Dear friends,

 

We have a lovely budgie called Roman, age nearly 3. He is a great talker and very intelligent. Over the last days we have noticed that Roman is losing many feathers, many of them seem to be significant ones. In the meanwhile he seems agitated and twitchy. He preens all the time and his flying is not the best. When he flies he seems to be exhausted and he pants with his beak open.

Are these symptoms all relating to moulting?

 

On the positive side, he is still chirpy, he is talking more than normal and he eats and drinks.

 

We would appreciate some feedback.

 

Many thanks

 

Terry and Robert

Parasites? Have a close look at a recently discarded feather under a magnifying glass. Don't delay getting help. I don't like the panting.

Parasites? Have a close look at a recently discarded feather under a magnifying glass. Don't delay getting help. I don't like the panting.

 

It is not quite panting, it is more breathing with his beak open....

Would parasites cause this?

The panting is a definite problem, get him to the vet for a check-up...

as for the feather loss, quite possible parasites are doing it....

Birds when hot do breathe very fast and often. They will sit their with their wings out and just breath in and out.

Depends if they are tired or hot.

Could be moulting, could be lice or mites.

Get some ail or ivermectin and apply it.

Panting after flight is fine if it only lasts a minute or two.

Moulting is very stressful on a bird and this is the time of the year for the annual moult where they will loose (and replace) every feather on their body.

 

Personally it sounds like moulting... lice or mites are possible, but they are easily treated if you are worried about them

Parasites? Have a close look at a recently discarded feather under a magnifying glass. Don't delay getting help. I don't like the panting.

It is not quite panting, it is more breathing with his beak open....Would parasites cause this?

Also just had a look at some feather under a magnifying glass and I can't see any parasites.

Panting after flight is fine if it only lasts a minute or two. Moulting is very stressful on a bird and this is the time of the year for the annual moult where they will loose (and replace) every feather on their body. Personally it sounds like moulting... lice or mites are possible, but they are easily treated if you are worried about them

Thanks everyone.I will call the vet and let you know.He is not breathing with beak open all the time. Mainly after flight. And occasionaly in the cage. He is very alert however he does not look as if as though he is moulting by his look, only the feathers at the bottom of the cage tell that story.

would u YOU be able to supply a picture of him mate?...that will give us a much better estimation as to what might be wrong

Edited May 11, 200916 yr by maesie
please use proper english matt.

would u YOU be able to supply a picture of him mate?...that will give us a much better estimation as to what might be wrong

I do not have a url at the moment.Happy to forward to an e-mail....

would u YOU be able to supply a picture of him mate?...that will give us a much better estimation as to what might be wrong

I do not have a url at the moment.Happy to forward to an e-mail....

If his moult makes it so he is missing enough significant flight feathers to make flying difficult then that alone could account for breathing hard when or after flying.

Edited May 11, 200916 yr by KAZ

If his moult makes it so he is missing enough significant flight feathers to make flying difficult then that alone could account for breathing hard when or after flying.

Ooo Excellent Point Kaz, lack of flight feathering causing him to flap and fly harder theirfore making him more exhausted alot easier and quicker...

If his moult makes it so he is missing enough significant flight feathers to make flying difficult then that alone could account for breathing hard when or after flying.

 

Hi Kaz,

we have picked up at least 10 or so large feathers .... and he is constanly preening ...

thanks

There is a product called moulting aid that gives them all the extras they need to get through a tough moult...might pay to get some. But also a very good time to up his protein levels...some boiled mashed egg, some cooked chopped chicken and some cooked chopped beef.