I'm not sure if this is the right place to post this but here goes!

 

My budgie, Princess Bubblegum, can't fly. I got her from a pet shop a few weeks ago. She has very short wings and I hear her falling from her perch throughout the day. I'm wondering if this is common in some budgies, or if it is abnormal (as in a birth defect)?

Hi,

 

Do the feathers look flat at the end or rounded because her wings may have been clipped and she won't be able to fly properly until the feathers grow back. If you could you post a picture it might be easier to give you an answer

Thank you for your reply! it totally slipped my mind that they could have been previously clipped. I do remember though the pet shop lady said something about her and not being able to fly, but she was very vague about it. I can't get a picture up at the moment, but I had a proper look and her wings are rounded and extremely short.

She may have French moult which is a virus usually contracted in the nest box. Sometimes the feathers don't grow back so they never fly but I had one that lived a very happy life in my aviary with the rest of my birds because budgies are excellent climbers and that's how he got around. Mine did fall occasionally but he learnt to flap his wings fast enough to fall softer (I know that sounds silly but he did). If her feathers don't grow back she can have a great life she just has to learn her limitations.

Edited April 5, 201312 yr by Nadene

I think that may be it. She seems very happy though and very strong and corageous as well. If she falls, she climbs right back up and chirps happily!

Nadene has given you some very good advice

What kind of perches do you have? If they are sliperry maybe it'd be easier for her if you got a rougher material? Just guessing lol

I have all different kinds, mostly wooden perches, so they have variety

Oh, okay, just wondering