I don't understand the marker thing. Like take a sharpie or something to it? I hope so. Being a new bird owner I worry about things. When I bought the lice and mite protector, I also exchanged the perch for one without rust. Its an inch or so too big for the cage, so if I put it in it'll have to be at an angle. :/ I also bought a mineral block and bird cage cleaner that helps with odors.
May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMTDreamerHorse
Normal Violet
I've been told Kiwi has digestion issues. He's got a messy vent, the runs, and has been scratching at his vent. My mom only has $50 for the rest of the month. If I were to ever take him to a vet it would require a friend or relative lending money. What should I do?
Hi dreamerhorse. I can sympathize with you as I can remember worrying about my first one when we first got him.. The breeder I got him from gave me the same advice, and I searched a lot online for answers. It is a scary time the first couple of weeks and its good you are worrying coz it shows you care. I'm sure he will find his food and water though. Keep us updated though
May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMTDreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Thanks firefighterg. I have been told a lot of things from this parakeet group on facebook. I have been told its stress. I have been told its mites. I have been told its digestion issues. I feel like banging my head on a wall. -_-
You may find his pops quite runny as he has had great upheavel being transported and then finding himself in new surroundings. I would suggest you slow down yourself a little bit. Yes you will worry and as firefighterg say that is good. It's a bit early to be thinking of going to the vets and things just yet. Keep an eye on his poops and they should begin to dry up and go more normal. that is a white center and dark outer circle, or something like that. They may not be circular but if they are dryish and not just watery then they will be fine. As for marking the water container I meant a marker pen or something that rubs off easily. You could even put a bit of sticking plaster on where the water level is. don't forget he will take a few days to settle into his new home, so just keep an eye on him and don't worry too much just yet.
May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMTDreamerHorse
Normal Violet
I'm not familiar with those things. As long as they are non-toxic and budgie safe then they shouldn't harm. If you are not sure remove them and ask on here again with more information about them. Kiwi will scratch quite a bit especially if he has a dirty vent. Budgies do scratch and rub whenever they have an itch. It's all they can do, it doesn't mean they are lousey.
May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMTDreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Yea I took it off. Its harmful to humans so I don't feel its good for birds. I had to wear gloves touching it. Pity I wasted $3 on it, all because someone on the Parakeet Facebook group told me he was showing symptoms of mites. -_- Sometimes people just give silly advice. I'm going to stop worrying now and go read to him.
Hi DreamerHorse, don't worry I was fretting when I first got Teddy - he had a dodgy foot (and the forum was a great source of support). Luckily it got better. I think you are right to remove the lice protector - in fact, minimising your budgie's exposure to chemicals in the air and food is the best thing you can do for your little Kiwi. My advice for runny poos is to just feed seed (I presume that was what they were feeding in the pet store) as that will help bind his poo - veg and fruit can be introduced once he's more settled.
The other thing I would suggest (only a suggestion) is that you remove the wire tray at the bottom of the cage. My experience is that budgies love tottering around on the bottom and it gives their little feet a rest (unless you have a flat perch). Of course, you need to make sure the bottom is cleaned on a regular basis. I buy a massive roll of kitchen towel and do it daily - also means I can monitor Teddy's poo easily.
Try not to panic too much - I agree with OP - Kiwi is probably adjusting - only take him to the vet if absolutely necessary. It would be quite stressful for him.
Oh and maybe don't add grit to his seed for now - you can offer it to him in a separate dish once he's back to normal.
Thanks Fluffball. Yea, his diet is seed, some millet, and when food stamps come around, some fruits and vegetables. He isn't around on the bottom, preferring to stay up high, so I'm leaving it in there. Plus, it would be difficult, if not impossible, to get it out without taking the cage apart. The door simply isn't big enough.
I have newspaper on the bottom and I've been cleaning the grate when it gets messy. I'm trying not to panic, but it can be hard when some people give multiple advice(like the facebook group I'm in for parakeets, which I'm considering leaving because someone was rude, suggesting I start taking Kiwi out of his cage now because he's stressed and will stay stressed in the cage. -_- Then they got mad at me for not following their advice). But I'm trying my best and I promise to settle down. I won't take him to the vet right now and I'll be sure that its necessary when it does, but it won't even be happening any time soon anyway due to money issues.
I'll change his seed so there's no grit in it.
Thanks.
May 16, 2015 14:28:29 GMTDreamerHorse
Normal Violet
Some positive news (and not worrying news). He's coming out of his shell, not necessarily hopping around the cage but moving around and reacting more to the things I do, like eyeballing the toy I moved a little for him.
I also put the new perch him and took one of the long ones that came with the cage out. However, Its about an inch or half too big for the cage, so I'm going to have to look for smaller perches, or trim some of the perch off. Which I think will be difficult. Wal-Mart does stock them so I figure if I trim them then I can get more of these perches and he can fly back and forth. I am also considering ordering more perches when there is money.
He also chirped earlier. Took me for a shock, because I was wondering, "Was that the bird?" Yep it was, and I think he wanted to draw my attention. xD