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Budgies/Parakeet ill?

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Expert: - 3/31/2007


Question
Hello,
I have two male parakeets and I have noticed that recently they have begun to sit fluffed-out for all the time. Usually they just fluff up every once in a while, but now they are both retaining this appearance, and I was wondering if something could be wrong.  Are they cold, or ill?
Thank you very much.

Answer
Hi, Andrea.  Thanks for posting!

What you describe is a sign of possible illness.  Do your birds exhibit any other signs of illness, such as eating less, droppings abnormal, can you hold them to see if their breast bone is showing?  Keets will puff up like this when they need to hide the fact that they are losing weight.  Weight loss is a sign of illness.  I recommend you consult with a certified avian veterinarian ASAP.

Chrys

Budgies

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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, 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 a certified avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Over 20 years breeding/raising/handfeeding/selling 15 different species of parrots.

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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