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James Harris, DVM

Many possible reasons for "nose" bleed

I found two drops of blood on the table where my Nanday conure’s cage is and also a small amount of blood in his nostril. After I gave him his bath, the nostril was clean. But now, a few hours later, there is a trace of blood in his nostril again.

It is kind of dry in our house. My husband and son both had bloody noses today also. I started the humidifier, but want to know if this is a sign of illness in my bird or just a bloody nose from dryness. He's acting completely normal. Thank you so much for your time.

--Sherry Pitman


Like humans, birds can get nosebleeds. If the air is dry enough, the lining of the nasal passages can dry, crack and bleed.

However, more often a bloody nostril in a bird is the result of trauma - some birds seem to enjoy picking their nares (bird nostrils) with a toe nail - or a symptom of infection, an infestation of mites, or even a tumor. If the bleeding continues, make sure your conure sees a vet.

Dr. James Harris James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.

ParrotChronicles.com. Copyright 2010. All rights reserved.


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