Flying problems

[cheryldb]

Hello
We have two male budgies, one 4 and the other 5 yo. Ronnie recently had a fluffy feather issue, which the vet couldn't identify the cause of. She noticed his droppings were off colour and he was a little underweight so he was given a course of antibiotics.
He seemed be perk up for a few weeks, but over the past week hasn't been able to fly. He doesn't get any lift and flaps about - quite distressing to see.
Now Joey is having the same flying problem. Both have healthy blue ceres and both are eating (we haven't changed their diet) and are quite chirpy...it is just the issue that they have with flying. We have an open cage for them, so they are both used to flying about the room.
Does anyone have any ideas on the problem? Thanks!

[Marianne Marlow]

Hi and Welcome to you and your budgies.

Could you please post a photo of your budgies and their cage and we'll be able to tell more.

Especially one of their wings and backs would be good.

Thanks

Marianne

[cheryldb]

Hi
Here is a photo of Ronnie.


Thanks
C

[BudgiesBuddy]

I can't spot anything wrong with Ronnie's wings. Is there any feather loss or do you feel something under the wings when you touch them with hand?

[cheryldb]

Hello
Nope, there are no lumps. We think that it is a bit odd that both Ronnie and Joey have the same problem. We haven't changed anything from what they are usually used to.

Thanks,
C

[BudgiesBuddy]

Do they have the same level of energy what they had before this flying issue?

[cheryldb]

Hello

They seem quite breathless when they try to fly. They are tending to stay in their cage now, as the flying is stressful for them.

They are still chirpy and chat to each other, and they are eating as usual as well.

C

[BudgiesBuddy]

If in a quite place you hold their beak encircled by your hand next to your ear, do you hear any noise while breathing?

[Marianne Marlow]

Silly question perhaps but have you been using perfume, scented candles or teflon pans near them?

[BudgiesBuddy]

Good point Marianne

[cheryldb]

Their cage is quite close to the kitchen. It has always been there and hasn't been moved recently. We can't hear any odd breathing sounds from them.

[Hezz]

How about pest extermination? Any other poisons or sprays? I am grasping at straws here, really. No rusty bits on their toys or in the cage? I think another vet visit is necessary, really.

[cheryldb]

Thank for your help, much appreciated.

[Marianne Marlow]

Mar 29, 2012 22:43:51 GMT cheryldb said:

Their cage is quite close to the kitchen. It has always been there and hasn't been moved recently. We can't hear any odd breathing sounds from them.

The poisoning from Teflon, burning smells etc would be a build up over time, it wouldn't happen overnight.

Is there a better place you could situate your birds?

This might be the cause.

Also I agree with Hezz. Another vet visit. Was it an Avian Vet?