Path: utzoo!utgpu!jarvis.csri.toronto.edu!rutgers!ukma!tut.cis.ohio-state.edu!uccba!uceng!lbechtle
From: lbechtle@uceng.UC.EDU (laurie bechtler)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: parakeet question
Keywords: is this normal?
Message-ID: <1211@uceng.UC.EDU>
Date: 19 Jun 89 00:56:40 GMT
Organization: Univ. of Cincinnati, College of Engg.
Lines: 17

I have a question about the cere (is that the right word for the 
"nose"?).  My 5-yr-old male parakeet always had a bright blue
cere, then some 6 months ago it started turning dull, brownish,
and flaky.  But he was as alert and active as ever, and I could
not find much mention of this in books from the library, plus I
couldn't afford vet bills unless absolutely necessary, so I 
decided to let it go.  I thought it might be related to aging.
Now the brown stuff is almost completely gone all of a sudden,
and it's bright blue again.  Was Mickey sick and I didn't realize
it?  Or is the cere color not significant?

    Also, he seems to scratch his head a lot.  I have two different
mite sprays that I use on him and the cage every six weeks or so.
It seems to help but then he starts scratching again.  Do most
people spray their birds regularly?

Thanks...Laurie Bechtler