Ill or old

[Biggles]

We have 2 old budgies-at least 10 years old (we know they were with their first owner at least 5 years and their second owner at least 5 years)

They're a bit like old men, fluff up to keep warm, doze a lot and enjoy their food, don't move a huge amount.


The last 4-5 days Bill has been extra puffed up and extra sleepy, and his feathers look a little ragged at the end. He's tucking his bill into his back, which he hasn't normally done.

He's eating fine, moving as much as normal when he's awake, and droppings look pretty much normal, not speaking a huge amount, but calling a bit. He seems reasonably happy when awake.

Is he just getting older, or is he ill? If he's ill, is there anything I can do to help?

I've put a blanket round the cage in case he's just cold, to try and keep him away from drafts. Is this a good idea?

Thanks.

[samwiseg]

Hi

To me in my limited experience he does look a littler bit poorly.

Keeping him warm is essential so if you're able to provide a heat source that would be good either near a radiator or heat pad under his cage. If you can put him in a smaller cage with perches low or on the floor so he won't lose his balance too.

Is he going through a heavy Moult because he is tatty? Might be taking it's toll because he is older. I would give him some hard boiled egg yolk or egg food to help with his protein levels and perhaps some Guardian Angel in his water too.

Monitor him and see how he is

I hope that helps

[Biggles]

Thank you. I've made sure they're close to a heat source.
He had egg food in his cage, but for some reason they won't touch it. The younger ones go mad for it, but the older pair won't touch it.

You might be right on the moult. He's been shedding a lot of the little fluffy feathers (they're beautiful blue some of them).
Tonight, when we took him up to bed, he decided it was time to eat and not only ate constantly for about half an hour, but had the energy to check both food bowls and defend his chosen bowl from Ben. So I think that's a good sign.

Is "Guardian Angel" available from Pets at Home (or only near large pet shop) or is it order from Amazon? And does it matter if Ben has some too if I put it in the water feeder because they both refuse to drink from anything other than the same one?

[Hezz]

Guardian Angel is fine for the other bird as well, although it does sound as though Ben is getting his energy back. If you have a heat lamp, put this at one end of the cage so that he can move out of the heat if needed. 10 years is a good innings for a budgie, so age may be not helping him recover. Keeping him and his surroundings warm will be of real benefit to his health - saving his energy to grow new feathers rather than keeping his old bones warm.

[Biggles]

I tried with the egg food, and they refused as normal. Then I had an idea and put it on top of the normal stuff and he's eaten some. So good news.
He does look a little better, so hopefully he'll be okay. He's been near a radiator all day.

[Hezz]

That sounds promising. Hopefully the warmth and extra protein will help him feel better.

[samwiseg]

Agreed that does sound more positive!

Good idea about the egg food too, usually putting a supplement or new food with their existing food can help with them trying it

[Biggles]

Bill looks much better today, but Ben's fluffed up a bit last night. I've put a blanket over half the cage which keeps it warm and dark for him sleeping. I'm at home today so I'm keeping an eye out.

[samwiseg]

Good news fingers crossed for Ben too xx

[SweetyTweety22]

Lots of TLC