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My old budgie is losing balance and acting strange. What's wrong?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female

Urgent help, my budgie millet has been becoming abit less active for the last few days and today I noticed something strange, I petted her and after I did she started shivering a little but here's when it gets abit more odd, she started preening and it was almost like as if she was losing balance and at one point she moved her head all the way up and started displaying really odd behaviour, I know for a fact that's she's getting old because we have had her for 5 years now please help thanks!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on May 18th, 2018

Loss of balance is a very concerning sign and I would recommend bringing her to a local vet for a complete exam. Muscular and neurologic issues, underlying illness, seizures, old age, toxicity, nutritional issues and more can call cause problems with balance and requires an exam to help narrow down the possible causes.

Until you can get into the vet, you can move Millet's perches closer to the floor of her cage to prevent injury if she falls, and make sure she has food and water dishes that are easy to climb in and out of if she is having trouble getting around. If you see any additional signs of illness, be sure to let your vet know.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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