Leaning on his buddy

[ramisharif]

Hello all - I have not posted on her for a while but a couple of days ago I started noticing one of my parakeets leaning on his buddy in the cage. They both seem to fly just fine, their cage is open in the room 90% of the day unless they take their hour nap on at night when they sleep. I just never seen this from Jerry (the green one) before, I want to say they are between 9-10 years old. Been healthy with me from the start, no issues along the way. Any ideas or thoughts on this?

 

[osklvste65]

It's a cute picture. My first thought is what is the room temperature? Birds especially as they age like temps closet to 80°. Other than that no suggestions.

 

[Vampiric_Conure60]

Your 'Keets are coming up in age.... I wonder if they're starting to develop arthritis? Leaning might be a way to get pressure off their feet. **Shrugs** Just a thought.

 

[ramisharif]

So, I covered the AC vent although I keep it around 72 usually, and the leaning thing subsided somewhat, but today I was a bit alarmed. I was in the room with the birds watching tv and suddenly Jerry (Green one) went to the bottom of the cage (floor level) and attempted to sleep, standing with his nick tucked to the back like seen in the original picture. I am worried about him but I dont want to take him to the vet and stress him and Benny out if that can be avoided. His weight still seems normal, he eats, flys, no shaking while standing or sign of weakness, at least none that I can see.

 

[osklvste65]

I'm not sure about the temp. Try a little warmer above 76. My avian vet insists on avg temp of 74. 78 but below 80 when ill or as they age. That's not a problem in Texas where outside temps run high. Arthritis as someone suggested could be a possibility. Try a slight wider and shape for his feet.

 

[ramisharif]

I'm not sure about the temp. Try a little warmer above 76. My avian vet insists on avg temp of 74. 78 but below 80 when ill or as they age. That's not a problem in Texas where outside temps run high. Arthritis as someone suggested could be a possibility. Try a slight wider and shape for his feet.

Thank you. I got him something wider and more comfy to stand on if he wants, he warmed up to it but still spends most of his time on the branch instead. I am used to both of them going through phases where one sleeps more than the other, usually their feathers are growing out again, I guess its called "molting" if I am not mistaken. Another thing I noticed with Jerry now is shivering a bit so I will keep watching the temp. Any red warning sings where I really need to take him to the vet?

 

[osklvste65]

Remember birds hide being sick. Watch weight, eating and activities. Personality will determine how fluffed up and quiet they become. You know your babies. Pay attention to those subtle signs. My CAG was severely ill. She drank normally. But she required tube feeding. The only signs she showed was decreased weight and poor eating.

 

[ramisharif]

Thank you all for your input. I was on trip for a few days for work and they stayed with family so routine hasnt changed as they remind in my house and in their room. I took this video today to see if anyone has any thoughts on if they look healthy or is Jerry (green) shows any sides of illness. They both seem to eat well, Jerry isnt showing any sign of difficulty climbing, flying, or moving around in the cage.

 

[ramisharif]

Bump..

 

[Jcas60]

The green budgie does look
Pretty “ puffed up” and like he’s breathing a little bit hard? 9-10 is an old budgie so behavior can change as they get older. How is his energy level?

 

[ramisharif]

His energy level I would say is that he sleeps a lot more, but eats, moves around, flys. I thought maybe its molting, they usually get more sleepy and low energy with that.

 

[Jcas60]

His energy level I would say is that he sleeps a lot more, but eats, moves around, flys. I thought maybe its molting, they usually get more sleepy and low energy with that.

It could be. If he’s molting you should be able to see little dark pin feathers around his face and head.

 

[ramisharif]

I checked, no molting but he has been acting a bit more lazy, sleepy, leaning on his friend although I keep the temps around 78 in that room so they are not cold. checked on the droppings, some are watery but most looks good

 

[ramisharif]

Hi All, I had to travel so I am out of state for 2 weeks, I left yesterday and this morning my sister called me and sadly told me that Jerry past away this morning. She cleaned the cage and took him out of it, they buried him because I cant make it back until the weekend and now Benny is alone, is there any advice you can give me on how to deal with benny now? they have been good buddies for years. I dont know how to feel about Jerry passing because I am so close to them, so I am very sad

 

[ramisharif]

any ideas anyone with past experience in this situation with Budgies please

 

[Jcas60]

Aww, so sorry to hear this . I have always gotten another budgie when one dies as they seem to do better with a buddy. However, I’ve never had a budgie as old as yours lose a buddy. A young bird might be too much for him, or he may pass away in a year or two and then the younger budgie would be alone. Another option is to get two young budgies so when the older one passes, they still have each other. Maybe put their cages next to each so the older one has friends but is not overwhelmed by young birds. Of course, this is only if you want to get more birds. Either way, try to spend lots of time with the remaining bird as he will feel the loss of a friend. So sorry for your loss

 

[ramisharif]

Should I go ahead and get him another bird, he seems so confused and sad I just dont know what to do for him, I dont want to lose him too