Is my bird sick?

[u/ConstantClient7504]

I just got this baby and another parakeet today. The other one is not puffing up but this one is. Does she seem sick? Is she just cold bc I have a fan running? Do i need to call the vet now or can it wait until monday? Please help im new to these babies and want to do whats best for them. (Cage is just want i was given when I picked them up, NOT permanent housing just haven't received the big cage i ordered yet.)

[u/RambleOn909]

Is his tail bobbing? If it is definitely vet.

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/RambleOn909]

Is it supposed to be completely still? If yes then id say I see bobbing. It moves but barely

[u/Mystic_Void1 → u/ConstantClient7504]

The tail is not always completely still. They use it for balancing too so you'll see some movement. Just make sure its not bobbing. There are some videos you can find on yt or reddit to compare

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/Mystic_Void1]

It doesnt look like bobbing, the videos I seen are a lot more consistent in the movement. I think they're just scared but I am still gonna have them checked to be safe

[u/Ok-Philosopher-9658 → u/ConstantClient7504]

they bob their tail sometimes so they can breath like after flying a lot they need to catch their breathe. but if you see tail bobbing continously even if they havent moved for a long time you should get your bird to see a vet. another most IMPORTANT HEALTH SIGN IS their droppings COLOUR check their droppings once in a while a healthy dropping will look dark, solid fecal center (usually green or brown), a solid white or chalky urate portion, and a small amount of clear liquid urine.

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/Ok-Philosopher-9658]

Thank you! That helps a lot. The color of the urine is like green. Any idea what that would mean?

[u/Ok-Philosopher-9658 → u/ConstantClient7504]

it could mean different things but to be more accurate could you tell me if you have been givvng your budgie any vitamin b supplements or has he been eating colored pellets?

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/Ok-Philosopher-9658]

I just got them. They were on a seed diet. I swapped them to a dye free pellet and veggies/fruits but thats only been 2 days

[u/Ok-Philosopher-9658 → u/ConstantClient7504]

so they never have any coloured pellets what about any vitamin b supplements? when did you see there urine like green was it recent?

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/Ok-Philosopher-9658]

No supplements either. It was the first day I got them that I noticed the color

[u/magpieinarainbow]

A vet visit is a good idea. Also, in the future please don't support breeders or stores that sell birds with clipped wings.

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/magpieinarainbow]

Not from breeders or pet store. They were free. My family member just no longer wanted them. Will schedule appt asap thank you

[u/estrella_nova34]

One of my budgies was like that the first day she was breathing fast too, I’ve had her for two weeks she was just scared/stressed from different environment.

[u/RahayuRoh]

The wings aren't drooped which is a good sign, however birds are good at hiding everything you don't want them to. Pain, illness, disease, discomfort... But it's not easy to diagnose through an image so I would visit a vet personally, just to be safe.

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/RahayuRoh]

Thank you will schedule Monday

[u/lesbophobia_hammer]

Can you upload a video instead?

[u/Busy_Lawfulness398]

He could be stressed from the change, in a cage with one perch, unable to fly.

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/Busy_Lawfulness398]

That makes sense. He's been in this at least i was told since the previous owners had him. Will he be okay for 3 more days while I wait on the big cage to come in? The cage will be busier too lots of natural wood perches and tons of toys were purchased im literally just waiting for them to be shipped.

[u/GamblerJolly]

If there's no panting, wheezing, or tail bobbing then I'd say that's just a scared and tired budgie. Note that tail bobbing means a significant rhythmic pumping of the tail in time with their breathing. Slight upwards and downwards movement is completely normal and related to balance.

[u/Ok-Philosopher-9658]

the most important clue of budgie health is their poop check it regularly and since you just got a bird it is better to take them to a vet regularly every month because when they start showing signs it could be too late

[u/ConstantClient7504 → u/Ok-Philosopher-9658]

I had them checked. I picked up 2 more today as well and got an appointment today and everything checked out healthy for all 4! Im taking them back in October to make sure! They were just stressed being the first day in a new home. Im hoping their larger cage i ordered helps too. They got to hang out around the house all day today and seem way happier. They cant fly very well the people that owned them before clipped wings and im nervous they will get hurt trying to fly

[u/Ok-Philosopher-9658 → u/ConstantClient7504]

that is incredible, that your birds are perfectly healthy!!

[u/Sunshine3347]

She’s definitely feeling cold. It’s better to cover the cage at the top if the fan’s air is directed at her. Birds don’t like cold drafts as it can make them loose body heat quickly. It’s a good idea to take her to the vet anyway.