Straining budgie

[Northern Budgie]

Hi all,

My little guy is about 6-7, classic budgie, very free rein, talkative and very affectionate. For about 8 months, he's been straining to poop, and when I brought him to the vet, she tested him and although healthy everywhere else, it showed that there was some bacteria in his bowels. I've given him the antibiotics and bacterial replacement, and he's as healthy and happy as ever.

Lately, however, I've noticed that he's not pooping very much at night, and when I uncover his cage, before he comes out, he squats down, actually hunkers down, like he's making himself comfortable in a nest, and lets out a very big poop. He then needs to chat about how his night was, and then flaps out to the kitchen, his favourite place.

When I come home from work, there are poops all over the paper towel and in the glasses I put out for him to perch and crawl around on in the kitchen, so it doesn't seem to be a problem during the day or the rest of the evening.

His poop varies in size and consistency, depending on how much he eats and drinks; he has a mixture of seeds, fresh water, and I usually leave some fruit for him, which he always eats (and flings). His appetite has not diminished, he is still learning new things (imitating my laugh, now), and still finding new ways to amuse himself and me.

Any voices of experience out there?

Thanks much!
J & NB

[dvelardi]

Hi J & NB,

Sounds like your little Budgie has decided to start holding his poop at night. Maybe he is sleeping somewhere different where it would be uncomfortable to poop or he doesn't want that spot to get dirty (which would be weird cause little birds poop EVERYWHERE!) My budgies happily poop all over the side of the cage and toy they sleep on all night long.

I wouldn't worry too much unless the pooping becomes a problem during the day. Excessively large poops in the morning are fairly common.

[svolk]

I thought that *most* birds held their poop overnight and let out a large morning poop? Am I wrong? I've heard of many people's birds doing this and my 2 do this as well. Jerry's morning poops are noticeably larger than the rest of his poops throughout the day.

[FeathersNFur8]

Lately, however, I've noticed that he's not pooping very much at night, and when I uncover his cage, before he comes out, he squats down, actually hunkers down, like he's making himself comfortable in a nest, and lets out a very big poop. He then needs to chat about how his night was, and then flaps out to the kitchen, his favourite place.

What you're describing is actually a very normal wild instinctual habit. They must keep their nesting/sleeping area safe and inconspicuous from predators so they do not poop there.

[bekfreak]

The morning poop! :) Yes our fids like to hold it in while they sleep.

[padkison]

I noticed my Jenday does the night time poop hold. Something to watch out for if you take them out first thing .

[Monica]

A lot of birds do hold their poop in during the night... I mean after all, aren't they suppose to be sleeping???

As far as straining, well I can't say I could help much there... although you could try improving his diet by adding in fresh or cooked veggies, the occasional cooked eggs, pasta, whole grain breads, cooked beans, etc.... Look in the recipe section!

[Northern Budgie]

Hi everyone,

Thanks to everyone that replied about my little Beak straining to poop. Kind of reassuring, as he is pooping fairly regularly during the day. However, I am going away for a number of days on Monday, and I thought I would get an expert opinion.

I took him to the vet and she had a look at his little potbelly, and with a little palpation, suggested that he might have a tumour, which I was trying not to think about. So he's there now, waiting for an x-ray.

If it is a tumour, I don't know what to do. She as much as said that surgery is incredibly risky with little budgies, and that's even if they can do it; depends on the organs it's originating from. I know that abdominal tumours are very common with budgies around the ages of 5-7, so he's right in the range.

I am destroyed right now....does anyone have any beacons of hope for me out there?

Incredibly unhappy,
Jacki & Beak

[homebird]

I don't want to sound insensitive, but try not to think the worst at this point. A friend of mine said save the worrying until there's something to worry about - it could still be OK. (easy advice to give, but hard to follow)

That said I'm sorry to hear that your fid is at the vets & I hope it all goes well.

[svolk]

Oh Jacki, I sincerely hope that Beak doesn't have a tumor. I agree with homebird, don't completely panic until you have results of the X-ray back (I know, very hard to NOT panic, I doubt I could take my own advice if in your shoes). I don't have any experience with tumors, I'm sorry. Hang in there, you can at least come on here and talk to us about the situation and we'll listen and provide shoulders to lean on.

You and Beak will be in my thoughts and I'll be praying for good news.