african grey runny nose

Question
QUESTION: i bought my grey in november ihad lost a grey after 20 years. So this problem is new to me. he has has had a runny nose from day one, but he is very fit healthy and generally a real live wire. but i did take him to anavian vet where he had acouple of doses of antibiotics but made no differnce. I was told to give him B S P drops wich work if given in a syringe but only for a day or so, I am frightened to give him too much in case of overdose, any other ideas i would be greatful.

ANSWER:  How old is he?

Is this discharge clear? Is he sneezing too?

Do you have days without any discharge?

Are there any other animals in the house?

How about carpeting?  

Let me know about these things so I can better help you ok?

You're doing a very good job so far.

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

QUESTION: 8 months
there are days without discharge
no other animals
had this problem since day one
seller less than interested vet suggested returning to seller, but i think he would not last long if I did so!

Answer
I hope you keep him, it sounds like he needs some real love.

It's not unusual to see clear nasal discharge in birds like this, especially at this time of year.  One of my in house macaws has the same problem twice a year, every year.  It's allergies, and while much more common in macaws, it's known to happen in other birds like your little one.

 As long as the discharge is clear, the bird continues to eat normally, droppings are normal (see my site for an outline of what's normal ) and the bird isn't fluffing, staying at the bottom of the cage, acting lethargic/overly sleepy, losing balance, falling, etc., you will probably see this resolve over the next couple to few weeks.

I've found that a helpful way to speed it up is daily vacuuming.  Many times they're not only allergic to the pollens and dust in the air, but in my macaw's case, she's allergic to herself!  Her own molting triggers the allergy.  

 Chances are that he didn't come from the best kept environment which would explain the condition from the onset.  

 It's time to find a new vet too.   Seriously - I'd like to see a genetic test done to not only give you the sex, but a PBFD DNA check done (at the very least).  You can have this done yourself with Avian Bio Tech if you're comfortable clipping a nail close enough to get a couple droplets of blood, but I'd much rather you get a vet you can rely on.

Please keep me updated

My site:   www.4AnimalCare.org