You are here:

Birds--General/Strange behaviour in Budgie

Advertisement

Expert: - 12/21/2006


Question
Hello,
I have a question about my 2 year old budgie. During the past 3 weeks I have noticed that his droppings have changed in colour. They are now grey coloured and looser than normal. He is still eating a variety of foods - I feed him fruit and/or veg everyday and he eats millet and his regular seed. I find too, that he keeps on holding his wings slightly away from his body -like he's too hot. But he tends to do this a lot a more than normal throughout the day. He looks uncomfortable. Otherwise, he continues to play and eat and sing.
Just wondering if you know what causes these symptoms and if there is something I can do differently? Could it be a sign of stress? He is alone, but I spend a lot of time with him.

Thanks,
Heather


Answer
Hi, Heather.  Thanks for posting!

Usually, the color of a bird's poo reflects the type of food the bird has been eating.  Grey poo is normal provided your budgie isn't exhibiting signs of illness.  The loose droppings could indicate your bird is drinking more water a few hours prior to the release of the droppings or that the bird is eating more fruit or water-based foods.  Holding the wings away from the body normally indicates a bird is too warm.  

You asked whether these signs could be stress related.  Yes, they could.  Has your bird been under stress lately?  Is the bird holding it's wings out after an episode that is stressful for him?  

Chrys  

Birds--General

All Answers

Answers by Expert:

Ask Experts

Volunteer

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.

©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.