Vet Q&A

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My budgie started burying his head in between his wings he never used to what does this mean?

Many birds, including budgies, will sleep with their heads nestled down over their backs and between their wings, especially at night. This is perfectly normal behavior. However, a bird that isn't feeling well will spend more time with its heads nestled down into its feathers and less time engaging in preening, eating, playing, and other normal activities. A sick bird may also stop vocalizing, sit puffed or fluffed up, sneeze or have discharge from their nares, have loose stools, have stools caked around the vent, and/or pick at its food or not eat at all. So, if your bird seems listless or is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, seek veterinary attention right away.

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What happens when my budgy has feces stuck to his bum?

Budgies hide ill-health well, and a dirty vent might be your bird's only symptom. Sometimes diarrhea only lasts a day or two, but longer-lasting problems indicate a more serious condition, requiring a visit to the vet. Dangers of diarrhea include waste build-up due to clogged vents, and intestinal damage from blocked ducts. Diarrhea makes him at risk from dehydration, weakness, lack of appetite and weight loss. Extreme cases lead to fits and starvation. Checking your bird's poop when he has a dirty vent can give useful information. Normal droppings are soft, olive-green to brown and coiled or cylindrical. Poop that's very dark, very pale, liquid, lumpy, dry, sticky or bubbly mean illness and need vet attention. Green-stained vents often mean poor quality feed and usually appear within 24 hours of eating new food. Providing healthier food should make symptoms disappear. One check of feed quality is biting. Grains should split cleanly and be hard to bite. Intestinal inflammation causes most diarrhea in budgies, due to bacterial or fungal infections. Vets can test for infections and treat with antibiotics. Worms, gut changes due to abnormal growths, viruses, liver disease and problems with egg production can also cause diarrhea. Less obvious causes of upset tummies are stress from a change in environment and over-use of antibiotics, causing an imbalance in normal gut bacteria. Vets can use probiotics and prebiotics to re-introduce healthy bacteria. Sick budgies need to be kept warm to conserve energy, and clean water is important in preventing dehydration. When he's lost his appetite, tempt your bird with his favorite treats, or offer specially-designed, easily digested feeds. Some budgies love soaked millet sprays. Cold, sweet black tea provides fluids and energy from sugar, and tannin in tea coats his intestines. Intensive nursing can often help in cases without a specific cause.

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Hi my budgie rio has watery poop and also it's clear

All bird droppings are made up of three parts: Feces, the solid, central part which can vary in color depending on the food the bird eats. Urates, the next layer of the ring, which can be cloudy-clear or with shades of white, yellows and greens, again depending on the foods eaten. Urine is the clear liquid, usually outer layer of the ring. Depending on the amount of fruits and fluids the bird eats/drinks, this can be a significant part of the dropping. Diarrhea is often actually Polyuria. True diarrhea is when the feces part of the droppings are not well formed and liquidy. Diarrhea is usually caused by a disease. Polyuria is when there’s more than usual amounts of the urine and urates (the feces are still well formed). Polyuria may be caused by viral infections, allergies to foods or even a tumor somewhere. There are just so many possible causes that a vet visit is essential in order to catch things early.

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I've a bird that's call has slightly gone hoarse. Could there be other reasons aside from illness to cause the change?

Seeds, seed husks, other food particles or dust can get stuck in the syrinx (voicebox)and affect his "voice". Have him examined by your vet if he doesn't improve, becomes lethargic or stops eating.

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Health & Wellbeing

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Teflon Toxicity in Birds: Can Teflon Fumes Kill Birds?

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Bird Feather Types, Anatomy, Growth, Color, and Molting

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The Basics of Bird Grooming

The Basics of Bird Grooming

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Medium Parakeet

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Parakeet

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Food & Nutrition

What Can Chickens Eat?

What Can Chickens Eat?

Petco’s Animal Care
Birdseed Nutrition: Fine Foods for Your Feathered Friend

Birdseed Nutrition: Fine Foods for Your Feathered Friend

Animal Care & Education Team

Training & Behavior

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Egg Binding & Dystocia in Birds: Signs & Treatment

Egg Binding & Dystocia in Birds: Signs & Treatment

Petco's Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
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Basic Bird Training: How to Train Your Bird to Step Up

Petco's Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team
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Cleaning Your Bird's Cage: Daily, Weekly, and Monthly Bird Cage Maintenance

Petco's Animal Care, Education and Compliance (ACE) Team

Seasonal Topics

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Top Summer Concerns for Pet Birds

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