Budgie problems

PepperPony · 06-12-2008, 12:06 PM

Hey all- I have a budgie that isn't looking so good. I have been away at school so his nails didn't get trimmed and got kinda long so I just trimmed them. He was having trouble staying on his perch. Well, even after I have trimmed them, he is still having some trouble. He's been all puffy recently- more than normal according to my parents and he's been breathing kinda hard too. He is pretty old- at least 10 years old, probably more like 13 or so. Any ideas on why he is acting so strange? It's kinda worrying me. Thanks in advance!

azhorselover · 06-12-2008, 12:51 PM

Sorry to say but it sounds like your little bird is really sick. Birds wont show any illness signs untill they are very sick as in the wild they would be picked on if they looked ill so when our pet birds show signs its progressed pretty far. I would take him to a vet right a way and in the mean time offer supportive care like a heating pad and some quiet time. I dont think 10 or 13 is terribly old but is getting up there. Good luck.

Horses&Soccer · 06-12-2008, 01:31 PM

That is getting a bit old for a Budgie. Keep him out of drafts, and keep him warm wrapping his cage with a towel or sheet can help with this. Is there a vet near you that actually does birds, or a very knowledgeable pet store? Not one of the chains, a private shop would be much better, or a bird breeder. They tend to get pnuemonia easily, there are antibiotics that you can get to put in his water or give him by dropperful. I wish you luck with your little bird, but as said already, by the time they show signs they're pretty sick already.

GreyDot · 06-12-2008, 03:57 PM

Sorry to have to say this, but budgies are quite prone to cancer, especially at that age, and especially if they have ever been fed a seed diet. Liver/lung tumours are quite common in the older bird. If you can get to an avian vet, do so. Here's a link to bird vets, and hopefully there's one near you.
http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/abvpvets.htm

Meanwhile, as suggested, keep him covered and warm, and try to get some egg food into him - hard-boiled egg, finely mashed, and mixed with some very fine bread crumbs. If you have one available, set up a humidifier next to him, which might make it easier to breathe.

Have you had a look at his droppings? Any difference from usual?

You'd be amazed how tought the little guys are, though - I had one that was at the vet's for a week, being tube-fed, at the age of 12 - and lived for another year and a half after that! So don't despair yet.

Editing to add:

If you can't find a vet on that list, here's the place that can recommend one for you:
The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners is located at
530 Church Street, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219
Phone: 615-254-3687
http://www.abvp.com

PepperPony · 06-12-2008, 05:05 PM

well, I called the vet's office I use for my pony at school and they said the bird guy was in surgery and he would call me back when he gets out. I feel bad about calling and asking for help when they won't get paid for helping me as they're 2 hours away but I couldn't find any vets around here that do birds

I'm boiling an egg for him now and he's sitting on the kitchen table all puffed up and angry looking. Ocasionally he'll give himself a halfhearted groom but then he's going back to puffy and breathing kinda hard. When I took him out he tried to fly off and when he landed he just lay there and i had to pick him up and try to set him back on his feet but he seems to prefer laying at first and then kinda being wobbly when he does get up

poor Greenbird

FastHorses000 · 06-12-2008, 05:49 PM

I hope he makes it!!

I would tell you to do just what greydot said. You may want to give him some vitamins in his water if you dont already!!

A birdie that old may not make it so be prepared. Ill send some prayers out for him! Make sure you keep him warm.

GreyDot · 06-12-2008, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PepperPony

well, I called the vet's office I use for my pony at school and they said the bird guy was in surgery and he would call me back when he gets out. I feel bad about calling and asking for help when they won't get paid for helping me as they're 2 hours away but I couldn't find any vets around here that do birds

I'm boiling an egg for him now and he's sitting on the kitchen table all puffed up and angry looking. Ocasionally he'll give himself a halfhearted groom but then he's going back to puffy and breathing kinda hard. When I took him out he tried to fly off and when he landed he just lay there and i had to pick him up and try to set him back on his feet but he seems to prefer laying at first and then kinda being wobbly when he does get up

poor Greenbird

Poor birdie... do keep him warm and dark, and if you don't have a humidifier, you can sneak a bowl of steaming-hot water under whatever cover you use to keep his cage darkened. I'd handle him as little as possible, except if you have to hand-feed him. If you have to do that, then mash up a little of the egg with a bit of warm water, and gently syringe it to him - maybe about 50-60 microliters at a time, just little teeny squeezes from a tuberculin syringe or the smallest one you can find. But then just let him rest. Birds are really good at making themselves look less sick than they are, because if they look sick in the wild they will attract predators. So just give him the benefit of the doubt and let him have as much rest as possible in a warm, humid atmosphere.

Good luck... keep us posted on how he does!

Freedomnchrist · 06-12-2008, 08:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PepperPony

well, I called the vet's office I use for my pony at school and they said the bird guy was in surgery and he would call me back when he gets out. I feel bad about calling and asking for help when they won't get paid for helping me as they're 2 hours away but I couldn't find any vets around here that do birds

I'm boiling an egg for him now and he's sitting on the kitchen table all puffed up and angry looking. Ocasionally he'll give himself a halfhearted groom but then he's going back to puffy and breathing kinda hard. When I took him out he tried to fly off and when he landed he just lay there and i had to pick him up and try to set him back on his feet but he seems to prefer laying at first and then kinda being wobbly when he does get up

poor Greenbird

Oh how sad. I feel so bad for him and you...that is a long time you have been together.

PepperPony · 06-12-2008, 09:13 PM

The vet called me back and he was very nice. I didn't learn much but it's always comforting to hear someone concerned. He did have some good ideas though- Put him in a room by himself and get it to about 80 degrees and put a heating pad under his cage. I had him out while I was waiting for the call so I could give him some egg- which he wouldn't eat but he's never been big on trying new foods. I put a desk light over him and he perked up a little and ate some seed. So now he's in a nice warm room with a thick cover over his cage and he seems a bit more alert, though still not perfect. I guess he's just getting old, but at least he's more comfortable, though now I can't use that bathroom, hahaha.

Freedomnchrist · 06-12-2008, 09:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PepperPony

The vet called me back and he was very nice. I didn't learn much but it's always comforting to hear someone concerned. He did have some good ideas though- Put him in a room by himself and get it to about 80 degrees and put a heating pad under his cage. I had him out while I was waiting for the call so I could give him some egg- which he wouldn't eat but he's never been big on trying new foods. I put a desk light over him and he perked up a little and ate some seed. So now he's in a nice warm room with a thick cover over his cage and he seems a bit more alert, though still not perfect. I guess he's just getting old, but at least he's more comfortable, though now I can't use that bathroom, hahaha.

I love birdiess. I hope he feels much better!

GreyDot · 06-13-2008, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PepperPony

The vet called me back and he was very nice. I didn't learn much but it's always comforting to hear someone concerned. He did have some good ideas though- Put him in a room by himself and get it to about 80 degrees and put a heating pad under his cage. I had him out while I was waiting for the call so I could give him some egg- which he wouldn't eat but he's never been big on trying new foods. I put a desk light over him and he perked up a little and ate some seed. So now he's in a nice warm room with a thick cover over his cage and he seems a bit more alert, though still not perfect. I guess he's just getting old, but at least he's more comfortable, though now I can't use that bathroom, hahaha.

Oh good, at least he gave you some reassurance! Actually, no problem about using that bathroom - especially if you're going to have a shower! The humidity will do him good! I know I keep pushing that... but that's what our avian vet suggested when we went through this... it's pretty important, apparently.

lawcat · 06-13-2008, 04:18 PM

For sick birdies, I often use a reptile heat lamp - I have two kinds, one with the red light bulb and one that is like a stone heat bulb. I clip that to a "hospital cage" which is a much smaller cage that I line with CareFresh litter on the bottom - so if the bird feels like sitting on the ground, its warm and comfy. I also cover the sides and top of the cage with a towel. My avian vet also recommends the bathroom, because the steam and humidity when you take a shower does help, esp. if its a respiratory issue.

I have finches and Diamond doves in an aviary, and every now and then one gets sick. I just had a little finch who I was sure was a goner recover after a couple of days in the "bird hospital" - good luck to Greenbird!

PepperPony · 06-17-2008, 09:25 AM

I came home yesterday and he was at the bottom of the cage- he didn't make it. He was old though and when I took a shower yesterday morning, he chirped a little (something he hadn't done in awhile). I am glad he's not uncomfortable anymore and in a better place. Still, I will miss him.

Greenday Bird
?-6/16/08

GreyDot · 06-17-2008, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PepperPony

I came home yesterday and he was at the bottom of the cage- he didn't make it. He was old though and when I took a shower yesterday morning, he chirped a little (something he hadn't done in awhile). I am glad he's not uncomfortable anymore and in a better place. Still, I will miss him.

Greenday Bird
?-6/16/08

I'm so sorry... for such a tiny creature, it's amazing how much of a hold they have on our hearts.

RIP, Greenday...

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06-12-2008, 12:06 PM
PepperPony Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TN Posts: 274	Budgie problems Hey all- I have a budgie that isn't looking so good. I have been away at school so his nails didn't get trimmed and got kinda long so I just trimmed them. He was having trouble staying on his perch. Well, even after I have trimmed them, he is still having some trouble. He's been all puffy recently- more than normal according to my parents and he's been breathing kinda hard too. He is pretty old- at least 10 years old, probably more like 13 or so. Any ideas on why he is acting so strange? It's kinda worrying me. Thanks in advance!

06-12-2008, 12:51 PM
azhorselover Weanling Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: prescott valley arizona Posts: 281	Sorry to say but it sounds like your little bird is really sick. Birds wont show any illness signs untill they are very sick as in the wild they would be picked on if they looked ill so when our pet birds show signs its progressed pretty far. I would take him to a vet right a way and in the mean time offer supportive care like a heating pad and some quiet time. I dont think 10 or 13 is terribly old but is getting up there. Good luck.

06-12-2008, 01:31 PM
Horses&Soccer Started Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Warrenton, MO Posts: 2,789	That is getting a bit old for a Budgie. Keep him out of drafts, and keep him warm wrapping his cage with a towel or sheet can help with this. Is there a vet near you that actually does birds, or a very knowledgeable pet store? Not one of the chains, a private shop would be much better, or a bird breeder. They tend to get pnuemonia easily, there are antibiotics that you can get to put in his water or give him by dropperful. I wish you luck with your little bird, but as said already, by the time they show signs they're pretty sick already. __________________ When life gives you lemons - find someone to throw them at!

06-12-2008, 03:57 PM
GreyDot Started Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Between AZ and OH Posts: 2,295	Sorry to have to say this, but budgies are quite prone to cancer, especially at that age, and especially if they have ever been fed a seed diet. Liver/lung tumours are quite common in the older bird. If you can get to an avian vet, do so. Here's a link to bird vets, and hopefully there's one near you. http://www.birdsnways.com/articles/abvpvets.htm Meanwhile, as suggested, keep him covered and warm, and try to get some egg food into him - hard-boiled egg, finely mashed, and mixed with some very fine bread crumbs. If you have one available, set up a humidifier next to him, which might make it easier to breathe. Have you had a look at his droppings? Any difference from usual? You'd be amazed how tought the little guys are, though - I had one that was at the vet's for a week, being tube-fed, at the age of 12 - and lived for another year and a half after that! So don't despair yet. Editing to add: If you can't find a vet on that list, here's the place that can recommend one for you: The American Board of Veterinary Practitioners is located at 530 Church Street, Suite 700, Nashville, TN, 37219 Phone: 615-254-3687 http://www.abvp.com __________________ ...There is nothing to be done till a horse's head is settled. ~William Cavendish Stuipid CAN be fixed... you just have to hit it hard enough! ~A rare moment of inspiration Last edited by GreyDot : 06-12-2008 at 04:04 PM.

06-12-2008, 05:05 PM
PepperPony Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TN Posts: 274	current update well, I called the vet's office I use for my pony at school and they said the bird guy was in surgery and he would call me back when he gets out. I feel bad about calling and asking for help when they won't get paid for helping me as they're 2 hours away but I couldn't find any vets around here that do birds I'm boiling an egg for him now and he's sitting on the kitchen table all puffed up and angry looking. Ocasionally he'll give himself a halfhearted groom but then he's going back to puffy and breathing kinda hard. When I took him out he tried to fly off and when he landed he just lay there and i had to pick him up and try to set him back on his feet but he seems to prefer laying at first and then kinda being wobbly when he does get up poor Greenbird

06-12-2008, 05:49 PM
FastHorses000 Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: South Alabama Posts: 482	I hope he makes it!! I would tell you to do just what greydot said. You may want to give him some vitamins in his water if you dont already!! A birdie that old may not make it so be prepared. Ill send some prayers out for him! Make sure you keep him warm.

06-12-2008, 09:13 PM
PepperPony Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TN Posts: 274	The vet called me back and he was very nice. I didn't learn much but it's always comforting to hear someone concerned. He did have some good ideas though- Put him in a room by himself and get it to about 80 degrees and put a heating pad under his cage. I had him out while I was waiting for the call so I could give him some egg- which he wouldn't eat but he's never been big on trying new foods. I put a desk light over him and he perked up a little and ate some seed. So now he's in a nice warm room with a thick cover over his cage and he seems a bit more alert, though still not perfect. I guess he's just getting old, but at least he's more comfortable, though now I can't use that bathroom, hahaha.

06-13-2008, 04:18 PM
lawcat Halter broke Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Southern California Posts: 145	For sick birdies, I often use a reptile heat lamp - I have two kinds, one with the red light bulb and one that is like a stone heat bulb. I clip that to a "hospital cage" which is a much smaller cage that I line with CareFresh litter on the bottom - so if the bird feels like sitting on the ground, its warm and comfy. I also cover the sides and top of the cage with a towel. My avian vet also recommends the bathroom, because the steam and humidity when you take a shower does help, esp. if its a respiratory issue. I have finches and Diamond doves in an aviary, and every now and then one gets sick. I just had a little finch who I was sure was a goner recover after a couple of days in the "bird hospital" - good luck to Greenbird!

06-17-2008, 09:25 AM
PepperPony Weanling Member Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: TN Posts: 274	I came home yesterday and he was at the bottom of the cage- he didn't make it. He was old though and when I took a shower yesterday morning, he chirped a little (something he hadn't done in awhile). I am glad he's not uncomfortable anymore and in a better place. Still, I will miss him. Greenday Bird ?-6/16/08