BuddyBoy

Hi Finnie, Thank you for your reply. Buddy had another weigh-in on Monday and for the second week he only lost another gram (down to 58grams). I think all the changes caused stress and then the big weight loss in the first week. I crushed up his pellets and got him to nibble a bit out of my hand and hubby's hand. Then I got him to feed out of his bowl while I held it but once I put it back in his cage he isn't very interested. I'm just hoping that once he loses weight it can be controlled through a combined diet of seed and pellets. If someone said I had to give up the one food I really enjoyed and had to exist on something I didn't like I wouldn't be happy so I don't like the thought of him having to give up seed altogether. He is back eating his vegies, though, which is a good sign. We are giving him seed 3 times a day at the moment until we see the vet. I was surprised about having to cut out millet sprays as I thought they were healthy. I'm looking at getting a set of digital scales so we can keep an eye on his weight in the long term. I just hope that whatever we are doing helps reduce/shrink his lipoma.

Took Buddy (who is almost 4 years old) to the Avian vet 8 days ago with a large lump under his wing near his left leg. Diagnosed a fatty lipoma and weighed him at 65g which the vet said is overweight. Quite a shock because Buddy is very active. Hubby and I are retired so when we are at home Buddy has run of the house and is always out playing/flying etc. Anyway Buddy was put on a diet, seed for only 30 minutes twice a day, pellets all the time, increase vegies, no fruit at this stage, vitamin grit and vitamins daily in his water (no more seed sticks and no more millet sprays). The vet anticipated a drop in weight to 63g - 1st week, 60g - 2nd week and 55g - 3rd week. Won't touch the pellets even when I tried crushing them. Won't eat any vegies that I sprinkled pellets on. Devours his seed when he gets it but certainly doesn't eat for a whole 30 minutes. I tried sprinkling crushed pellets over the seed and he just shook the bowl and kicked at the food until he got rid of it. Doesn't even seem to be enjoying his usual vegies without pellets on them. Had his first weigh in on Monday and he was down to 59g already which I thought was extreme for the first week. Avian vet is away for 3 weeks so the vet nurse said to increase his seed again slightly. He is still really active and flying around even more (maybe due to the weight loss) but my concern is this big weight drop so quickly. I don't want to kill him through diet. Any advice/past experience is welcome.

For the people who responded to my question, just wanted to let you know I found a lovely couple from my local club who took great care of my BuddyBoy while we were away overseas. They are happy to take him anytime I need help which is a great weight off my mind.

I've just noticed this topic. Back in the 80's we had a budgie crash into our window at work. When we couldn't find his owner, my hubbie and I adopted him. I don't know how old he was when we found him but we had him for just over 11 years before he died of a stroke.

We are being picked up by an airport shuttle bus. Even if they made detours, doesn't leave much time to meet the "minder" etc. I've been asking around our local club, hopefully something will come up. I guess it is limited, just hoping there was someone in this area.

Hi Everyone, Just thought I would give this another try. I need an experienced Budgie Lover to take my much loved Budgie for 3 1/2 weeks in August/September this year as my hubby and I are going away and I'm finding it very hard to find someone willing or capable. I will supply seed, treats and cover expenses for vegies. I will be happy to reciprocate if needed. Looking for someone living in the area between North Wollongong and Kiama (NSW).

Thank you, I do too. The people I used to have as pet sitters have now passed away or moved interstate.

Hi, I am in need of someone experienced to mind my lovely little BuddyBoy in their home for about 3 1/2 weeks in August/September in the Illawarra area of NSW. Will be happy to reciprocate. Can anyone help? Thank you