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Birds--General/Is my parakeet just suffering from old age?

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Expert: - 12/17/2006


Question
I have a parakeet for a little over a year.  We had found her and had brought to a vet in the start.   She was healthy at the time.  Vet said she was definitely an adult, and by looking at her feet/claws probably on the older side.    For some time now, when she sits on perch most of the day, she is completely hunched over.  Her beak is almost to her feet.    When she wants to she can hop around and get her food, water and sometimes even play with her toys.  Is this hunching over, just a sign of old age?  She has no other signs of being sick.  Thanks.

Answer
Hi, Margaret.  Thanks for posting!

I don't think so.  I have old keets, but none hunch over like you describe, and I'm never read that this is normal for an older bird.  I'd take your bird to the avian vet for a medically evaluation ASAP.  

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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