Head and body tilt | Budgerigars Forum

snails997
Brand New Budgie

Posts: 26

Head and body tilt Mar 5, 2024 22:31:55 GMT

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Post by snails997 on Mar 5, 2024 22:31:55 GMT

My 5+ y/o Basquiat started to suddenly tilt his head/whole body to the left this evening. It gets MUCH worse while he rests, but he likes cameras, so I can't capture that.

He cleaned himself on both sides just normally, pretzel bend and all, lifting both wings etc. So he technically can move his head around, but keeps it to the side most of the time. He's eating, drinking, playing normally, singing and beak grinding as usual even.

He also keeps looking up like there's something to look at suddenly, making single turns in circle quite agitated. I'm worried because he's had seizures this summer- treated with antibiotics. I'm saving up for the vet, there's only one in the area and it's quite expensive.
For now, I bought epato 3 from Dinamys (liver supplement), suggested by the vet to help secure the seizure treatment. Not sure if it's useful now, but I can try?

Maybe I'm overreacting? I'm just too helpless and guilty about this whole veterinarian unaffordability... Can anybody give me any advice?

Marianne Marlow
Administrator

George, Daisy, Iris, Billy, Peter, Chipper, Dinku, Barney, Ayla and Rocky

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Head and body tilt Mar 7, 2024 9:40:32 GMT

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Post by Marianne Marlow on Mar 7, 2024 9:40:32 GMT

I am not sure what the issue is unfortunately, but can you please make sure that is not rust on the bell as this is toxic to your budgie.

We are not Vets, Avian or otherwise. If you have any serious doubts about your budgies' health an appointment with an Avian vet should always be your first point of call.

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skysmum
Superior Sky Blue

Posts: 9,792

Head and body tilt Mar 7, 2024 14:48:51 GMT Marianne Marlow and snails997 like this

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Post by skysmum on Mar 7, 2024 14:48:51 GMT

The symptoms could be many things, if he's had seizures in the past it's probably related in some way and as Marianne has mentioned metal poisoning from rusty bells will also cause neurological problems, the vet is the way to go to get to the bottom of things.

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snails997
Brand New Budgie

Posts: 26

Head and body tilt Mar 7, 2024 20:41:28 GMT Marianne Marlow likes this

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Post by snails997 on Mar 7, 2024 20:41:28 GMT

Mar 7, 2024 9:40:32 GMT Marianne Marlow said:

I am not sure what the issue is unfortunately, but can you please make sure that is not rust on the bell as this is toxic to your budgie.

Of course-- I brought the bell to the last vet visit, and she assured me it didn't look like it was the issue, but now I'm skeptical… Thanks for the heads-up, changing it won't hurt (it's his favorite object in the world, it has to be a perfect replacement!)