Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 9/18/2007

Question
Hi just a quick question my budgie is looking very fat and i was wondering if u might know why as my other budgie is normal size?? i was wondering if it might be pregnant? hope to hear from u soon thanks for ur time

Answer
Hi, Rachael,

I'm sorry for responding late to your question(s).  I was hospitalized and trying to catch up.

Parrots/budgie's don't get pregnant...they lay eggs.  They do not carry eggs around inside their bodies...the egg shell develops around an embryo just before the egg is laid.  Therefore, I'd say your budgie is probably overweight.  Every bird is different just like humans are different.  One could get fat while the other doesn't.  Are you feeding an all-seed diet?  If so, I'll guarantee the bird is overweight, UNLESS the bird has a tumor or something like this inside.  This happens when birds are fed all seed...they develop a disease called fatty liver syndrome, which results in fat on their major organs and can result in death.  

Chrys