Cockatiels are popular pets and it’s easy to see why: They are cute, friendly, and intelligent. If you have a pet cockatiel, you already know that their bright personality keeps you and your family entertained. But what if your cockatiel starts sneezing? Should you be worried?
The good news is that as long as the sneezing is dry (not producing mucus or moisture) and doesn’t occur continuously, your bird is probably just fine. However, there are certain situations where a sneezing cockatiel can be cause for concern. Read on to learn more about why your bird is sneezing, what you can do to help, and when you should worry.
Common Causes of Cockatiel Sneezing
Cockatiel sneezing is fairly common. Their feathers tend to produce a more powdery residue than many other birds. Some of the powder can get into their nose and make them sneeze. There are other causes of sneezing, however, that can be the result of their environment, diet, or care. These include:
As you can see, some of these causes are more worrisome than others. It is important to monitor your cockatiel’s sneezes for any changes in mucus production, intensity, or frequency.
What to Do When Your Cockatiel Sneezes
You may not even realize that your cockatiel is sneezing if you aren’t paying close attention. They are small birds and their sneezes are not very loud. However, an attentive pet parent should be able to tell if their bird is acting differently.
If you notice a dry sneeze from your cockatiel, you should evaluate their environment. While it may simply be a sneeze from their feather powder, an environmental issue might also be part of the problem.
For example, if you are using aerosol cleaning products in your home, this can cause irritation or allergies in your cockatiel. The same can be true if you use harsh cleaning products to clean out the birdcage. You should only use gentle cleansers, like vinegar, on the cage to prevent irritation of your bird’s respiratory system.
Indoor smoking, dry air, and too much dust are also frequent culprits. You should make sure the air around your bird is as clean as possible. Run an air purifier in the room the bird is kept in to determine if any of these environmental contaminants are problems.
You can also help ensure that your bird is healthy by feeding them a well-balanced diet. Many bird owners only give their pets seeds, which do not have enough of the many vitamins and minerals that birds need, including vitamin A. Offering a balanced diet of bird pellets, seeds, fruits, and vegetables will help keep your cockatiel free from respiratory distress caused by malnutrition.
When to Worry About Sneezing
While an occasional dry sneeze is nothing to worry about, there are several situations when you should be concerned about a cockatiel’s sneezing. If your bird is exhibiting any of the following behaviors or signs, you should contact your veterinarian:
Cockatiels are generally healthy birds, but when something goes wrong, you need a resource you can trust. We recommend The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, an excellent illustrated guide available on Amazon.
This detailed book can help you care for your cockatiel through injuries and illnesses, and it also offers helpful tips on keeping your bird happy and healthy. You’ll also find information on everything from color mutations to safe housing, feeding, and breeding.
Related read: Why Is My Parrot Sneezing?
Final Thoughts
An occasional dry sneeze from your cockatiel is nothing to worry about. However, if it is accompanied by other issues or becomes more frequent, you should have your veterinarian check them out. This will give you peace of mind and ensure that your bird has a long, healthy life.
You may also be interested in:
- 33 Snakes Found in Texas (With Pictures)
- Why Is My Guinea Pig Sneezing? Our Vet Explains the Common Reasons & FAQ
Featured Image Credit by: Pixabay
