Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Has anyone ever heard of a parrot getting nasal allergies? If so, please let me know if you know of any treatments.

thanks, heidi

Do you have a cockatoo, cockatiel or african grey...? Macaws do tend to be allergic to dusty species of birds.
I would recommend a health check with an avian vet to make sure it isn`t a respiratory infection, as that can be life-threatening and to discuss all your options with your vet.

If you do own a dusty bird, I would move their cages as far apart as possible and run some air filters in the house. Spray the paper in the dusty bird`s cage with water before changing the paper to prevent dust from flying. Changing from carpet to tiled floors would cut down on a lot of dust. Bathing the dusty bird more frequently will also help.

Hi , Heidi,

Parrots can have definitely have allergies. However, are you seeing discharge? Does your parrot sneeze, and if so, how frequently? If you are seeing any kind of discharge or your macaw is sneezing several times within an hour or so, I would take him to a vet ASAP. Unfortunately, because birds are fairly hollow beings, they are particularly sensitive to inhaled substances in the environment. Are you using a fireplace? Burning candles? Using any type of scented potpourri-type products? Is there any smoking in the home? (or even outside?)

Parrots can get respiratory infections which can sometimes be a real pain to treat. Do you have an avian vet? I actually am fortunate enough to work for one. I can't diagnose anything for you, of course, but i just wonder what made you ask if they can have allergies. What symptoms are you seeing in your macaw?

I am interested to know,
amanda