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My budgie is lethargic, puffed up, and sleeping a lot. Is he sick?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Male

I am concerned about my budgie who is around 2 years old. He has been quite lethargic and is constantly sleeping with puffed up feathers. He is eating and drinking as normal. However, he has been unable to fly due to a slightly damaged flight feather that has been been by another budgie.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Todd Cecil

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on July 30th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. A damage flight feather should not alter flight significantly, as they can fly when they molt. Lethargy and sleeping during the day (to conserve energy) are clinical signs of being sick, the question is why. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some support. Monitor fecal production by a total cage clean-out. Sick birds often act like they're eating but aren't. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Multiple possibilities include ingestion of foreign material (metal, fabric, wood, etc.), metabolic concerns (liver, renal), infections (viral, bacterial) and others.
Good luck.
Vote Icon7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Ady Y. Gancz, DVM, ABVP (Avian), ECZM

    Veterinarian, Board-certified avian specialist

    Published on November 28th, 2017

    Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach,
    It's difficult to know if Kiwi is ill based on the pics. The feet look ok, the feathers she lost could just be d/t normal molting and her fluffing up could be because she's cold. If she is eating well and maintaining her weight (based on several measurements on a gram scale) then she is probably ok, but when in doubt... A visit to the vet is the safest way to go.

    Vote Icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Health & Wellness
My budgie is puffed up, not eating, and lethargic. Is it sick or cold?
Thanks for reaching out about Lemon and including photos. First, try offering some heat support with the goal of the 80-85 F range. A change in routine can be stressful, so trying spending more time with them, for observation and company. If they continue to be lethargic, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My budgie is fluffed and lethargic. Is she sick, cold? When to worry?
Thanks for reaching out about Sunshine and including a photo. If after the 13 hours of posting, she is still lethargic, a veterinary visit is recommended. If she is cold, providing supplemental heat should improve attitude almost immediately. Birds are often fluffed when ill and conserve energy by being quiet.. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My new parakeet is ruffled, not eating, wings quiver. Is he sick?
Hi, what you are describing does sound like signs of illness. Kiwi could have an infection or other disease and it is important to have him evaluated by a veterinarian. They can do an exam and any tests that are needed to determine the best treatment. Birds do get sick quickly and tend to hide symptoms, so you are right to be concerned about these changes. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Why is my budgie sad, sleepy, ruffled, and not acting himself?
I'm sorry Gansito isn't feeling well. Lethargy and puffed feathers are very nonspecific signs of illness in birds. But it could be be serious as birds don't show signs of illness easily. They try to hide thier illnesses as long as possible. Make sure his cage is in a warm, quiet, draft free environment. Try to encourage him to keep eating, cooked eggs are a high nutrient food that may tempt him. Millet is better than nothing but not very complete nutritionally. But he probably needs a veterinarian as soon as possible to evaluate what is wrong. It could be anything from a viral infectio, fungal or bacterial cancer or any other illness. Good luck to Gansito
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My budgie is fluffed up and sleepy. What should I do without a vet?
Make sure the ambient temperature is appropriate for your bird, not too hot and not too cold. I would also recommend you offer Jerry plenty of fresh food and water to keep him eating and well hydrated. Fluffing up and lethargy are signs of illness so your bird may be getting sick. As long as he is drinking/eating normally and passing normal droppings you should not need to worry. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
My budgie is puffed up and sleepy. Is he ill or just tired?
Thanks for reaching out about Pluto. By the signs you listed, it appears that Pluto is sick. A veterinary visit should be schedules soon as once birds show signs of illness, they are fairly sick. Providing additional heat support will help but is not a treatment. Good luck.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My budgie is lethargic with ruffled feathers. What can I do at home?
All you can do it home is keep the bird warm in a quiet environment. Encourage it to eat with tasty things. I would always recommend taking a ruffled lethargic bird to the vet as it is usually the first sign of illness such as respiratory infection. Birds need to be treated promptly to have success.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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