Okay, here goes. . .

 

I have five budgies, the newest member was introduced a week ago today. I am not sure of the gender, but I had two males and two females before I got this fifth bird (we named it Sucre)

 

In the last two days one of my females (Whisper, 10 mths old +/-) has been acting very strange. Whisper has been spending most of the day with feathers puffed up and sleeping, snuggled right up to this new bird. When I say snuggled, I mean stuck like glue. It seems to be mutual, however, because Sucre seems to lean right into Whisper. The only time Whisper will tolerate being physically separated from Sucre is the time it takes to go to the bottom of the cage, load up on seeds and find Sucre again. I do not intend to breed these birds, so I have not supplied any nesting material.

 

I must mentioned that before this behaviour started, Whisper was a very active bird. Whisper loved to fly around the room, play with the play pen on top of the cage, perch on the kitchen chair closest to our patio door to look at the wild birds outside. Now, the only activity is sleeping, snuggling and eating.

 

If any of the other birds approach, Whisper protests. At first, I thought Whisper may be sick because it's feathers are quite noticeably puffed up (especially around the head) and the amount of sleep the bird tries to get. The bird's appetite is quite good if not increased. I've also noticed Whisper feeding Sucre and Sucre reciprocates by looking for food in Whisper's beek. This made me wonder if the "illness" in question is not actually love.

 

Should I be concerned or should I be delighted?

 

I'll wait for your replies,

Hard to say Brigitte. Sitting fluffed and listlessness up is a sign of ill health. Of greater concern is the apparent lack of a quarantine period. It seems the newcomer was put in with your existing birds immediately and that can be a definite concern with regard to transference of illness and disease. Many of us have learnt that the hard way having lost birds in the days when we didnt quarantine at all.

Maybe this article from our FAQ section can help

ttp://forums.budgiebreeders.asn.au/faqs/index.php?action=artikel&cat=4&id=131&artlang=en&highlight=quarantine

That was my first thought Kaz, but when I re-read the post it says:

 

"I have five budgies, the newest member was introduced a week ago today".

 

I am thinking maybe (hopefully) the bird was quarantined before being introduced??

If you have not kept your bird in quarrintine and even if you have Bridgett my advice would be to take him/her to the vet. My theory is it's better to be safe than sorry even if it costs you $50 and under that is still the better than losing all your flock.

Thanks for your replies, everyone...

 

Unfortunately, it wasn't infatuation. Whisper died while I was at work the day after I sent my post. My son was off school and checked on the bird periodically but things got worse in the afternoon. By the time I got home from work, it was too late.

 

It's odd that the pet store never mentioned anything about putting a bird in "quarantine" before introducing it to other birds. They knew I had budgies at home. I've purchased all of them from this same store.

 

For future reference, how long should this "quarantine" period be? What exactly do I need to do during this period?

 

I've been watching "Sucre" very closely since Whisper was stuck like glue to this bird in particular... Everything looks fine so far. No other birds have shown any similar symptoms. Everyone's flying around the living room, playing, chirping, eating, drinking and the rest...

 

Again, thanks for your comments and concerns . . .

My concern is,it might of past onto your other birds,

The problem it died from,you will have to watch your

birds closely,for any signs of sickness.If so a trip to

a avian vet will be needed or you might lose the lot. :feedbirds:

Quarantine usually lasts for 90 days although 30 days is the length of time that most members here use. It requires putting the new bird in a separate cage from all the other budgies preferably in a separate room for this length of time. This allows you to observe the new bird for any signs of potential disease that can ofen be brought out by stress or moving to a new home. It also allows you to bond with your new bird and tame it.

Sorry to hear you lost this budgie. It was my main concern when I first read your post that the budgie was sick. Please try and remember that to work in a petshop requires no knowledge or skill about birds health. These petshop employees or even owners of petshops do not know even half of what members on here know about birds. They are just there to sell you products ( birds , animals and toys etc ) and have no real interest in giving you information other than that which will make them a sale of something. This applies regardless of if you have struck up a casual friendship with the petshop people. Sorry to say...sad but true