You are here:
- Home
- Animals/Pets
- Pet Birds
- Birds--General
- sick budgie
Birds--General/sick budgie
Advertisement
Question
Hi,
I have two budgies. One is 2 years old and the other is less than 1 year old. In the past day or so I have noticed the younger bird being constantly "puffed up" eating more than usual and sleeping more than usual with his head tucked behind him under his wings. The older budgie is looking over him and nestling with him more than usual. What's wrong with my budgie? Does he have a cold (there has bee a change in seasons) and if so, how can I help him?
Irene
Hi, Irene. Thanks for posting!
If your budgie is sick, you need to take s/he to an avian veterinarian for a medical evaluation ASAP. Not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet. DO NOT hesitate...make an appointment today or you could lose your bird. Birds hide illness until they can't hide it any longer. By the time most people notice a sick bird, it's usually too late.
I don't know exactly what's wrong with your budgie because I don't have enough information. Also, I'm not an avian vet, but your budgie is showing some signs of illness based on the information in your post. This could be something simple that could clear itself on it's own in a day or so or it could be something more serious...an avian vet can run a few tests to find out what's wrong and then prescribe any necessary meds. To be safe better than sorry, make s/he an appt to see the doc right away. If you aren't aware of an avian vets in your area, here's a website that might help you locate one: www.aav.org. If you need more help locating a bird vet, let me know.
Chrys
- Add to this Answer
- Ask a Question
| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thanks Chrys, We found a local Avian Vet and are calling today! I'll keep you posted on his progress. Irene | ||
Related Articles
- How to Recognize Sick Birds - Identify Sick Birds
- Symptoms of Illness in Pet Birds - How to Tell if Your Bird is Sick
- Symptoms of Illness in Pet Birds - How to Tell if Your Bird is Sick - Signs of Sickness in Birds
- Bringing a New Bird Home - Preparing for a Pet Bird - Adopting a Bird
- Five Things to Consider Before Buying a Bird
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.
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.