External auditory meatus in my Quaker parakeet

[Vmax]

Hiccup, my sweet Quaker bird, was bathing and I noticed something odd near his ear opening. It’s red and the coverts are ruffled. He’s scratching it and shaking his head a bit. He’s eating and drinking and acting normally for the most part. Might this warrant a trip to the emergency vet clinic? Is there something I can do here at home? I’d rather take him to his vet, but am willing to take him to the vet ER.

 

[Shezbug]

This makes me automatically think of Blu and @CrazyBirdChick - they had some ear issues that took a while to sort out.
If he has a red ear I would have to assume it is either infected or inflamed so I do think it warrants a vet trip. Scratching and shaking his head makes me think it is irritating him.

 

[Vmax]

Thanks, @Shezbug. it’s been raining here so both birds have been a little more subdued in their routines. Is there anything I might have to ease the itchiness for him? I can tell it’s irritating him.

 

[Shezbug]

I'm sorry but I honestly have no idea how to treat an irritated ear on a bird without meds

I hope it is not too bothersome for Hiccup.

 

[Pixiebeak]

I think you can wait for your vet.
But definitely a vet as any infection in that location is more serious.
Can you share pictures? Can be wound, insects bite, feather cyst, or other cyst or infection.

Always Xtra warmth and Xtra food helps sick/injured birds. A radiant heat source like sweeter heater is my go to.

 

[Xoetix]

Doesn’t sound like an emergency vet trip, unless your regular vet can’t get you in within the next week or so.

 

[April]

This makes me automatically think of Blu and @CrazyBirdChick - they had some ear issues that took a while to sort out.
If he has a red ear I would have to assume it is either infected or inflamed so I do think it warrants a vet trip. Scratching and shaking his head makes me think it is irritating him.

Blu was my first thought as well. Hopefully Hiccup will be feeling better soon.

 

[CrazyBirdChick]

Sorry to hear your Hiccup is having an issue with the ear. After many vet visits and a recurrence exactly one year later my vet discovered that my bird's ear issue stemmed from seasonal allergies. He scratched it so much it became infected.

I will say that it got much worse pretty quickly, in a matter of days, but I agree with everyone else that I don't believe it's emergency. I would just try to schedule an appointment with your regular vet as soon as possible. I hope Hiccup heals quickly!!

 

[Vmax]

We visited the vet and she gave him/me a tube of ointment that has an antibiotic and a corticosteroid to ease the itch. He’s bobbing about, being a cuddle bug, and is generally his usual goofy self