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My tamed boy budgie is not his usual perky self. Feathers ruffled, head stopped and eyes half shut or dozing.He even allows me to manhandle him now. He seem unstable when attempting to preen himself though not very successfully. He is about 6 -7 seven years old.Please advise if something's the matter with him and if there's anything I can do to help him get better. Thank you. Lee
Optional Information: Type of Animal: Male Gender: male Age: 6 -7 yrs Name of Bird: boy Already Tried: nohing much apart from teying to keep him warm
Greetings, I am Dr. Pat. I have worked with birds for many years. I will do my best to help you.He is in serious trouble. I know it is the weekend, but you should try to find a bird-experienced doctor and get him in. Almost anything could be going on. What you describe is a generally sick bird, and nothing specific to any one disease.If you have to wait until tomorrow, move the bird to an aquarium, box or carrier with soft towels in the bottom, no perch, and food and water in low bowls that can be reached easily. Put the whole thing on a heating pad on low or medium. Keep the unit partially covered, warm and quiet. Go to this link for some ideas. Do not try to force food or water. You can offer warm cooked rice, pancakes, oatmeal, cream of wheat, cornbread, grapes, melon, greens in addition to normal food. Transport as soon as possible.Pet/feed store medications and home remedies are harmful, ineffective, immuno-suppressive, and make them much worse and may interfere with the veterinarian's diagnosis and treatment. Do not use them. You are going to need local help on this, and a scientific and solid diagnosis to find safe and effective treatment.You need to to take your bird to see an avian-experienced veterinarian ASAP for complete examination, diagnosis and appropriate treatment. Check this link for members of AAV in your area or call your regular vet and see who they recommend; ask if they really have worked with birds a lot. If this were my patient, I would start with complete fecal analysis and direct smear, for multiple parasites; bacterial culture and sensitivity of the feces and choana. Depending on the case I might do a fungal culture. Routine blood work is necessary to rule out other issues. Generally I start them out on antibiotics as indicated by the tests (I use a lot of human antibiotics that are injectable). Your bird may need injectable fluids, calcium, antibiotics and many other medications. Act quickly and good luck.
I appreciate your advice about caring for the bird which I am already doing but access to a bird vet would seem difficult as I am unlikely to find one locally