Worried about budgie health (again)

[TheTenthDoctor]

I am back to the forums after a break. I have some concerns about Kiwi. He is loosing feathers. He isn't pulling them out he's just loosing them. He doesn't seem to be using his cuttle bone. I am afraid he isn't getting enough vitamins. I am planning on upping the amount of veggies and fruit I feed him. His claws seem to be getting longer. How do I take care of them? Also if I wanted to give him a boost of vitamins would it be okay to feed him a small amount of unseasoned well cooked salmon? 

Thank you! WinterSoldier

[Hezz]

Budgies can eat meat, cooked of course. I'm not certain he'd eat salmon, but you can try a small amount of cooked chicken. The more variety of foods you feed, the less likely that there is something missing in his diet.

Losing feathers - most likely a normal seasonal moult, if he is not pulling them.

[Shirls]

Try hard boiled egg yolk, mashed up with something like sweetcorn, I use the frozen corn and just thaw it out, then mix it with the egg. Egg yolk is a good source of protein. A good supplement if Kiwi is moulting.

[BloomCountyLover]

Yes, it is probably a regular seasonal moult. They really can loose what seems to be a boatload of feathers. Chicken and egg are probably the most readily accepted but if he sees you eating it he may try anything. Sam had an orange face for a week after diving into a plate of spaghetti..lol. Don't worry so much about the cuttlebone, he will take some if he needs it otherwise it is ignored. You are already feeding him his veg and fruit so I'm pretty sure his nutritional needs are being met. How old is he now?
Also about his nails, if they are pink and you can see the quick and you can hold your bird properly then you "can" trim them with a small good pair of nail clippers, however if you are unsure of yourself or your bird has black nails where the quick cannot be seen  then it is best to let an avian vet do it if it is needed at all. Are they catching in things or causing him to not perch preperly? 

[TheTenthDoctor]

Thanks for the replies

I offer him fruits and veggies daily. He was born in May or June. He is sometimes unwilling to eat of suppliments I offer him. He is active, sings constantly, and loves him sky rings

[Hezz]

A healthy bird's claws should not need to be trimmed at all. Once you start trimming generally you get locked into do so for ever.

[TheTenthDoctor]

So I shouldn't trim them?

[Shirls]

As Hezz said, a healthy bird shouldn't need his claws trimmed. Have you got natural wood perches in Kiwi's cage? Different widths and sizes helps keep claws trimmed.

[Hezz]

Nov 22, 2019 11:44:31 GMT TheTenthDoctor said:

So I shouldn't trim them?

Take a photo of your bird standing on a flat surface, focus on the feet. we will be able to tell you whether the nails are overly long or not.

[TheTenthDoctor]

I have two different sizes of wood perches, but he only uses one for some reason

[Shirls]

Nov 25, 2019 11:47:22 GMT TheTenthDoctor said:

I have two different sizes of wood perches, but he only uses one for some reason

They always have a favourite, of anything really!