Expert: Christopher Emory - 1/10/2011

Question
I just bought my budgie yesterday, she is only a few months old. She is constantly fluffing her feathers, sometimes a feather of two will fall when this happens. Is this normal or is she plucking herself. Also she eats her food, but I have not seen her touch her water. How can I help her? She does her "business" regularly and takes plenty of naps (also fluffs her feathers). Am I doing anything wrong ?

Answer
 Michelle,

It is not common for a healthy parakeet to fluff their feathers often. This is often a defense mechanism they use to hide sickness. As for the food and water, a budgie will not last more than a day or two without water. They can go without food longer, but water is imperative to them. If she was not drinking at all she would likely already have passed away at this point. I would carry the bird to a vet or back to the pet store/breeder that you got the bird from and have them take a look.


Best of luck!