giving antibiotics to my budgies, what will probably happen?

My budgies have been sick and I took them to the vet and she said she doesn't see any mites or noticable inflammation (she touched their livers and stuff) but obviously they are sick from being puffy and lethargic.

she gave me this antibiotic called Tylan that I'm mixing with their water and she said to use it for 10 days, but it's been 2 days now and their droppings are back to normal (they were having diarrhea before), but they are still sleeping most of the time. What will probably happen? Can a parakeet get sick and then recover fully from antibiotics? anyone have it happen?

if they don't recover when the 10 days are over, would I have to put them to sleep or what will probably happen?

Okay firstly, relax. Birds, just like humans, get sick sometimes. You did the right thing and took your babies to the vet. She prescribed them antibiotics, which they are now drinking in their water. Just like when you get sick, a doctor may prescribe you antibiotics and it takes a while for you to recover. Just because your birds are sick right now does not mean that they cannot recover and that you'll "have to put them to sleep".

I have had plenty of budgies who have recovered from illnesses after taking antibiotics. I just make sure that they are drinking an adequate amount of the antibiotic water, and if they are really, really sick I set them up in a hospital cage (a smaller cage that has low perches, easy access to food and water and is well-heated - do some independent research on how to set this up - it doesn't sound like your birds are in a critical state at the moment, but you need to just judge the situation and see what you think and how they are doing). Just closely observe them, but don't let your anxiety take over - their droppings are already back to normal but recovering from an illness is hard for any species, including birds. They will need more than two days.

Vets wouldn't be prescribing things if they didn't work - there are many, many people who have had sick budgies that recover after a course of antibiotics. If they are still sick (which I don't think they will be) then take them back to the vet to get additional testing and treatment done. There is no need to catastrophise at this stage.

Good luck, I hope this eases some of your anxiety. I know it is stressful - I have been there.

Welcome to the forums! I hope your budgies continue to improve. Excellent advise from member "reeb!"

Is your vet an "avian certified" or at least a specialist in treating birds? Some illnesses can be treated based on symptoms, others require lab testing. This can be difficult with budgies, so often a broad-spectrum antibiotic like Tylosin (Tylan) is prescribed. If recovery is not complete, blood and/or stool specimen testing may be accomplished.

Many drugs have side-effects that are tolerable for the greater good. Please ask the vet to clarify what you observe, it may help fine-tune their care!

Putting birds to sleep (euthenasia) is generally the *last* resort when treatment fails and only if they are suffering with little to no hope. Let us know how they are doing during the next few days!

Thanks guys, today they look better and less fluffy, but seems the diarrhea is back :/ It's only day 4 though so I'm going to hope that they will recover after the full course of antibiotics.

My vet is avian certified and seems to know her stuff! Between her treatment and me keeping my place as clean as possible and warm and the fact that they have one of the best bird foods on the planet (harrisons pellets) with bottled water, I'm hoping for a recovery!

A qualified vet, great diet, clean environment, and lots of love offer them the best chance of cure. By all means keep your vet updated with your observations!

Looking forward to some great news!

I don't think they are going to get better, I hate seeing them sleep all day I will never get another pet again!! I tried to give them the best life I could and still got screwed over!! Even more reason to never have kids!

Don't give up hope yet. If you feel that these antibiotics are not working then contact your avian vet again for a new appointment, perhaps she can provide another antibiotic or treatment option. It also may be side effects as Scott mentioned.

I'm not too knowledgeable on antibiotics, but mine are always prescribed Baytril. Scott, any insight?

Kerrot said:

I don't think they are going to get better, I hate seeing them sleep all day I will never get another pet again!! I tried to give them the best life I could and still got screwed over!! Even more reason to never have kids!

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reeb said:

Don't give up hope yet. If you feel that these antibiotics are not working then contact your avian vet again for a new appointment, perhaps she can provide another antibiotic or treatment option. It also may be side effects as Scott mentioned.

I'm not too knowledgeable on antibiotics, but mine are always prescribed Baytril. Scott, any insight?

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Please do not give up! I highly recommend you contact the vet, describe the symptoms, and ask for feedback. I assume from your first post the vet did not perform lab tests of any kind, so treatment becomes a logical best guess. Some birds are notoriously difficult to restrain and extract blood, thus it is wiser to treat symptomatically. That also means second and even third drug options may be necessary.

Baytril is considered a broad-spectrum antibiotic and effective against many organisms. But not all; the exceptions are best identified via lab tests.

Couldn't find much side effect information for Soluble Tylan. Have never used this drug, and in your case, it is administered via water vs injection. Your avian vet may have chosen this therapy for good reason, but you are entitled to understand why, the risks, and options. https://www.drugs.com/pro/tylan-soluble.html

Many of us have been in your position; it is so difficult when they are unwell. We are here to help you through this!

Thanks guys ya i called the vet clinic and the nurse said she'll leave a note to have the vet call me back. I just hate seeing them suffer like this and not knowing what will happen, it's driving me insane!! I just want this week to be over with!!

this is not like them at all!!



I'll try my best to save them, but they have been suffering so much if they don't get better after the 10 days I don't want to drag them through more testing and treatments.

Kerrot said:

Thanks guys ya i called the vet clinic and the nurse said she'll leave a note to have the vet call me back. I just hate seeing them suffer like this and not knowing what will happen, it's driving me insane!! I just want this week to be over with!!

this is not like them at all!!

I'll try my best to save them, but they have been suffering so much if they don't get better after the 10 days I don't want to drag them through more testing and treatments.

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"Suffering" in what way? Are they in pain? Give it some time, for even we don't spring back right away after battling an infection.

Thanks, I took some rest and am thinking clearly now and I think they will be okay, tbh they are molting and I'm thinking since they are older now maybe the molt is just wearing them down more. My vet checked them out and didn't think they had an infection, but because I havent really done the best job keeping up with vacuuming my place it's possible they got sick from eating a crumb or something, so finishing the course of antibiotics for good measure and working hard to keep my place as clean as possible and keeping them warm and I think after they finish the molt they should be ok.

Talked to my friend and she said that her budgies would eat and drink more during molts and have loose stools too and look raggedy and fluffy... Most important to keep them warm and clean!

Sounds good, please keep us updated!

I think that they are getting better

Thank goodness!
I could barely summon the strength to read the update, but I'm so glad I did!!!!!!!!!!!
Yes, please keep us posted.

That's wonderful news!!

Yeah, today they are back to flying in circles and screaming my ears off lol

Oh yeah, I love these updates! Despite their apparent improvement, it is vital to continue the full course of treatment to ensure the microscopic nasties are all vanquished! (not suggesting you aren't but a reminder for all those who see this thread in the future!)

Kerrot, how are they doing?

They seem fine - they are going through a heavy molt so aren't 100% like they used to be, but are playing and chirping more. definitely going to finish the antibiotic course.