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Birds--General/Sick Parakeet?
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Question
My 5 year old parakeet Tucker has been having a hard time defecating. He wiggles his tail until it comes out, and when it does, it's a very large dropping for a small bird. I have three parakeets- all males, but the youngest one Beaker, thinks Tucker(sick bird) is a female and I caught him mounting him. Tucker also has a broken/dislocated toe on one foot where it may have gotten caught in the carpeting. He eats and drinks normally, but he looks like he's having to really strain to defecate. Do you think he's sick, or will this just pass?
Hi, Jessica. Thanks for posting.
I can't tell from the information in your post if your keet is sick or not. A large dropping doesn't necessarily mean anything specific (except it may have been a while since his last poo). If the broken/dislocated toe was a recent injury, perhaps this injury is keeping him from defecating as often as normal, so he poos less often, but more at a time.
You know your keet better than anyone else. If you think he is sick, you should not hesitate in taking him to an avian veterinarian (exotic animal vet) for evaluation.
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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