My new budgie keeps closing her eyes. Is this normal after moving?

Hello. I am worried about Spot. Birds should be very bright and alert. Half closed eyes are a sign of depression and lethargy which are subtle but real signs of illness. An exam by your veterinarian will help determine what’s wrong and how to best treat it.

Just shutting the eyes/sleeping is a very vague sign, so it would be hard to say. It may just be she is relaxing and taking a nap if she only does it on her perch and is otherwise happy, active, eating and drinking, etc. If she seems to sleep all the time, isn't interested in food or water as much, has visible signs of illness, or is puffed up all the time, then these can indicate possible illness. Keeping her eating and drinking, watching for any signs of illness and making sure she is in a stress-free and not too warm or too cold environment can help, however if you see signs of illness or are concerned about her health, scheduling a vet visit in person is always best.

If the eye is bad enough that your budgie is keeping it closed, or if it looks cloudy or glazed over, it is best to seek veterinary care. While a cataract is possible in an older bird, injury or infection to the eye can also cause cloudiness, closing of the eye, or even debris to ooze from it, and should be treated so the eye is not lost or the infection doesn't spread. Keeping your budgie comfortable, eating, drinking and resting until you can get to your vet is best.

These signs could be compatible with a mites infestation and possibly an upper respiratory tract infection/inflammation. Eyes squinting could be related to it as well as consequences of conjunctivitis or tear duct inflammation. I would recommend a check up to determine underlying cause of it and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed.

Thanks for reaching out about Tango. He could be sick but a visit to the veterinarian is needed to determine this. If you just acquired him 1-2 days ago, could be stress and not sleeping well at night. Provide supplemental heat support in the 80-85 F range to give support. A new purchase veterinary visit is recommended anyways, to discuss husbandry and diet. Good luck.

Those are general symptoms that Bibbie is not feeling well and may have an underlying illness. It would be best to seek veterinary care ASAP as this is a symptom of many possible issues and an exam is needed to help narrow down the cause. Until you can get to the vet, moving her to a warm hospital cage with easy access to food and water may help, however if she is completely listless seeking care is needed ASAP.

It could be that the stress of an environment change/new people is stressing it out some. I would give it a day or so to settle in, and if it still stays fluffed or has other signs of illness, let your friend know and also bring it into a vet. Keeping it warm and with access to food and water may also help.