I picked up a 7-week old cock from the lovely *libby* on Wednesday and named him Harvey. He seems to be settling in okay, and I have seen him eating, drinking, and preening. I'm just a bit worried because the last two days or so I've noticed he gets poop stuck to the feathers around his vent. I've read this is a sign of illness. I've tried to clean it off, but he jumps away from me every time. Also, when I'm not up close in the cage, he tends to just sit stationary on a perch. His tail feathers are often shaking slightly, and he closes his eyes a lot. Do budgies take naps during the day, or could he be sick?

 

Any advice / reassurance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

best advice i can give is if you got him from a member ring them with your concern as they will be able to better assist you after all it is from her flock

best advice i can give is if you got him from a member ring them with your concern as they will be able to better assist you after all it is from her flock

I agree. Libby would want you to be calling her about follow ups on one of her babies.

It could be stress induced illness, it could be that he is just settling in, honestly the advice above is the best you can take contact the person, shop, breeder you purchased your bird from and go from there. How old is he? Do you have pictures you can post of him? Welcome to the forums.

Well Harvey was doing a lot better today. No more poopy bum, and pretty healthy-looking poops on the newspaper. He has also been jumping around his cage more, and whistling. I think perhaps it was just settling-in nerves. Thanks for all the advice, guys. If I notice any more problems I'll definitely give Libby a call.