Help with Budgie

[mzavaleta]

Hi,
I started to notice a change in one of my budgies. I first started to notice because he seemed to be sleeping more than usual. What I also noticed was different was that he wasn't tucking his head the way he usually did. When he sleeps he just turns his head a little to the side but doesn't tuck in his head towards his back like he used to. He is also not standing as tall as he usually did or as his other budgie friends do. I have unfortunately had previous budgies that have become sick so I am really nervous he might be sick too. He is still eating normally. I attached a picture of him. Any advice would be incredibly helpful. Thanks!5043

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Hello and welcome to PP. Sorry to hear that the little chap is not feeling too well. He does look a bit sleepy in the picture. Someone who knows more than I do will be along shortly to offer better advice than me but can you answer some questions that might help them.
How old is he?
The other birds he is with, have they been together long?
Have you made any changes to his surroundings, had decorators/painters in or used any spray cans near the cage?
What do you use to clean the cage?
Do you have him registered with a vet?
He looks so sweet, I hope he recovers soon.
I see a lot of pin feathers on his head, do the other budgies help him groom?

[Dragonlady2]

Hi and welcome to the forum! From your picture, it looks like your budgie is molting. When birds molt, they don't feel like they normally do. There have been some good questions asked by Casper's 2nd best friend.
Another question is his diet. What do you feed him?

A vet visit certainly wouldn't hurt and it would give you peace of mind.

I hope he feels better soon.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I forgot to mention that a good way to tell if your bird is not well is to keep a record of its weight.
We weigh Casper every Friday and it all gets written down in a small notebook.
If your bird starts losing weight dramatically then it is time for an urgent vet appointment.

[Quakerella]

Great advice and questions, and a visit to the vet if you are unsure is a great idea.

[Lady]

Hello,
It's difficult to give an answer in how your little guy is behaving. Maybe because he is molting it bothers him to turn and tuck his head as before due to the pin feathers.
I have a few questions myself although I am no expert. How are his droppings looking? The other birds you had that got sick, what was wrong with them? Are the budgies you have now ones you've had when the other was sick? What about the cage you keep them in, is it the same cage, and did you disinfect and clean it well along with the dishes, perches, toys and everything that is in the cage before the birds you have now returned to it? I don't mean to criticize but the bell in the pic looks a bit rusty and may need to come out.
Do you have another cage to maybe quarantine him from direct contact and sharing of things till you know he is okay? I think a check up with the vet is your best bet as well. Better safe than sorry.

[mzavaleta]

Thank you all for taking time to respond! It seriously is great to have some support and advice. I am definitely planning on taking him to the vet. The vet's office I go to has an avian specialist but she's only in the office a few days a week so I'm trying to get a hold of her.
To answer some of your questions:

I've had him for a few years now. I'm not sure how old he is as he was once with my sister but she couldn't keep him anymore so she gave him to me. He's lived with the other birds while he was with my sister and during the time he's lived with me.

For his diet, I give them seeds and a daily mix of fresh veggies and fruits.

His droppings seem normal. He is still eating normally but he is definitely a lot sleepier than usual.

Last year a budgie of mine passed away because he developed a tumor. I took him to the vet and she gave me pain medication but mentioned it was sometimes common in budgies. Since my cage is sometimes out in my balcony, I sometimes find budgies that have flown away from their cages and find mine while they look for food. The budgie that passed a way last year had found my cage a few months before he passed away. It was so hard to see him go that way so I'm extra nervous when I notice my birds acting a little different.

I do have a travel sized cage I can put him in while I make an appointment for the vet. Great idea!

I hadn't thought about weighing my birds to keep track of that. Thanks for that advice!

And funny you mentioned the bell! I ordered new toys for them on Monday and they arrived yesterday so it is gone!:th_smile:. I already switched their toys out but they're still a little timid around their new toys.

Thanks again everybody.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

It sounds like you are making good steps. The vet should be able to give you advice on his age and life expectancy.
Its nice to know that your birds get some outdoors time and interesting that other budgies come visiting. If you take them in it is always best to keep them quarantined from your other birds until you are sure that they are healthy enough to become part of the flock. In fact it is a very good idea to have them checked by the vet before introducing them and also the vet may have news of where they have escaped from.

[mzavaleta]

So a little update...
I Called my usual vet clinic but they unfortunately do not treat birds anymore. I called countless of other vet clinics around my area and I was finally able to book an appointment for the little guy! I hope they can help him feel better soon.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I bet that was a bit stressful. I am shocked they were not able to recommend an alternative avian veterinary practice. Obviously people with no compassion. :(
I hope the new people are better and are able to help.