Why is my budgie sick, sleepy, ruffled, and at the cage bottom?

Hi there and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! All these signs might be compatible with the presence of high temperature and possibly a systemic infective disease. Respiratory diseases (psittacosis) and gastrointestinal infections due to Trichomonas and Giardia are quite common as well. The list of differentials unfortunately is quite long and more specific answers would require a more extensive chat on his clinical status or a consultation. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

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.

Anytime a bird is sick enough to go to the bottom of the cage and sit there looking tired, it’s an emergency. Birds are very good at hiding their illnesses, so when they actually appear sick, they are likely to be seriously ill, or injured. I recommend having Jaco evaluated by an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, make sure he has access to water and food. I hope that helps and Jaco gets better soon.

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.

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.

Hello. I am sorry that Bobo isn't feeling well. It does sound like Bobo is very very sick. I would recommend having him to a vet right away. Birds do not show they are sick unless they are severely compromised, and a parakeet sitting on the bottom of a cage breathing hard could be near death. It also sounds like Bobo might be suffering. If you can get him to a vet right away I would suggest this. Best of luck with Bobo.

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.