a difficult day

[birdguhl]

Poor little Berry has not had a very nice day.

My friendly local petshop owner who has bred budgies for years was really surprised to hear that the vet hadn't treated Berry for mites when he was seen about a month ago with feather loss and over-preening.

So I took him up on his offer to give him the Ivermectin procedure, and they had a little outing this morning.

Berry was frightened, of course, and I am sure he felt it was a huge indignity and now he certainly doesn't look at his best even by recent scruffy standards.

They are back home now (still in little transport cage) but now Berry is upset again because Woody is behaving in a very unfriendly manner towards him - even quite aggressively and Berry has been jumping down to the floor to get away from him.

I am guessing Woody is also unsettled by the whole thing (we didn't treat him as he is showing no symptoms and wanted to keep it as quick as possible) but I wonder if he is acting oddly because Berry looks and smells different?

What a shame for Berry though. Just when he especially needs his friend he is getting the cold shoulder! I hope they get back to their usual matey relationship soon and that the treatment helps.

[samwiseg]

Am sure Berry will be fine and Woody will settle soon. Well done on getting Berry treated, I know it is unsettling for them (and you) but Berry will be sooo grateful in the long run.

[birdguhl]

Thanks v much, Samwiseg!

Berry sensibly exited the small cage and is now back in the big one on his own, and Woody is on the curtain pole. They are communicating in their usual manner vocally now. HOpefully a bit of space will help.

Interestingly I found out from Don, the petshop owner, that Berry is a violet cobalt. I had thought he was a normal blue.

Don is a real find!

[samwiseg]

Welcome

And sounds like it Don is someone good to know! In my experience, it might be best to treat Woody as well anyway just to be on the safe side as other members have always advised to dose all their birds even if they are not showing signs. Perhaps when they have settled after todays ordeal

[Hezz]

Yep, Sam is right. If one bird has mites the other is exposed to them too. Even if you are not sure Berry has them, there really is little point in treating one and not the other. Sorry, but there you go.

[birdguhl]

Certainly will do Woody if this seems to make any difference to Berry. They were so nervous and flighty during procedure it was painful to see. Right now I am just desperately hoping they start being friends again today.

[Hezz]

I am sure they will come round, but good luck anyway.