He had already had a treatment with antibiotics at the end of September but still seemed to have nasal discharge. The vet took a sample of the discharge and then flushed his sinuses. So much crud came out. One side was totally blocked. My poor Liberty probably had a painful headache if birds can feel headaches.

The vet actually showed me what she was seeing in his discharge–both bacteria and YEAST. More YEAST than bacteria. She now has him on an antibiotic, a antifungal, nose drops, and twice a week sinus flushes. Sure seems like a lot for a cockatiel to have to go through.

Jupiter has to be treated too since they spend so much time together and preen each other. He doesn’t have to have nose drops this time. I can see it happening in the future.

The vet said cockatiels often have allergy problems that lead to sinus infections. It is sad to say but we share the same problems in the fall. Makes me wonder if his is an allergic response to the mold that is so common in the fall.

Finding a good vet is imperative when you have birds. Being prepared to pay for necessary treatment is a necessary part of being a pet bird owner. Makes me cry to think of the sick birds that never get treated and wind up with a shortened lifespan because of it.

If I remember in the morning, I’m going to try to soak each bird. Then they can get rid of those itchy feather sheaths. I know Jubilee, Venus ad Jupiter will enjoy the shower. Liberty is very opposed to such things but occasionally, surprises me and slowly spreads out his wings for at least a heavy misting.

Liberty actually hissed at me when I offered my hand to him to move him to his own cage. This behavior has me thinking they are wanting to “nest” again. I’ll be asking on one of the email groups on what to do. I’m thinking of removing both Jupiter’s sleeping shelf and his Coconut hut. Sometimes it is really hard to figure out how to manage birds and eliminate unwanted behavior.

Does anyone reading this have suggestions. If so, please post a comment.