A few weeks ago my tamest budgie Sammi died. I didn't know why he died. Three days ago his partner, Tracey, died as well. They both had completely different symptoms. Sammi was very sleepy and closer to his departure he seemed to be extremely weak. So weak, in fact, he couldn't even lift his head to eat. I was away when Tracey died but while I was here, she left a clutch (her 3rd) of three eggs for no particular reason. I don't know of any other symptoms, except for the fact that she was moulting at the time. One of her second clutch, the only one I kept, is extremely tame but, like Sammi, is extremely sleepy throughout the day. I would be devastated if my (new) best buddy , Eddie, died because he is such a quiet bird and I have grown very attached to him. My dad has bought some medicine and deworming stuff for them off the internet. He researched it and thinks it is a disease from the water so he also bought automatic water things for them. While we are waiting for the stuff to arrive, we have our water in containers and algae grows in them. What could the disease be and how can we stop all our birds from dying?

Edited January 9, 200817 yr by Sammi

Contaminated and unclean water will kill birds from ecoli bacteria and salmonella. Hens who are sick will leave nests to try and save themselves so that why the hen left the nest.

Check the location of your water supply and be sure it isnt getting contaminated from droppings by being under perches etc.

So sorry for your losses. Hope you can find out what is going on . Let us know how you all go.

you can add a small amount of rasberry cordial to there water which will kill most bactreria in there water and there gut. a very weak solution compared to human tastes. i hope this helps

Edited January 9, 200817 yr by scottie

How often are you cleaning out the water bowls? It sounds like they are in there days if there is algae growing in them? Water containers must be cleaned out daily with hot soap and water and throughly dried out and then put clean water. Especially if you live in a hot climate you are more prone to bacteria build up.

l'm sorry to hear of your losses

:ygbudgie: Sorry for your loss and yes, fresh water must be provided daily as well as all food containers inspected to see that they have not been fouled. Again, in a hot climate, bacteria, fungus, ectera would have all that more incentive to rapidly grow.

Well, this morning, bad news. In the night, Eddie died. I suppose it was just too late to save him. I'm just happy he didn't suffer as much as Sammi did. I will take much more care of my budgies now and I will clean their water more often. I hope it isn't too late to save my other seven budgies. RIP Eddie, Sammi and Tracey.

Hi Sammi ... So sorry for another loss. It can very very tough when you loose soo many, especially close together. Eddie, Sammi and Tracey.

 

A suggestion... remove the budgies from their cage, and do a massive clean. Scrub everything, including food and water containers (maybe even replace your water containers if you believe these are the cause of your problem) There are many solutions you can use to clean with. I use vinegar and HOT water, then rinse well. I'd treat them for worms and mites, and possibly even give them some sort of vitamin suppliment. (prob what your dad has bought) Just follow the directions on the bottle as to avoid over doing it. Give them fresh water, seed and plenty of greens. Keep a CLOSE eye on your remaining birds. Perhaps a visit to the vets if you're concerned... Good luck and let us know how you are ALL going... maesie xxx

It is very sad news Sammi and it has taught you many things. Water must be fresh daily. In hot weather if seed gets into it or poop you have a poisonous cocktail for them to drink. If green algae was in the water as you said, it is an indication the water wasnt being changed daily or the dishes cleaned.

Another thing of help to you and others is..whatever meds or vitamins you put in water in hot weather...the dose must be halved as the evaporation and the excess drinking will affect a dosage.

All the best from now on and Maesie has given some excellent advice as usual

It is very sad news Sammi and it has taught you many things. Water must be fresh daily. In hot weather if seed gets into it or poop you have a poisonous cocktail for them to drink. If green algae was in the water as you said, it is an indication the water wasnt being changed daily or the dishes cleaned.

Another thing of help to you and others is..whatever meds or vitamins you put in water in hot weather...the dose must be halved as the evaporation and the excess drinking will affect a dosage.

All the best from now on and Maesie has given some excellent advice as usual

 

Thanks Kaz! I also never thought of the meds in water in warm weather thing. If I had of thought back to my science school days, it would have come to me eventually. Great point and noted into my brain somewhere... maesie xxx