Hello,

 

I have a 9 month old budgie which I’m currently worried about. He has always been the smallest in the flock and virtually silent. However, about two weeks ago he began some strange squeaking behaviour. This behaviour was initially cute, but now it's stressful. He cries a lot, the noise is a squeaking noise much like a hamster would make. Since this bird is normally silent I was a little taken back. Has anyone heard a squeaking noise by their budgie? Is this a bad sign? :flowers:

 

I'm especially worried about his pale/white feet and cere. I looked at pictures and they did seem to be pinker. He is under an infra red heat lamp, and seems to like it. His eyes and cere are clear and he is still eating and perching. This all began as a hunch, but his behaviour has gotten weirder and more frequent. He has been going down to the bottom of the cage more today. He also runs around squeaking on the bottom of the cage in between perching. He seemed better yesterday, but now I think i'm back to square one . I think I have decided to take him to an avian vet.

 

Any feedback or similar stories?

 

 

 

Thanks Heather

Hello,

 

I have a 9 month old budgie which I'm currently worried about. He has always been the smallest in the flock and virtually silent. However, about two weeks ago he began some strange squeaking behaviour. This behaviour was initially cute, but now it's stressful. He cries a lot, the noise is a squeaking noise much like a hamster would make. Since this bird is normally silent I was a little taken back. Has anyone heard a squeaking noise by their budgie? Is this a bad sign?

 

I'm especially worried about his pale/white feet and cere. I looked at pictures and they did seem to be pinker. He is under an infra red heat lamp, and seems to like it. His eyes and cere are clear and he is still eating and perching. This all began as a hunch, but his behaviour has gotten weirder and more frequent. He has been going down to the bottom of the cage more today. He also runs around squeaking on the bottom of the cage in between perching. He seemed better yesterday, but now I think i'm back to square one . I think I have decided to take him to an avian vet.

 

Any feedback or similar stories?

Thanks Heather

Hi heather, yes this does seem strange behaviour. I especially don't like that he cries a lot. You are doing the right thing by taking him to an avian vet to be looked at and get a proper diagnosis.

 

I do have a budgie that makes strange noises, it turns out he is fine and this is just the way he communicates.

 

The squeaking could be caused by air sac mites but that does not explains his crying.

 

Wishing you all the very best at the vets. Please keep us updated.

please keep us updated on what the avian vet says

Hello,

 

Thanks for the previous responses. Turns out my hunch was right....

 

 

Unfortunately my bird Levi, had to be euthanized today. The avian vet did say she heard some noise in the air sacks. So the hamster like squeaking was probably due to respiratory issues. He has now been sent out for a post mortem. I’ll let you know the verdict; I should have the results in a week.

 

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As a precaution the female he was most bonded with, is also going to be checked tomorrow.

Hopefully the post-mortem and check up with his mate will help me avoid costly health issues with the rest of the flock (three birds left).

 

The vet bill for the sick male was $402 Canadian dollars. I have spent about five hours sterilizing EVERYTHING. Upon veterinarian recommendation I threw out about one quarter of the budgies toys (in which consisted of wood and fabric). Quite the day!

 

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Heather

Sorry to hear that Levi was sent to God

 

Please let us know the results of the post mortum. You are doing the right thing by having your birds checked out by the vet - best to err on the side of caution so that more do not suffer the fate of Levi.

Edited December 11, 200915 yr by renee