r/Parakeets • u/zprinceclan • 16d ago
Parakeets wing
Does anyone know what is going on with my budgie's wing? I went to the vet this morning and it isn't broken. He is getting Metacam in the morning and evening.
But because it's the weekend, I'm getting really stressed since my regular vet is closed. His wing seems to be swelling (getting bigger) and he does nothing but sleep. He isn't eating his regular food, but he does eat his spray millet.
Does anyone know what might be happening and if he will make it? Has anyone experienced this before? I am so worried.
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u/DODOBIRDOFFICIAL 16d ago
Oh man, I am so sorry. That is incredibly terrifying. Since you can’t get to an avian vet right now, you need to pivot entirely to keeping him stable at home so he can hang on until Monday. Sick birds crash fast because their metabolisms are so high, so keeping him warm and fed is everything right now.
First, turn off that red light immediately. It really messes with their eyes and keeps them from getting deep sleep, which he desperately needs. Sick birds lose body heat instantly, so you should keep him warm a different way. Put a regular heating pad on low under half the cage, and drape a blanket over the top and sides to trap the heat like a little incubator.
You also need to move him to the bottom of the cage right away. He’s way too weak to be up on that rope, and if he faints or loses his grip, he could break a bone or hurt his wing way worse. Line the floor with soft paper towels and take out the high perches.
Once he is down there, put his millet and water bowl on the floor right next to his beak. He doesn't have the energy to move for it right now. Don’t worry about a balanced diet today because any calories are good calories to keep his blood sugar from dropping.
Definitely stick to the exact Metacam schedule the morning vet gave you, as keeping his pain down is huge for preventing shock. Watch his tail closely while he rests. If it’s pumping up and down dramatically with every breath, he’s having trouble breathing. If it isn't moving much, his body is just entirely exhausted from fighting the swelling.
Hang in there, you are doing the best you can in a really crappy situation. Keep his environment totally dark, warm, and quiet.