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Post by wednesdaybudge on Jun 14, 2020 2:43:12 GMT
Hi all,
I was hoping I could get some actual advice from people with budgie experience on our bird’s health. We’ve had her about two years— found outside. My husband and I don’t have bird experience but took her in after no one would take her and are doing the best we can!
I am constantly worried about her and want her to thrive! Lately I’ve been noticing she seems to be breathing heavier but due to my inexperience and the huge swath of internet info, I’m concerned but not sure if it’s “nothing” or “something”. We called the only avian vet in the area (not even very close, an hour drive) and they wanted $500 just to see her! That seems exorbitant. Hoping I can get some assistance and direction here before jumping to any conclusions or doing a deep dive into vets that will see her that may cost less but are harder to find.
Symptoms are she “seems” to be breathing heavy (from my limited knowledge) and she is making a little clicky noise when she breathes— other than that she seems completely normal- is active, chirpy during the day, eating, poop looks ok. Her seed quality could be better but honestly when we get her higher quality seed or try to give her veggies/fruit she avoids it at all costs and will basically starve herself.
Anyway, would love some advice for newer Budge parents. I took a video of her breathing and would love to upload it, but not sure if that’s possible on this forum.
MANY thanks in advance!!!
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Jun 14, 2020 4:29:17 GMT
Hi wednesdaybudge. The experts will be along to help you. Just from my limited experience it does sound like she has a respiratory issue and should be seen by a vet. Respiratory issues could come from a number of things including things found in a typical home. Respiratory issues from household items may not show up immediately and may build up over time. Do you use scented candles, room freshners, cook with teflon (PTFE) coated pans? Those are the most common offenders. She may also have an infection which should be treated by a vet. A charge of $500 does seem very high in my experience. My avian vet charges $65 for an exam. Where do you live? Perhaps I can help you locate a more reasonable vet.
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Post by Hezz on Jun 14, 2020 20:40:51 GMT
It does sound like a respiratory infection of some sort, but can you weigh her and tell us how much she weighs, also some good clear photos of her may help as well. You can upload videos to youtube and then copy/paste the address. That's what most people do, I think.
When you run your hand down the front of her chest, can you feel her keel (breastbone) sharply, easily, vaguely, not at all??
For food, are you able to source some seeding grasses at all? Fresh, not near a busy road, making sure they are free from any sprays, herbicide or pesticide. If you can, give them a rinse under running water and hang these up for her. She may know what to do with fresh grass rather than vege.
To help her breathing, try putting her and her cage into the bathroom and really let it steam up. Close it off, leave the shower running hot and leave her in there for 10-15 minutes at a time. The humidity can help open up her airways.
The other thing that can cause a clicking sound or squeak (there is air sac mites but I doubt it is that) is an iodine deficiency. If you can get some iodine tincture, (25mg/ml) add a drop or two to her water for a few days and see if that makes a difference. Three drops into 100mls of water is the recommended dose.
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