birds MAY get mites, but it's just not that common, especially in a well kept household bird like yours.

 The problem may more likely be a yeast infection, but it really does have to be seen.  

 Let me know how you do.