Whether you are looking to buy a budgie, already have a budgie or even own
multiple budgies, health is of utmost importance. A budgie can go downhill
really quickly if it gets ill, so it is really important to know what a healthy
budgie looks like and to watch for any signs that may be pointing to the bird
being slightly unwell or even very ill.
A healthy budgerigar is easily
seen by it being active and chirpy, with bright, clear eyes and well preened
feathers. He (or she) will also have a healthy appetite, so always check to see
that the bird is eating and drinking well. The bird should also have a clean
vent, with no fecal matter (poop) sticking to it and his breathing should be
quick and quiet.
Now that we've determined what a healthy budgerigar
should be like, let's see what signs there are that your budgie might be feeling
under the weather or unwell.
Your bird may become unusually quiet, sit
fluffed up at the bottom of the cage, stop eating and drinking. Its eyes could
become sore, his feet can get swollen. The breathing could become noisy and seem
like it's a lot of hard work for the budgie. It could develop a visible lump
(possible tumour), or it's legs and beak could get crusty and sore (possible
scaly face).
Other things to watch for are scruffy looking feathers,
major loss of feathers or a dirty vent. Do note that budgies are very good at
hiding illness so they really need to be watched closely.
If you should
at any time find that your bird is exhibiting symptoms like this, please always
try to get advice from an avian vet if possible, or even a breeder if you can
find one as they will usually be able to help you decide which steps to take to
help get the bird better again.
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Anna-Marie Stewart keeps and breeds pet budgerigars.
Visit
Adorable Budgies for information, pictures and forum
http://adorablebudgies.co.uk====================================
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