I have owned Mr Budgie for about 2 years. I found him on the roadside so I am unsure of his age. About 3 months ago I noticed that he stopped chirping. He was for a long while very loud and the family enjoyed his very enthusiastic and happy chirping. I also noticed that he breathes a lot heavier than normal. I'm unsure if his respiration rate is up. He has a good appetite but doesn't seem too interested in climbing or flying around. We keep him in an open-style cage so he can really stretch his wings if he wants to. When I first noticed the change in behavior I took him to the vet. The vet gave him antibiotics, some vitamins and mite medication. He seemed to pick up a little but he is back to being what I think is unwell. I have noticed a couple of mice get into his cage at night time. Could the mice have frightened him or made him unwell in some way. Mr Budgie is a beautiful bird and I want to help him. He doesn't seem to be grooming himself any more or less than normal. He has developed two localised ***** growths at the top of his ceres. The vet did see that but thought it was unremarkable. I'm worried that his condition may deteriorate... Can someone who looks after this site please submit my question......kind regards, Marg

Can you post pics of his cere. Also full body pics so we can see the state of his being.

 

As for the mice getting into the cage. This could well be your problem. When mice move around they constantly leave a trail of pee loaded with hormones etc. This is a trail to which other mice follow. This chemical cocktail is left on everything including the seed in the feeder. The bird can accidentally digest this cocktail simply by climbing cage bars, wiping his beak on the perches, nibbling edges of food/water bowls.

 

You really will need to keep mice out. Lay baits or traps. If you are squemish about trapping and disposing of live mice there many traps on the market today that can help you deal with that.

Edited July 3, 201014 yr by RIPbudgies

Hi Daisy Girl, Mice can carry disease into your cage and seed. Is his breathing rapid, tail bobbing etc or can you hear any squeak when he breath's? Is he covered in cage or is it open, drafts can be a big worry as well. Others may be able to advise more with a bit more info. on symptoms. Can you put him indoors under heat etc or not?

Thanks so much for the suggestions. I'll try and get a picture of him to assist with figuring what's happening to Mr Budgie. I've owned Mr Budgie for about two years and the mice issue seems to have occurred at about the same time his behaviour changed. Mr Budgie has always been kept indoors so the issue of drafts shouldn't be a problem. When he breathes its rapid and his little wings bob up and down. Could he have mites in his respiratory tract. Today I'm going to scrub his cage out and deal with the mice. We live on a farm so the mice issue is hard to deal with. I've tried to be humane and use humane mouse traps but I haven't been successful. My partner said he will arrange for their disaapearance. I'll keep in touch with his development...thanks so much for the replies......cheers

Hello all, I took Mr Budgie to an avian vet this morning and he has been kept overnight for tests. The vet believes he has a tumour or swelling in his lower abdomen. Yesterday when I cleaned his cage I had a better look at him and noticed the swelling. If the swelling is indeed a tumour his prognosis is not good at all. There is a small possibility it might be a cyst. I feel really sad for Mr Budgie. He is such a sweety. For such a tiny bird he really has a big impact on my life.....such a dear little thing.....

Don't give up!