How heavy is too heavy?

[starrymist]

So, I've been weighing Brodie weekly for some time now.   He was in the low 40s(grams) during March through to around June time & with hindsight, I've wondered if it was related to his sinus infection even though he showed no outward signs of illness at all.   From late June through to now, he's steadily increased his weight & in recent weeks has gone up by a gram each week.  Today he's 55g: is this too much & should he be on a diet?! He looks no different to me (& still looks a 'small' bird compared to Misty).  His flying hasn't been wonderful recently & we've wondered if he's adjusting to the extra weight.  It could also be he's just not been doing as much flying recently so I make sure to fly him at least once a day, he's learnt the 'FLY' command so quickly!  Should I be doing anything else re his weight/ flying? Thanks in advance!

[Marianne Marlow]

It's really difficult to say how heavy is too heavy because all budgies are different sizes, just like humans.

I weigh mine weekly and keep an eye on any changes. My lowest is 43.5 grams and my heaviest is 54.5 grams.

[Hezz]

As Marianne says. What is the right weight for one will be far too light or heavy for another. It all depends on size, but getting Brodie flying about more will definitely be beneficial.

[BudgiesBuddy]

I have different types and sizes of birds. When a pet bird is having difficulty while flying and especially landing, he is too heavy. Panting after under 10 seconds of flying confirms it further.

[ffiscool]

I just weighed Bailey (been ages) and he is now 50g he used to be about 45g but was ages back. he flies ok, and vet didnt comment on his last two visits when having to grab him...

[Marianne Marlow]

If he flies okay and doesn't get out of breath then his weight is probably fine.
I'm only monitoring my birds for dramatic weight changes as it's an indicator of health.

[ffiscool]

I will make him do more exercise too I think. although he is out most days for a long time. I think too he was a semi show bird, so might be heavier. but as you say, its the differences to watch out for.. and he definitely used to be 45g.. i will weigh something else on the scales where i know the weight, to make sure too they are working ok

[starrymist]

Thanks, he's getting out of puff quite easily so I'm thinking he is a bit podgy. He's out most of the time but playing on the floor or gym so the majority of his flights are very short, it's the laps round the room that he's struggling with.

[Deleted]

Munchy has been 38-39g at his lightest and 45g at his heaviest. He was 40g on Sunday, being lighter than he has in a long while. He's usually closer to 43g. The kitchen scales are a bit rubbish, though, because they only go to the closest gram and they're really cheap. (Cheep?) Still, they do the trick if we're mainly looking for big changes.

[JennyB]

How do you encourage laps around the room?

[Hezz]

Good on you, starrymist. Brodie, get ready for launching! Join the Smudge-club.

[Hezz]

Sept 3, 2014 22:57:53 GMT JennyB said:

How do you encourage laps around the room?

Put them on your finger, hold 'em high, and tip them off!!

[OP]

My method is try and get both Joey & Whiskers to stay on the same hand for more than 30 seconds.

[starrymist]

Yep, launching is the way to go! Brodie's been launched ('FLY!') once a day for a few weeks now but we're upping it to twice a day & if that's ok, maybe more, he's officially joined Fit Club!

[Hezz]

Shouldn't that be the "Get-Fit Club" I was launching Smudge often enough that she took off as soon as I turned and looked at her! I had to tame it down a notch as she wouldn't sit still on my finger for a kiss.