Sick Budgie...

[Del Sol Hyannis]

Maybe someone can help me. Our 6-7 year old budgie, Fred, appears healthy, but his poops have become very watery for the last month or so. I have given him supplements in his water to replace electrolytes and vitamins, but it has only made it darker and still as watery. He is not lithargic or is acting any different than usual. He still whistles like crazy and kisses as much as usual. I realize birds will hide there illness as long as possible, as that happened with our last parakeet. Fred is showing no signs other than what I have already mentioned. Could it just be his age? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

[cpryslek]

first stop putting the supplements in his water as that sets up bactria faster in the water. he shouldn'tneed any supplements if he is being fed a variety in his diet. like freshfruits/veggies,pasta,eggs, chicken well cooked. beans,rice. also start giving him probiotics such as yougurt,benebac. my fids get yougurt 2-3 wks. about 1/2 -1 tsp. other milk product are not good but yougurt has live good bactria. also should get him to an aviarian vet.

[Joel]

Originally Posted by Del Sol Hyannis

Maybe someone can help me. Our 6-7 year old budgie, Fred, appears healthy, but his poops have become very watery for the last month or so. I have given him supplements in his water to replace electrolytes and vitamins, but it has only made it darker and still as watery. He is not lithargic or is acting any different than usual. He still whistles like crazy and kisses as much as usual. I realize birds will hide there illness as long as possible, as that happened with our last parakeet. Fred is showing no signs other than what I have already mentioned. Could it just be his age? Any help will be greatly appreciated.

I would not write it off as simply age, even if someone else may suggest so.

I would make sure you are providing everything necessary for a very healthy and happy life for your lil budgie which includes: Proper Lighting (direct daily sunshine - not thru post 1937 window glass) & if that's not possible then proper F.S. Lighting (see our discussions on that subject by doing a search on here). Healthy, natural as possible (or even better) diet - limit or cut out pellets IMO & IME......Clean flight cage (I beleive in keeping birds unclipped but totally supervised, for safety sake, while out of cage in safe environment among responsible and fully "alert" people - JMO). Clean water, toys, same species bird-playmate when possible (IMO) but separate cages if same sex and fighting or if female - supervise time together so no mating, as stress free an environment as possible, proper antibiotics prescribed by a seasoned certified Avian Vet when a "bug" disrupts the immune system, other elements of good health-care and I think that about covers it. Good luck to your lil one.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I can tell you that Fred is kept in a SPOTLESS cage, and has plenty of fresh water and food on hand...He is kept in the back of the store near the registers- he's not getting any sunshine, but he is away from any drafts. He is SUCH a sweetie pie!

[Joel]

Originally Posted by LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam

I can tell you that Fred is kept in a SPOTLESS cage, and has plenty of fresh water and food on hand...He is kept in the back of the store near the registers- he's not getting any sunshine, but he is away from any drafts. He is SUCH a sweetie pie!

So is that supposed to be a pat on the back, to whomever, for a job well done? Good that there are no drafts but let's maybe fix the sunshine/lighting problem - asap maybe.

"Plenty of food" ? = Great again IMO, as long as healthy, fresh and as natural as possible .... Sounds like he is in a lonely environment to me.

Not simply criticizing but maybe time for re-evaluation?

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

I don't know as if I'd consider Fred to be lonely..he was quite willing to talk to me.... He is in good feather, very lively and seemed to be very happy, but then I am not as well versed in bird ownership/breeding as you are Joel. I'm glad you were able to respond to Fred's situation. I was simply trying to provide some more background on Fred. Sometimes it can be a benefit to have another pair of eyes, especially when it involves a new poster. Fred has very loving parents and they seem to be doing a purty darn good job of taking care of Fred, which is WHY Jess and I invited him to Birdboard when we spent some time with them this summer. He absolutely deserves a pat on the back for coming to Birdboard seeking advice rather than ignore Fred's symptoms. Cape Cod does not have the benefit of enjoying warm weather year round unfortunately, so a full spectrum set up is a good suggestion,tho I don't think it is a cure all for his current symptoms, do you?

[Joel]

Joel's comments in red.

Originally Posted by LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam

I don't know as if I'd consider Fred to be lonely..he was quite willing to talk to me Uh, well, I meant lonely for his own kind (birds) ..... He is in good feather, very lively and seemed to be very happy, but then I am not as well versed in bird ownership/breeding as you are Joel. I'm glad you were able to respond to Fred's situation. Thanks for the head-swelling compliment (awww shucks ) - now I think I need to go get a couple aspirin - thanks a lot once again I was simply trying to provide some more background on Fred. Oh Sometimes it can be a benefit to have another pair of eyes, especially when it involves a new poster (and another set of lips ). Fred has very loving parents and they seem to be doing a purty darn good job of taking care of Fred, which is WHY Jess and I invited him (who is him (?), did ya invite the other parent too? ) to Birdboard when we spent some time with them this summer. He absolutely deserves a pat on the back for coming to Birdboard agree on that specific comment seeking advice rather than ignore Fred's symptoms. Smart move there Del Sol Hyannis Cape Cod does not have the benefit of enjoying warm weather year round unfortunately, so a full spectrum set up is a good suggestion,tho I don't think it is a cure all for his current symptoms, do you?

Of couse not, if I meant/felt that, I would have said that However, it is a start/a necessary factor in most cases (IMO), among all the other things I mentioned....

Hugs to you Mutha.......

[homebird]

Wow - that was interesting ...

I am going to second the good advice:
1)see an Avian Vet,
2)checkout the diet - has he been eating anythng he shouldn't? Like milk? Milk will make their poop runny - so avoid it & anything with milk in it. They're Lactose intolerant. Yogurt is different - no lactose. Has he eaten a plant? - check out the poisonous ones. I had to de-plant out place.
3)& the lighting [check out some of the threads & testimonials on FS]. This is a good thing but not necessarily related to his current problem.
4)His age may have something to do with his condition [when we age we can develop all sorts of problems] but until you get someone with experience to look at him you'll only be guessing.
5) Cleanliness of his food area & toys. Bacteria can get out of hand - we hear every day about contaminations of grocery foods. Salmonellosis, Paratyphoid or Infectious Enteritis are things to watchout for & exhibit loose stools & death.

Here's a link - http://www3.sympatico.ca/davehansen/disease.html that may help you in the future. [not knowing how he is - after all he's been Ok until now so you've done well by him to this point - but we all can improve our efforts]

Sorry to hear about your little guy - hope you can turn it around.

[Del Sol Hyannis]

Thank you all for your advice and support. I think the most important thing thing that was mentioned is getting him to an aviary vet.If she is still there, we used one years ago for our last bird, in foxboro or Norwood that we were very pleased with. Will keep everyone posted as to Fred's health.

[LissaKokoKiwiKaseySam]

Cape Wildlife Center
Rachel Blackmer
185 Meadow Lane
W. Barnstable, MA 02668




I pulled that off the AVA website..I hope it's accurate!!! Hope Fred feels better soon!