I hate it!!

When you've had a bird or birds for a while, in this case two budgie parakeets...they're almost 7 years old..the green budgie (avra) has been to a vet because he was spitting phlegm all over his head and shaking his head......

I thought for sure it was trichomosis, but it apparently wasn't. But our vet gave us spray and we sprayed both keets for sac mites...kept them away from our other birds for 4 month's...avra stopped spitting up phlegm and hendrick never started...so that's a win...

6 months later

But now..avras feathers are looking bad, he's puffed up all the time unless we put him outside on 80 degree days, or under their brooding lamp...the vet says he's fine...just old...yet Hendrick...bought the same day...still chipper, sings, plays...

It sucks...i don't like to give up on anyone or anything...even if it is its time..i wouldn't want anyone giving up on me..

Despite my nature and the things I've done and seen in life...I guess I'm just soft hearted...(no I'm not saying I'm a serial killer...maybe a cereal killer) it sucks...

But he's still with us...but I just know I'm going to look at their cage soon and not see him sitting on his swing...

I hate times like this...

I'm so sorry you are having to go through this! I know the feeling, and it's part of the reason why I've decided to no longer own budgies, unless I can have an aviary of purple budgies!!!

If you don't mind me asking, what tests have the vet done? And has the vet recommended any supplements?

Oh I feel for you, I would hate it. Can't add much to be helpful just that we understand how hard it must be.

MonicaMc said:

I'm so sorry you are having to go through this! I know the feeling, and it's part of the reason why I've decided to no longer own budgies, unless I can have an aviary of purple budgies!!!

If you don't mind me asking, what tests have the vet done? And has the vet recommended any supplements?

Click to expand...

He's tested for sac mites, trich, respiratory infections and he doesn't think its a vitamin problem...

I dropped him off again earlier..he's gonna do a full work up.. but he's stressing...you can't prolong life on an old bird....

He does seem healthy, just...puffs and sleeps a lot...he eats fine, his droppings are fine...he plays when he isn't sleeping...

I'm pretty sure its just an old budgie...

The vet didn't do a gram stain?


I hope that something conclusive can be found out this time and he can be treated for it, but I'm sorry you are having to deal with that! IMO, a gram stain is one of the first things that *should* be done on a sick bird, and if it wasn't done, well.... that may only prolong the birds suffering until the cure can be found.


You might want to consider looking into some supplements. I can't say how well any of them work, but it doesn't hurt to do some research! These are all ones that I've tried/used as well.

PetAg - Benebac
Pretty Bird - Ultimate Virus and Bacteria Blocker
Lafeber - Emeraid Omnivore
Harrison's Bird Foods - Booster Concentrate (not to mention Harrison's other products)
Vetri Science - Vetri-DMG
AF - Milk Thistle (the specific brand I've used, other brands may be just as effective)


Can't tell you how well the majority of them work, but my favorite has, so far, been the milk thistle. It is a liver support, so great for birds suffering from liver failure. However, the liver also helps to detoxify the body and cleanse the blood, so may be beneficial for sick birds as well. I have a bourke parakeet that has a tendency to get bacterial infections (she's old! only slightly larger than a budgie and estimated age is 16-18 years old!!!!) and I was treating her with antibiotics. Well, the last time she got sick, I didn't have any antibiotics on hand, nor could I get any, so I used milk thistle. Needless to say, she recovered perfectly! Told this to my avian vet, and she, too, was astounded!


Here's a picture of her and a budgie. It is an old image, though. Since this image was taken, she's gone through surgery to try and remove cancer from her foot. Unsuccessful, sadly. That happened 2 years ago, and she's still kickin!

Sorry for what you are going through. I know what it's like to have all of that stress and worry on top of your shoulders, I use to have and breed betta fish and when one got sick , I was devastated. I know this might not compare to you for your fids, but I loved each as if they were my only family. They had personalities , favorites, I hated it when they died though I managed to treat some. Hang in there, you never know what will happen.

Thanx for the info..he did do a gram stein...his findings are that the bird is healthy...

Where should I get the milk thistle?

Oh Brandon, I am SO sorry you are going through this. HUGS!!!!

Here is an example of where you can get Milk thistle:
Milk Thistle/Dandelion Herbal Extract 1 oz - *NEW* ITEMS by MY SAFE BIRD STORE
System Detox Herbal Extract 1 oz - *NEW* ITEMS by MY SAFE BIRD STORE

You may want to speak with your avian vet about supplements, get their thoughts & opinions about them.

Whenever getting supplements made from herbal extracts, always make sure to use alcohol-free stuff. I've never tried the milk thistle & dandelion from MSBS, but then when I got my bottle, through my a-vet (expensive!), MSBS wasn't carrying those supplements. Not only that, but I needed it sooner rather than later, at the time. If I ever run out, I may try the stuff from MSBS.

You can also find them in grocery stores, health food stores and vitamin stores.