Hi guys,

 

So I'm worried about little Bogie today. He's been acting a little different and has been slightly puffy and more sleepy. He's still chirping, talking, playing, preening, but seems like he needs a bit more down time. I'm worried he's not feeling well.

 

A couple of times in the past I've thought he may be getting sick but then the next day he'll be moulting and I put down his behavior to that. Well Bogie's lost two big feathers today, so could this just be the start of another moult? I assume moulting is stressful for these little guys, is it usual for them to act unwell at the start of a moult? What else can I look for to determine if it's something more than just moulting stress?

 

I've got him in his travel cage as it's smaller and I've got it partially covered with a lamp on to keep him warm. Anything else I can do to make him feel better? Or should I make a vet appt. right away?

Put some white paper under him and check his poops. Also feel his keel bone for signs of losing weight.

If it is moulting, it can be a stressful time because of the extra energy needed to grow new feathers. My vet recommended some extra energy boost additives for the moulting season which I mix in water a couple of days of every week in high summer through the major moult time.

 

But like Kaz says, check his poop or other symptoms, in case it's something else.

Thanks for answering.

 

So I watched Bogie carefully and checked out his droppings. Yesterday afternoon when he was super sleepy, I wasn't seeing him poop or eat and that scared me. But I got him to eat some egg biscuit and some water with a little apple cider vinegar in it. Then he had a couple runny poops and then his droppings went back to normal. He also ate some seed and some apple and seemed to have more energy by nighttime and was playing and talking again. Because he seemed better I put him back in his big cage so he could sleep normally on his swing, and he did.

 

This morning he was chirping for us as usual, he's eating and drinking and playing with bells. And scratching his head and losing some feathers, so I'm thinking it is another moult.

 

I will look for some moulting boost stuff for him! I just worry about the little guy cause I love him so much, and I know any signs of sickness should be taken seriously.

 

Oh and I did feel his keel bone, Kaz, but I'm not quite sure what to look for there. I've checked in the past and it didn't seem much different. Like, I can feel the bone, but it's not sticking out that prominently. Is that normal enough?

Great to hear he is feeling better. As to the keel bone, it will feel prominent and 'sharp' if he is underweight. You'll definitely notice it.