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Why is my budgie suddenly putting its head in its wings?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My budgie started burying his head in between his wings he never used to what does this mean?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Laura E. McRae

Veterinary Technician

Published on March 16th, 2015

Many birds, including budgies, will sleep with their heads nestled down over their backs and between their wings, especially at night. This is perfectly normal behavior. However, a bird that isn't feeling well will spend more time with its heads nestled down into its feathers and less time engaging in preening, eating, playing, and other normal activities. A sick bird may also stop vocalizing, sit puffed or fluffed up, sneeze or have discharge from their nares, have loose stools, have stools caked around the vent, and/or pick at its food or not eat at all. So, if your bird seems listless or is exhibiting any of the above symptoms, seek veterinary attention right away.

161Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on May 28th, 2019
Your bird is very ill, but i couldn't tell you what is wrong based on these very general symptoms, you will need to take her to an avian vet where a blood test and faecal exam will be done to determine what is the cause of the disease before it can be treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on June 29th, 2019
His symptoms may indicate illness or injury. By the time a bird is showing symptoms, the underlying condition may be quite serious. It would be to his benefit to be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. If either is diagnosed, the appropriate treatment can be administered. For now, keep him warm and as stress free as possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on January 7th, 2017
A sleepy budgie is always a sick budgie, unfortunately i couldn't tell you what is wrong with him based on these symptoms only, you will have to take him to the vet in order to get it checked and treated.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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