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Expert: - 12/2/2007


Question
my budgie had a large bit of poo stuck to his bottom, after much scratching he managed to get it off, but now its still dirty and looks sore, he's still scratching it and has also been pecking at his feet, otherwise his behaviour is normal, hes in a cage with another budgie and is about 10 months old, could you tell me if this is something serious and should i take him to the vet?

Answer
Hi, Natalie,

Your budgie has what is known as a "messy vent."  This most likely means your bird has some type of intestinal/digestive medical problem.  Yes, you should take your bird to a certified avian vet ASAP for an examination.  Your bird probably needs some medication.  Birds will behave normally even when sick because in the wild if they act sickly, a predator will choose them over any other birds.  Get you bird to the bird vet as soon as possible.

Chrys

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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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