Yes, parakeets sneeze! And the reason they sneeze is the same reason you do. The sneeze could be due to an illness, dust, or simply dry air and lack of humidity.
In this post, we will answer all of your questions about your bird sneezing and try to provide as much information on this matter as possible.
Why Do Parakeets Sneeze?
What does it mean when your parakeet sneezes? As mentioned above, it could mean one of five things:
1) Your Parakeet Is Ill
When a parakeet sneezes, it could be an indication that they are sick. They may have a virus, or a cold, and sneezing is actually one of the most common signs of these two illnesses in birds.
You may need to contact your local avian veterinarian to find out what the problem is and how you can help your parakeet recover. Be sure to have your parakeet first aid kit to hand so you can administer any treatment for less severe illnesses.
2) Your Parakeet Has Inhaled Dust
If where your parakeet's cage is located has become particularly dusty, they may sneeze as a result.
Check the area and try to dust it frequently while your clean the cage each week.
You should move your parakeet's cage to a different location while you dust so that the stirred-up dust doesn't aggravate it.
3) Your Parakeet Is Suffering From Low Humidity
If your parakeets' cage is located in an area that doesn't have much humidity, they could be getting dehydrated. You might need to get a humidifier to mist the air in the area.
While this is a temporary solution, it can help your parakeet breathe keep its cage humid enough.
4) A Draft In The Air
Keeping your parakeet too close to drafts from an open window, or door could cause it to sneeze. Parakeets are sensitive to drafts because they can irritate their sinuses. A good way to help shield your parakeet from drafty areas is by placing a cover over the cage during the day and night when necessary or just using an extra blanket at home in the winter months.
5) Inhalation Of Chemicals
Air fresheners, scented candles, deodorants or body sprays, and other household chemicals can be harmful to your parakeet and cause it to sneeze due to irritation.
Do your best to keep these items away from the parakeet's cage at all times and do not use them in proximity to your bird.
How Do Parakeets Sneeze?
What do parakeets do when they sneeze? When a parakeet sneezes, it will usually tilt its head back in a “head-jerking” motion before opening its beak wide, pressing the inside of it against the closed entrance into its nasal cavity and forcefully expelling air, just like humans do!
Is It OK If My Bird Sneezes?
It is generally OK if your bird sneezes and is easily rectified if the cause of the sneeze is dry air or dust. However, if the sneeze is a result of an unidentified virus or illness, then it is hard to say if it is OK.
It could be a major thing or a minor thing; the only way to confirm is by visiting your local avian veterinarian.
Monitoring Your Parakeet's Wellness
Generally, it is very important to monitor your parakeets' well-being and to be aware of the first signs of illness if critical. Although a sneeze likely indicates something minor, it is always best to monitor this along with changes in behavior for signs of illness.
More often than not, when a parakeet is ill, he will display multiple signs of illness at once rather than just one.
If you notice any of the following, it may be time to take your parakeet in for an examination and diagnosis:
- Sneezing more often
- Dozing off a lot earlier or later
- Loose stools that are watery or unusually greenish-brown in color
- Loss of appetite
- Change in weight or shape
- Difficulty breathing, including wheezing, coughing, and choking sounds.
Do not wait until your parakeet is displaying multiple signs before visiting an avian veterinarian! It could be a serious matter that needs to be looked at immediately! Do yourself and your parakeet a favor and head to the vet as soon as you notice something is wrong.
Feel free to save or pin this image as a reminder of what to look out for!
