Jim seems to allways scratch his bum,he cleans all the time really but should i be concerned at him having a good scratch there or is it a normal thing for them to do?

Is he scratching at it with his feet? (I'm having trouble picture that (Laughing out loud).)

 

If he's doing it a lot, I would have it checked out. It's normal for them to preen that area with their beaks from time to time though.

Don't budgies have a gland down there and they groom it to distribute the oil(?) around their feathers, i may have my species mixed up, but i recall something to that effect. all the time doesn't seem normal though

Edited September 22, 200618 yr by August

yeah with his feet, hes been doing it for as long as ive had him but i just wanted to know,

August, the preen gland is actually on their back at the base of the tail. You'll see them rub their head against it, then distribute the oils to their feathers.

 

welshman, if it's with his feet, I'd get some advice from an avian vet. Just give them a call and see what they have to say. It doesn't sound normal, more like it's irritating him. Are his droppings normal?

Welshman, I have 3 budgies out of my 21 that do that. I have not found the reason why they do it. They have done it all their lives as well. I've had them as chicks. two siblings and also another one. They seem to clean their backside using their feet whereas the others preen using their beak.

 

I am not too worried about mine doing that as i see nothing wrong with them. but if you are worried about it and want to make sure, I would say just take him to an avian vet to check it out. In my opinion, I think it's just one of those quirky things that only some budgies do. Just my opinion of course.

well let me put it out there is he rubbing his bum on a toy like a favorite one? He could be doing the deed with it like Bubbles where on the rope ladder.

Thanks Eterri for clarifying that for me