My budgie lost his companion, isn't eating or drinking. Is he okay?

Birds, just like people, can mourn the loss of a friend, however diarrhea and changes in eating/drinking habits over a prolonged period of time are not normal. If your other budgie died suddenly from an illness, and Rocco now has loose stool, it's always best to have a vet examine him and perform a fecal on a stool sample to make sure there isn't an underlying illness causing his symptoms.

I'm sorry to hear about your loss! It is very normal for birds to mourn the loss of their friend, just as people do, so spending a little extra time together or offering up a favorite treat may help. Birds are extremely good at hiding illness, and if you suspect your other bird was ill at all, thoroughly cleaning the cage/shared dishes/etc can help prevent the spread of illness. Signs of illness to watch out for include listless behavior, sleeping all the time, fluffed feathers, difficulty breathing, changes in weight, appetite changes, drinking changes, feather loss, etc. If you do see these signs, or suspect Cameron may have caught something from your other bird, seeking out an exam in person is always best. If you're having trouble coping with the loss of Barney, I highly recommend checking out some resources such as The Rainbow Bridge where you can talk to other owners and even make a virtual pet memorial.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like he is not doing well and in any bird with a history of trauma, it would be best to have them evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I would highly recommend you consider having him evaluated. They may recommend further therapy like antibiotics based on the findings. Good luck and have a great day!

HI there! I've seen you've asked this question four times now, so I'm not sure if we're not giving you the answer you are looking for, or if you're looking for some sure-thing answer that is going to happen. We've already mentioned that some birds do well on their own, as long as they have enough enrichment, so if you're not looking to get another bird that is fine as long as your bird seems OK with this. This, however, is a decision you need to make on your own, and we cannot make the choice for you.

Thanks for reaching out about Shadow. By the picture and the blue cere, is probably a boy. If not eating or drinking, this is very serious as these small birds have little caloric stores to compensate. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 degree range might give some aid. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, and soon. Older budgieregars are prone to metabolic concerns (kidney, liver) and other problems. Ingested foreign bodies or toxicities are also common if allowed free roam. Good luck.

Potential causes include infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites), trauma/injury, toxicity or malnutrition. It is critical to have the underlying cause(s) diagnosed before an effective treatment can be administered. Until you do that, you're simply guessing and possibly wasting time. Millie needs to be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep her warm and as stress free as possible. Use a hand feeding formula and warm water to make a mash or paste that she may eat. You can also soak a pelleted diet in a small amount of apple juice to stimulate the appetite. Discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with the veterinarian or office manager. Ask friends and family to assist you financially if possible.

Thank you for your question, and congratulations on your new pet! Budgies can be a very shy species, and this is often exaggerated when they are put into unfamiliar settings (such as a new house). I would recommend giving her a little more time to adjust, as long as she is eating and producing feces. You can find these at the bottom of the cage. Alternatively, you can also take her to a veterinarian for evaluation. This is a good idea from a wellness perspective, as it will slow you to gather information about her baseline health, and your vet can determine whether Frost is ill or not. They can also provide you with basic information on husbandry and nutrition as well. I hope that gives you a place to start, and good luck with your new bird!