Fluffed up because content or sick?

[andi]

Our budgie Tweetie is less than a week at home and is about 10 weeks old. Tweetie has responded really well to training and steps up very consistently, so I've been letting Tweetie out to have a bit of a buzz around the room. Mainly she/he just sits up on the curtain rods, but will come down willing to me and has been sitting on the open cupboard door beside me as I worked on the computer. As Tweetie was sitting there, I noticed she/he was quite fluffed up and closing its eyes. I don't know how concerned I should be about this. 

The poo looks good, pretty solid, maybe a few from yesterday were a bit wet, but I'm guessing that's the change in environment and food rather than anything more significant. I put some paper towel down to look at what's happening today and the one so far is black & white and not wet. What else can I try to observe to see if something's wrong or should I just figure Tweetie is having a little nap and is content? What other information can I provide to all of you to help you help me figure out what's going on?

[OP]

I would say that your budgie is happy and content whilst sitting near you. However I am not an expert so I'm sure there will be someone along to let you know if it is anything else.

[samwiseg]

Hi Andi

As Tweetie is a new budgie to your household am sure it is probably to do with the relocation to your home. However, just to be on the safe side I would err on the side of caution - are you able to ensure that he/she is not in any draughts? AND if possible, are you able to place the cage with Tweetie in near some warmer area like nearer to a radiator? Obviously not on top of it but if your bud has got chilly this would be the best thing as they need warmth and sleep to get better. Or place a hot water bottle in the bottom of the cage with a towel or something over the top so it can sit on there and keep warm.

Is Tweetie still eating and drinking? You may wish to purchase some Guardian Angel to put in the drinking water you can purchase here

And if you need any advice re sick birds you may also wish to look here

Hope that helps and hope Tweetie is ok

[ffiscool]

I agree with both OP and Sam... Bailey often is sat fluffed on my hand, and eyes closed... and i know he is happy... however, if he did it a lot of the day/evening, then I would start thinking to myself, the same as you are now.. is he sick?

but the fact he/she has been there less than a week and happy to sit near you is great.. but also would poss be showing in the fact its a new environment and food.. if the droppings stay good, then seemingly all is ok, but as Sam said maybe provide the extra warmth...

so is Guardian Angel like Bach Flower remedy to us?

[OP]

I wish they would purr like a cat when happy.

[andi]

Purring would be helpful! Although I heard beak grinding the other day, which seemed to be a good sign. The cage is already located right beside the radiator, not in front. So if Tweetie is cold, s/he can move to the side nearest the radiator and pick up warmth.

Tweetie has been eating and drinking this morning, so that's also good. Ok, I won't panic about it now, I'll take it that Tweetie is just calm and still getting used to the environment around. Just remembering when my kids were small, a lot of stimulation would wear them out, so perhaps it's just that (new house, etc). But I'll get some Guardian Angel soon, just in case.

[ruthpaton]

All the budgies I have ever had fluffed themselves up when they were having a nap or feeling relaxed, as well as when they are cold. I think you would notice a drop in temperature yourself if it was cold enough for that - if that's the case follow Samwiseg's advice.

Sick budgies do fluff themselves up but I think they would stay that way and there would be other signs of illness to. You can find the common signs on the excellent threads on budgie illness on here.

It sounds to me like Tweetie is doing very well having only been with you a week! But he/she is still settling in so try not to worry too much. Guardian Angel is good stuff and might just give your new wee friend a bit of a boost in the settling in period. It sounds like he loves being with you already which is just fantastic!

[stace]

Is he just fluffed up when snoozing, or is he fluffed up most of the time? That's the difference.

[Hezz]

It can be hard to know, as a new owner, what is normal and what isn't and as you get to know your bird, you will be able to tell the difference. From what you have mentioned, I think Tweetie is simply having a snooze beside you and is happy to be there. You are on the right track with thinking baby budgies and small children share the need to nap after some serious playing.

[samwiseg]

Nov 13, 2013 12:03:39 GMT ffiscool said:

I agree with both OP and Sam... Bailey often is sat fluffed on my hand, and eyes closed... and i know he is happy... however, if he did it a lot of the day/evening, then I would start thinking to myself, the same as you are now.. is he sick?

but the fact he/she has been there less than a week and happy to sit near you is great.. but also would poss be showing in the fact its a new environment and food.. if the droppings stay good, then seemingly all is ok, but as Sam said maybe provide the extra warmth...

so is Guardian Angel like Bach Flower remedy to us?

Guardian Angel is a comprehensive in water or on food supplement for sick or stressed birds it can also be used as an immune boost, digestive support, vitamins, minerals and long term energy. It can help when a bird has relocated to a new home too.

Instructions: Emergency sick bird support, suitable for all cage and aviary birds. Ideal for use after using antibiotics.

Dosage: 1 level tsp (3g) for 150mls of water (do not use Aviclens). On food - Approx 1 gram per kg body weight.
(Information obtained by The Bird Care Company)

I must stress though that it is not a "cure all" and anyone who notices any sign of severe illness should seek veterinary advice.

[phoebe]

I have a heat lamp that I put over the babies cage when I am worried they could be cold. I find that at times one will go up and near to warm themselves. I think it just helps a bit with their circulation. Some have perches and things. However if the cage is small this kind of lamp is not a good idea because they can't escape the heat. There are some interesting gadgets out there for birds.