Jul 30, 2020 13:49:13 GMT
Ellie
Normal Violet
Posts: 110
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Post by Ellie on Jul 30, 2020 16:38:31 GMT
I am heading out soon, to check out a little blue budgie at our local animal shelter. Hopefully he's coming home with me, but before I fill out the paper work, I want to see how healthy he is. I know the basics of a sick budgie - tail bobbing, puffy feathers, lethargic, odd looking poops (or a poopy vent), but is there anything else I should look out for? Also, how soon do you take a new bird to the vet? I want to give him a bit of time to settle in, but also don't want to risk bringing anything like mites, etc. in to the house since I have a dog (the bird was listed as a stray - I currently don't know if that means he was found outside, or someone gave him up under the guise of "I found him"). Any advice would be appreciated!
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Post by blue48 on Jul 30, 2020 17:19:37 GMT
I don't suppose they have an avian vet at a shelter but I'm sure a vet checks all the animals that come in and would take a look for any obvious signs of ill health. They would probably recognise a mite infestation. Check round the eyes, beak and legs for dry, crusty areas which could indicate mites. Reputable animal shelters don't rehome sick animals. Of course, normal vets are not usually trained in exotic animal care.
As long as you're not putting him in with another bird he'll be quarantined in his cage and if there are any problems they will become evident.
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Jul 30, 2020 17:47:10 GMT
I think I read on your other post that he was "missing" some feathers above his cere. I wouldn't be too concerned about that. It happens quite often because they tend to rub that area on their perch. Ask at the shelter if they cover a vet visit cost. Some shelters do. You can schedule a "well bird" vet check.
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Jul 30, 2020 13:49:13 GMT
Ellie
Normal Violet
Posts: 110
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Post by Ellie on Jul 30, 2020 22:02:51 GMT
I think I read on your other post that he was "missing" some feathers above his cere. I wouldn't be too concerned about that. It happens quite often because they tend to rub that area on their perch. Ask at the shelter if they cover a vet visit cost. Some shelters do. You can schedule a "well bird" vet check. Yeah, it actually doesn't look that bad in person. I'm guessing right now he is just starting to go through his first moult, since some of his "fluffy" feathers look like they are starting to moult.
The woman at our local parrot supply suggest I call the shelter to see if they already did a wellness check on him. Apparently our local animal services have a pretty good program. I'll have to call them back tomorrow.
And yes, I brought him home. It's most definitely a "he". His beak is much darker in person. He looks to be pretty healthy too. And they weren't kidding when they said he was very friendly; I put some seeds in my hand to show that he had food, and after leaning over to check out what I had, he just hopped in to my hand and started eating. I was even able to move him over to the food dish with no panic on his part.
He's a really lovely colour too - a very vibrant blue, with a very pale yellow on his head, wings, and under his tail. My cell phone camera doesn't do justice. He came with the name Danny, which I think I might keep.
(ps - don't anyone panic.. the bar spacing on the cage is 5/8". It's temporary and I'm keeping an eye on him. I'm just trying to see if I can put together the flight cage I have in half-size. It's a lot of space to jump in to, for a little bird that was being kept in a tiny cage.
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Post by tweetiepiesmom on Jul 30, 2020 23:04:02 GMT
Such a sweet baby boy! Take lots of pictures while he grows up! You both are lucky to have found each other. Many happy years together.
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Post by yellowfacedviolet on Jul 31, 2020 3:54:14 GMT
Congratulations! Sounds like Danny--who is very handsome-- has found an excellent home. Love these adoption stories.
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Post by blue48 on Jul 31, 2020 6:56:54 GMT
What a lovely boy! Congratulations on your new baby
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Post by Hezz on Jul 31, 2020 8:15:58 GMT
He's lovely. Welcome to the forum, Danny.
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Post by birdguhl on Jul 31, 2020 9:06:10 GMT
You are adorable, Danny! Looking forward to getting to know you better
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Adoption
Jul 31, 2020 9:32:13 GMT
via mobile
Post by ffiscool on Jul 31, 2020 9:32:13 GMT
Too cute. Look forward to hearing more
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Adoption
Jul 31, 2020 16:23:49 GMT
via mobile
Post by jellybean on Jul 31, 2020 16:23:49 GMT
Welcome to the forum beautiful boy.
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Jul 30, 2020 13:49:13 GMT
Ellie
Normal Violet
Posts: 110
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Post by Ellie on Jul 31, 2020 21:06:09 GMT
Thanks everyone! So happy with my decision to adopt him. He's such a cheerful little budgie. I've been sifting though the forums. Plenty of great information which will help me keep him happy
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