My Parakeet is Sneezing

User Question
Hi Lisa, nice choice in favorite books!!!!! My name is cammie and I have been obsessed with parrots for along time. Today I brought home the sweetest budgie (Bug). I might already be a paranoid parent!!! I just saw Bug sneeze and clear droplets sprayed out. I know this is normal for dogs, cats exct... Iv'e just read so much about how birds hide illness. I bought Bug at Pet-Smart, and have heard that sometimes these places carry sick animals. He/she also seems to be breathing fast.(no weezing) this might be normal, I don't know iv'e never had a Budgie before. He/she could also just be a little freaked out, today is his first day home. If you could put my mind at ease I would be so thankful(may the spice be with you) tee-hee

Lisa's Answer
Yup I love Dune, you coulda named your parakeet Thopter or something :) They do hover pretty well ...

Yes, birds hide illnesses but sneezing isn't always an illness. It's just getting dust out of your nose a lot of the time. Parakeets have noses just like us humans do and especially if a bird moves into a new home there could be strange odors and aromas for it to get used to. I'd also imagine if your bird just moved in that it is probably a little nervous.

It's very common (and highly recommended) for new birds to go to a vet for a 'new bird checkup' to give them the once-over and make sure everything is OK with the tyke. It's best to get that first general checkup to make sure there isn't anything to be aware of or problems to work around. Just the same as if you have a new baby, a doctor looks it over to make sure it's all healthy and OK, or to let you know if there's a problem to work on. So that would help you out.

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