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Birds--General/parakeet behavior
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Question
my blue parakeet is acting strange. He is spending a lot of time on the floor of his cage and has loose droppings. He is usually very friendly and spends time flying and sitting on our shoulders. What could this be?
Hi, Adam,
It sounds to me like your bird is ill. Usually when a bird spends a lot of time on the cage bottom and the bird usually doesn't, this is a sign the bird could be ill. Loose droppings can also be a sign of illness, but could also be a sign that the bird is drinking more water than usual or eating foods high in water content. Is the loose droppings a one-time thing or all the time recently? You know your bird better than anyone else does. If you think your bird is not acting right, it could be ill. The best you can then do is to get this bird to a certified avian vet ASAP. By the time we notice symptoms in our pet birds, it may be too late to help them and usually means a visit to the bird vet is in order quickly. www.aav.org can help you locate a bird vet in your area if you don't already have one. A dog/cat vet won't do...they aren't trained in aves.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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