Help - baldy budgie

[lynnemcwhinnie]

Hi Everyone and this is a wonderful idea which I had no clue existed until this morning.  I work in a rural college for young adults with learning disabilities.  We have many areas of teaching and one of those is our animals - we have livestock and small animals and exotics.  We recently were given a rescue budgie - the students chose the name 'TWEETIE-PIE' for him - and he came to us with no feathers at all on his chest.  We were advised that he plucked and so we thought that keeping him in the student communal hub would interest him.  Sadly, he seems to be losing more feathers along his back and shoulders (which means that he can't be self-plucking).  Any ideas and suggestions would be very much appreciated as we want this little guy to do well.  We tried another budgie with him but he attacked her; we have tried mirrors but he seems distressed when we put them in his cage.  I remember family budgies but they were all in small cages with bathboxes that were attached to the door but my experience is limited sadly.  Help .. please

[Marianne Marlow]

He really needs to see an avian vet to rule out any health reasons why he is like this.

He may be aggressive because he's unwell.

[Marianne Marlow]

Looking at your photos, the budgie is a hen, note the cere (nose) is a crusty brown which means she is in breeding condition.

I recommend some balsa and a cuttlebone for her too.

You could also get some guardian angel or avipro avian to put in her water and increase her vitamin intake.

[skysmum]

Ahhh poor little girl 🙁

It looks to me that she could have PBFD ( Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease. This is a virus from birth, there are two types but it’s the same virus, French Moult would appear to be a milder form with PBFD being the most severe, putting another budgie with her could risk her passing the virus on.

Of course as M said a vet visit is wise to rule anything else out and maybe to confirm this could be the problem. Sadly there is nothing you can do for her apart from a very good diet with veg and some fruit and a stimulating environment with things for her to busy about with.

[lynnemcwhinnie]

Thank you everyone and we will see about the vitamins for her water and some fresh fruit/veg. Is the cage too large.

[Hezz]

Feb 21, 2024 11:18:52 GMT lynnemcwhinnie said:

Thank you everyone and we will see about the vitamins for her water and some fresh fruit/veg. Is the cage too large.

A cage can never be too large. The more room for her to move about and feel less caged, the better. I agree with getting her a total vet check out as there are many health issues that can present as plucking or feather loss. Anything from internal parasites to allergies, and everything in between. If you are able to get her vet checked, ask about holistic treatments that may help keep her calm.

For now you can do a number of things, firstly is to take out the nest box. This will only increase her agitation. Birds do not need a box unless you are wanting to breed. Secondly she needs more toys, possibly a swing or two, things to rattle and chewy toys. I know you said she isn’t plucking because of where the feathers are missing from, but don’t be fooled as to where he may be able to reach, and if so plucking is often a sign of boredom initially which then become a habit which is very hard to break. I wouldn’t rule out plucking for the simple fact that her head is beautifully feathered still.

Next up see about getting some more natural branch perches for her so you can rid the cage of the dowels that come with all cages. Different thicknesses and textures help keep her feet exercised and healthy.

Tweetie Pie is a good name for a little yellow bird; good luck with finding some answers to her problems. Please do let us know how you get on or are getting on.