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Hi everyone, I am new to this board (and glad to be part of it ) Could anyone help please with some advise? I have a 6.5y.o male budgie that has developed a curious behaviour pattern of late. He tends to sleep a lot, with nothing able to distract him then he will wake up, eat for a long period (15-20min) then go back to sleeping. This will happen for a few days then he will suddenly be ok one morning and carry on chatting and playing like nothing happend, then this cycle will start all over again! During this "hibernation" period, i have noticed his poo turns a vibrant green and becomes runny but over a period (as he gets better) it solidifies again. Could a mite be causing this? or is it something more serious? Other than his sleeping, his whole demenour is ok as his tail hasn't dropped he doesnt sneeze or show any other signs of illness (and i know how well budgies hide it). Im curious what else i can do for him as i give him fresh vegies (silverbeet etc) and constant vitamins in his water.... Thanks

There are so many possibilities that we could never sort them out satisfactorily on a chat board. Do you have a good avian vet who could examine your bird? It surely sounds like a medical issue rather than "just" a behavioral change. Best to not put vitamins in water. They can too easily grow bacteria that infect the bird. We could chat more about diet if you'd like, but I think the most important thing first is a vet exam. I hope your boy does okay. And welcome!

Thank you. Funny thing is today he is up and he has not stopped eating his seeds. He is more active as well and most importantly, he's chatting. Thats what makes me wonder if it is a mite of some sort. I will try to get him to a vet but i dont have many good avain vets (they are all familiar with cats, dogs and fish) but because this has been a pattern for the last six or so months I dont know if its his diet that needs changing...Thanks you for your advise

I'll give them a try but i'm in Melb Aust. Thanks

In that case, perhaps these links will be of more help???

Avian Vets of Australia

Another one for Australia


You should be able to find a-vets within your area!

Just seen this. To me alarm bells of psittacosis ring. Lime green poops are a classic symptom. (I think lead poisoning also produces lime green droppings). Boo had psittacosis years ago and got treated with Baytril. Boo however was very sick - very fluffed, stopped eating and would just sleep. His poops were lime green and I took him to the vet immediately. That's when the vet also asked if he could have had access to lead (like in paint or curtain weights) but he was sure it was psittacosis. I know your budgie isn't as sick as Boo but there are various stages. Kobe (my BH Pionus) has just tested a weak positive for it, but shows no symptoms. Because 2 subsequent blood tests are show his body is fighting it successfully he would only need treatment if I had other birds around (Boo died in May ). It is a dangerous disease for birds and I would suggest you get him seen immediately.

Thank You Fuzzy but i regret to advise that my little Pippin sadly passed away on Fri 18th Dec I kind of wish i did think of this earlier and what really shocked me with his very sudden death was that he was very very chirpy and was actually flying out of his cage the previous night (even though he was sleeping during the day and this was very rare as Pip rarely flew out of his cage) his behaviour was nothing extra ordinary (to what we came used to). His loss of presence has been felt at home.

Thank you to everyone who assisted me with my enquiry, it was very much appreciated
Pippins Mum

Ohhhhh, I'm so sorry Pippins Mum. That's so sad. I can imagine how empty your home must feel. I still sorely miss little Boo - he had a huge personality. Take care of yourself. xxx

Thank You So Much Fuzzy, i'm slowly getting usedto not having him around but i know he is still with me and his presence is still being felt. In time i will get another budgie but i need to have some time before that happens.... In the meantime i will look forward to hearing about everyone elses budgie's.
Thanks
Pippins Mum