Budgie eating an abnormal amount?

I've looked everywhere for answers, but I can't find anything plausible... Thought i might be able to get some help here. (I feel like this may be in the wrong thread... )

I got a male parakeet a few weeks ago to accompany my parakeet Baby - he was getting picked on since his sister died. Anyway, he's about a year old, a total sweetheart and gets along with everyone. But he eats a massive amount compared to the other birds, and he's not especially active - I'm getting a bit worried.

At first I thought he might just have a big appetite, but after a few weeks I'm not sure that's it. His feathers are puffed out a lot, which led me to think he's sick, but he has no other symptoms other then opening and closing his beak rapidly - kind of looks like he's chirping, but obviously no noise. I'd assume that's to stimulate his crop, but still not sure. I've observed his droppings as well, and it's nothing extraordinary - not excessively runny, and the normal red-brown from the coloring in the fruit pellets.

We give our parakeets a diet of mixed roudybush and fruit pellets, dusted with vitamin powder once a week (twice a week if they're breeding) as well as seeds and millet once a week as a treat. We also have a treat bowl with plain cheerios and oats that they all snack on when they come out of the cage, and will occasionally offer kale. I don't think anything with their diet could be a problem, but I'm no expert...

Anyway, any help or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

We have two young adult male Budgies. We've had them for about a year and 4 months now. Twigs is still what you would call "normal"... but about 3 months ago, we started noticing that Pix was eating MUCH MORE than Twigs. Then, we noticed an undeniable amount of (rapid) weight gain. When I took him for a vet visit, he was about 50 grams (instead of his normal 31 which he was when we got him a year before).

My vet did what tests he was able to, but because of the tiny size of Budgies, he was not able to draw a large enough amount of blood for more definitive testing. From what I told my vet about all of Pix's symptoms including his ravenous appetite, he thought it presented more like a systemic problem rather than an infection. Pix is now on "natural" remedies such as iodine which might help if his endocrine system (thyroid) doesn't signal him to stop eating, and organic unfiltered apple cider vinegar for extra large poops (surprisingly, the culture showed nothing abnormal)... the ACV could be of help to the digestive system.

Anyway, your Budgie might (?) have a similar problem? Thyroid not working signaling when to stop eating? Just remember... Budgies are prone to a plethora of medical problems due to overbreeding/inbreeding/breeding with no regard to genetic strength of the animal. These genetic problems can compromise health and lifespan despite good diet and husbandry. Unfortunately with Budgies it is really hit or miss whether or not you get a genetically "good" one who will live out a full lifespan.

If you are concerned, I'd take him to an avian vet. Like I mentioned though, they are so small that not enough blood can be drawn for adequate testing like can be done on bigger parrots. Good luck!

The rapid beak movement is a respiratory problem and may or may not be contagious. You need to take them to an Avian vet as soon as you can.

Oh I'm sorry I missed reading about being fluffed up and breathing heavy. Yes, sounds like a trip to the vet is necessary. Good luck.