RareReality

Well Harvey was doing a lot better today. No more poopy bum, and pretty healthy-looking poops on the newspaper. He has also been jumping around his cage more, and whistling. I think perhaps it was just settling-in nerves. Thanks for all the advice, guys. If I notice any more problems I'll definitely give Libby a call.

I picked up a 7-week old cock from the lovely *libby* on Wednesday and named him Harvey. He seems to be settling in okay, and I have seen him eating, drinking, and preening. I'm just a bit worried because the last two days or so I've noticed he gets poop stuck to the feathers around his vent. I've read this is a sign of illness. I've tried to clean it off, but he jumps away from me every time. Also, when I'm not up close in the cage, he tends to just sit stationary on a perch. His tail feathers are often shaking slightly, and he closes his eyes a lot. Do budgies take naps during the day, or could he be sick? Any advice / reassurance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Thanks for your advice. Now to just find the branches!

Hi everyone, This is my first post, though I've been lurking for a while. I'm looking to get a budgie (my first since I was six-years-old), and a few days ago I bought a second-hand cage for a great price. It didn't come with any perches, however, and I want to make my own natural perches. What is a good range for branch thickness? Also, how far should perches sit from the sides and tops of cages? Any advice would be much appreciated! :WobbleSign: