Coughing?

[Keri]

My grey has started making a coughing sound. I don't know if she is mimicking a human cough or if she is actually coughing. Do birds get sick and cough?

[BaileysPapa]

Birds do not have the same kind of respiratory system that mammals do. They do sneeze like us, but, generally do not cough like us. Sometimes they will make a sort of cough to eject something caught in their throats. Does someone in your home cough, that she could be mimicking? Does anyone in your house smoke? Have you had her long enough to be sure this is a new sound? When in doubt, the very best thing to do is take her to the vets.

[Keri]

Thanks for the reply @baileyspapa. No smokers here. We've had her about 4 months. This is definitely a new sound. My son just came home from college and I have heard him coughing a couple of mornings. I really think she is just mimicking. Just wanted to make sure they don't cough for real.

[judygram]

They don't have to hear a new sound but once for them to pick it up if they like it and mimic it, I'd say mystery solved.

[JeffNOK]

I had a cough last winter--and now this is one of Gracie's contact calls.

[MKparrot]

Greys do not cough i.e. they can not cough, so don't worry about it. However, it they feel cold - they sneeze, and it sounds almost same as humans.

My Poly randomly coughs and when I ask him - "Poly are you ill" - he starts to cough

[kins2321@yahoo.com]

Greys definitely cough... when they hear it! Sophie will also wheeze and let me know someone is wheezing. My boys ignore asthma symptoms... Sophie lets me know someone is wheezing. She is better than a stethoscope! Nancy