Feb 10, 2014 0:31:46 GMT
tiffandsmokey
Brand New Budgie
:)
Posts: 23
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Post by tiffandsmokey on Mar 30, 2014 22:04:30 GMT
As some of you may know I haven't posted on here for a while after asking a question about my budgie Smokey's brownish feathers above his cere. He hasn't shown signs of any respiratory illness (luckily) I have also improved his diet and he seems to be fine, he is moulting now however. I suspect for a few weeks now as there are lots of pin feathers on his body could moulting have caused his feathers above his cere to change colour? I haven't owned a budgie for long so this is the first moult I've experienced He is losing a lot of feathers, I see no bald patches nor blood from ruptured pin feathers, although his head/neck is full of those little pin feathers! Is there anything besides showers/baths that can soothe him? Smokey isn't too fond of scratches from me, especially now I expect since he's moulting. Smokey is getting more and more bonded and trusting with me as time goes on though, he is now happy to perch on my shoulder (and preen me as of yesterday, yaaay!) while I tidy my room and walk around the house. As far as I can see he is a very happy little bird, who loves to chatter and be the loudest birdie in the house but any tips on caring for moulting birds will be very helpful! I already give him cuttlebone and a mineral block everyday but if there are any other foods/supplements that are good for moulting birds feel free to suggest them! I have also posted a similar thread on talkbudgies.com Thanks for reading
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Post by stace on Mar 31, 2014 4:16:47 GMT
Hi there. Extra protein is good for moulting birds, since growing new feathers saps a lot of their energy. So you can try giving him some hard boiled egg. You can also feed the cooked shell. Light mistings with water is also helpful.
Just above their cere can become red and tender, you might even see a bit of blood, as the pin feathers push their way out. This is probably where you'll notice it most looking red and raw.
As for scratches. Most birds don't like being petted, though some do. However, when they are moulting is often the time that they DO like a gentle scratch. It has to be very gentle, going against the grain of the feathers. You can try on his cheeks, either side of his beak, very gently and slow with one nail or finger. If he likes it, you'll know, and you might be able to do the same on the back of his head. He'll bend his head down if he wants that.
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Feb 10, 2014 0:31:46 GMT
tiffandsmokey
Brand New Budgie
:)
Posts: 23
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Post by tiffandsmokey on Mar 31, 2014 13:51:24 GMT
Thank you for the advice! I will make some boiled eggs tonight
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Post by Hezz on Apr 1, 2014 1:37:05 GMT
Some budgies are not too fond of hard-boiled egg itself, but will eat commercial eggfood, or egg and biscuit. This is a dry crumble that you can feed as is sprinkled over their seed or you can moisten into a paste and give it to them separately.
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Feb 10, 2014 0:31:46 GMT
tiffandsmokey
Brand New Budgie
:)
Posts: 23
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Post by tiffandsmokey on Apr 2, 2014 21:24:03 GMT
I usually buy my birds egg biscuits so I shall continue to, thank you The brand is called Shaws I think, they sell egg biscuits for many different pets, from birds to rodents
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Post by stace on Apr 2, 2014 22:39:15 GMT
Just to be contrary, mine won't eat the commercial egg biscuit, only the fresh eggs.
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Post by ffiscool on Apr 2, 2014 22:43:44 GMT
Bailey hated the biscuit but will eat the dried on his food
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Post by OP on Apr 3, 2014 6:37:17 GMT
True to form, Joey refuses to eat any.
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Feb 10, 2014 0:31:46 GMT
tiffandsmokey
Brand New Budgie
:)
Posts: 23
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Post by tiffandsmokey on Apr 3, 2014 13:23:07 GMT
Hehehe
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Post by stace on Apr 4, 2014 6:49:38 GMT
True to form, Joey refuses to eat any. Joey: "I don't know much about food, but I know what I like".
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