Problems with new budgie

[puffugu]

Hello all! I've just made an account on this forum as it is very helpful.
Anyhow, yesterday I purchased a beautiful budgie, the petland people (i know, bad store ugh) said it is around five to six months old. (I'm a little unsure as to if it is male or female, but I am going with male) I introduced him to his cage yesterday, and since then he doesn't move much, doesn't eat or drink on his own, and doesn't make any noise. I know this is normal, but it is still a little scary. I played some budgie calls from youtube and one video makes him really excited and he chirps very loudly. Previously, he was put on a seed diet, but I have Roudybush Premium Pellets as pellets are healthier. I requested the store staff to give me some of his old food, and they did. So I had put his old food with a bit of millet and the new food, but he hasn't touched it or the water one bit. He also hasn't touched the fruits/veggies I put for him. The only way he eats is if I gently put it near his face, when he gladly accepts. I even gave him water with an eyedropper and he seemed to like it. I knew he'd go to the food and water eventually, but I was just too paranoid. He'd explore his cage soon enough. So I got less worried, but then another problem arose: constipation. Now his poop is stuck in his vent. I can tell he is trying to poop, as his tail is erect and he is fluffing up. He is scratching his vent (now with dried poop) with his legs, beak, and now he's eating the poop. I hope this isn't unhealthy... He still isn't moving much, just staying on his rope perch. Anyone have any advice?

Thank you for reading through all this, I can't wait to get more into this forum!

[jonah]

I would hold off on trying to switch a new birds diet. Feed him the food he views as normal until the stressful period of being in a new enviroment, and without his old pet store flock has worn off. Roudybush is a wonderful pellet, and the main staple of my birds diet. I would wait at least a few weeks before mixing it in. You sound very excited and nervous which we all can relate to. Try to give him some space for awhile, with his cage covered on the top and three sides. He will eat and drink and you can gently and slowly start the taming process. For the next week or so, I would just talk to, or read to him and let him get used to seeing you and hearing your voice before trying to handle him...

[puffugu]

thank you so much jonah... this makes me feel better!

[jonah]

Your welcome...

[puffugu]

here are pictures if you are interested!! haha
do you by any chance know what the exact name of this mutation is? and what gender this baby is? ouo
sta.sh/01msshlzal3z (his body is actually teal and he has a pale-ish yellow head. pictures don't do justice)

[Hezz]

I think you have got a hen, for what it's worth. While I agree with most of jonah's post , I don't necessarily agree with leaving them alone too much in this time and generally start on the training process straight away. To begin with they are often too scared to eat or drink and it may well be a week before you actually see the bird drink. This will only happen once it is settled and feeling more secure - they are vulnerable when drinking, especially with no-one to watch their back, and so will wait until you are out of the room before doing so.

[puffugu]

okay, thanks!! i am actually pretty confused, as the birdie has traits of both on its cere hehe
i've been going in and out. before i was with the baby wayyy too much. now i am toning it down a bit.
earlier i had given him lots of head rubs and he enjoyed it, fluffing up and not biting! and that was huge improvement for just a few hours! i knew i started a bit early, but yeah.

[puffugu]

day 2 of constipation: he is still fluffing up and trying to eat the poop out of his vent. i'm not sure what to do, he's not bathing in the water dish~

[starlingqueen]

She is a very pretty little hen. Give her time to settle down. Being a hen she may not be as active and vocal as a cock would be.

[puffugu]

okay!! anything i can do about the dried poop she is trying to get out of her vent? she's not taking a bath!

[ffiscool]

you could try spraying her with water as that might help loosen it

[OP]

Yes spraying does help. I have sprayed Joey a few times for this same thing. Aim your pray at the affected area. She will flap about but if you are persistent you will soften the poop. Be gently with the spray though. Eventually as your hen grows she will get better at clearing the vent.

[puffugu]

oh, okay! thanks for letting me know, both of you! i will try spraying for sure!

[puffugu]

i sprayed the cutie, and (s)he liked it!! and more droppings came out of the vent area, she isn't scratching at it anymore so good sign!
also, the birdie has odor, but i think that is because of the pet store, i noticed all of them smelled kind of gross, which i know is not a good sign. it was probably just because of filthy conditions, and it will go away with time and baths, am i right?

[puffugu]

now she is doing something every few minutes; it's the exact same routine: stretches out tail feathers, scratches with right leg, and lifts wings. there are a few places where i can see some white under the wings and on the chest too. is this something to be worried about? i can't take her to the vet right now for a general checkup and to ask all these questions, will have to wait a bit. : (