What to do if my parrot has something stuck or growing in its ear?

Unfortunately, that picture is extremely blurry, so it is hard to tell what you are describing. If Tory seems otherwise normal and healthy, you can try to keep an eye on the lump and see if it changes. If it's growing rapidly or bothersome, it may indicate a growth or even abscess (infection under the skin) that requires veterinary care to treat. If you are seeing any visible wounds or debris from the site, you can use a warm washcloth to clear it away and try to keep the area clean. If she is being picked on by your other bird at all, moving her to a separate cage with easy access to food and water can help ensure she isn't more stressed and that a wound doesn't open in the affected area. If you are having trouble getting to the vet, you might want to look into a house-call service or mobile vet clinic that can come to you. It may be easier for them to get to your house where they can examine Tory in a lower-stress environment. If you do need to take her to the vet, putting her in a travel carrier with a cover over the top, such as a towel or sheet, to make it nice and dark and cool can help decrease stress when travelling, and make the trip to the vet a lot easier for the both of you.

Although a picture of it would help to determine the underlying cause more specifically, this presentation could be either due to an infection or possibly to a mass which is creating some sort of obstruction and secondary infection. Usually there are two ways your vet can do that a part from examining it directly during physical examination. A biopsy can be taken under local or general anesthetic, otherwise a smaller sample through a fine needle can be aspirated (this technique is called FNA= fine needle aspiration). Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It looks like the pigeon's ear may be a bit inflamed or there is some sort of growth/infection present. If they are wild birds, it would be best to contact a local wildlife rescue or animal control in your area so they can safely capture, examine, and treat the birds before releasing them back into the wild.

Some infections such as fungal infections can cause flaky growths around the beak or nose. Growths on the skin from infection, tumors, parasites, etc may also cause a dirty growth appearance anywhere on the body. Regurgitation of food may also cause stuck debris, as well as problems with the crop causing food or bacterial to come back up into the mouth. If it's impeding Chico, can't be cleaned away (or returns even with cleaning) or you are seeing other signs of illness such as changes in energy levels, behavioral habits, eating and drinking habits, etc, then having a vet look at it in person is best. They may need to flush the area and clean it and start Chico on a round of medication to treat as needed.

Hi Alexa, From the picture, I suspect Kuka has a ruptured air sac (lung) and air is leaking under the skin. In some cases, they can resolve but Kuka may need to have the air removed with a needle. At this time, as long as she is eating, drinking, and breathing well, try not to worry. If you notice the bulge growing larger, Kuka develops respiratory distress or stops eating please reach out to us and we will do our best to help. Otherwise, I would plan to get her to a veterinarian Monday.

Some crusting can happen when a bird is ready to mate, but that looks a bit more than that -- It is possible your bird has a respiratory issue going on, a fungal infection taking hold in the nostrils, or another type of infection/illness. It would be best to bring him to a vet to have the area flushed out and treatment started for any underlying infection. Separating him to a hospital cage that is kept warm and with easy access to food and water may also help to prevent the spread of any illness and to keep Ocean comfortable if your other parakeet is picking on him until you can be seen by your vet. You can also use a warm washcloth to try and remove any debris to make him more comfortable.

Without a photo it would be hard to say what is going on, but if the ear is visible, has discharge or looks like it's seeping, or Sparky is plucking feathers from it, I would bring him to your vet ASAP. They can check for infections that may need cleaning and antibiotics or other medications to treat. Until you can get to your vet, keeping the area clean and dry, keeping Sparky or any other birds from picking at it, and keeping him in a warm hospital cage with access to food and water may help.