My budgie ate a caterpillar from an outdoor branch. Is it safe?

Thanks for reaching out about your budgie. Milkweed is toxic to most animals, containing a toxin that affects the heart. Toxic in large quantities, but with an animals as small as a budgie, could be serious. A veterinary visit as soon as possible to prevent absorption is recommended. The longer you wait, might not be treatable if absorbed. Giving fluid support, activated charcoal and gastrointestinal protectants are recommended. Good luck.

He will likely be fine. Most birds will simply chew paper or fabric without actually ingesting it. You can monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or loose droppings. See your veterinarian or a vet experienced in treating birds if necessary.

Thanks for reaching out about Chicken. If he is still regurgitating, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Foreign bodies in the crop are easier to remove than in the lower gastrointestinal tract. Monitor appetite. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can provide some aid. Good luck.

It is always best to monitor your birds when they are out of the cage and to not leave them unattended in a room or other area where they may become injured or get into something. If you suspect your budgie has eaten something harmful, or has injured itself while outside of the cage, it is best to seek veterinary care ASAP, especially if they are showing any signs of illness such as listless behavior, refusal to eat or drink, vomiting or loose droppings, etc.

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. There is a risk that she may be stung in the throat. If that is the case, she may develop signs of breathing difficulties within a few minutes from eating the bug. If that happened, it should be treated as an emergency. If Myla ate the bug a while ago and she looks fine now, there should not be any problems, she will likely digest the bug.

Woolly Catapillars actually aren't toxic at all. They can cause irritation to the skin of some humans (and presumably dogs) with their hairs. My guess is that the vomiting is unrelated, but if it continues, definitely get Cruz to a vet ASAP for evaluation.

Good job, you did the right thing to get it out of his mouth and rinse it out. Without knowing the exact beetle I can't tell you for sure it's not toxic but generally they can irritate the mouth but not cause a serious problem. As with all toxins keep watch for vomiting, trouble breathing or facial swelling. Take him in right away if they are any abnormal symptoms. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you get answers to your veterinary questions.