My molting bird has diarrhea and eats less. Should I still see a vet?

Molting and growing new feathers can take a lot of energy, however if Mike has been lethargic and not interested in normal activities, or isn't wanting to eat or drink, it would be best to seek veterinary care. It's possible there is an underlying issue such as illness or injury causing it, nutritional problems, parasites, or even some deficiency from his body using up nutrients to create new feathers. Having a thorough exam from a local vet can help rule out any issues, and treat any problems to help Mike feel better.

Thanks for reaching out about Loki. Regurgitation can have a long list of causes including stress, metabolic disorders, hormones, infections, toxicities and ingested foreign bodies, to list a few. What is slightly worrisome is the lethargy and sleepiness. Molting can also be a result of illness, and this is not the typical season for molting. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan and also to review diet and husbandry. Good luck.

Even if Rangu isn't having diarrhea, other issues such as GI upset, underlying illness, parasites, being full, or issues with the crop could all cause a bird to not eat as much. Extreme temperatures such as very hot or cold conditions may also cause a bird to not want to eat as much. If this has been ongoing for several days, or he is losing weight from it, seeking veterinary care is always best to rule out any more serious issues. In the meantime, keeping him in a place that isn't too cold or too hot with easy access to food and water may encourage him to eat. If he is still too young to eat on his own, monitoring his crop for emptying and feeding following the instructions on any baby bird formula can help ensure he's getting the right amount of food.

If she is behaving normally otherwise, then she is likely molting. Continue to monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or loose droppings. Make sure she continues to eat and drink normally. Keep her as stress free as possible.

Unfortunately, the symptoms you described are very vague signs of illness, so it would be hard to say what is going on without an exam in person. It's good that you're keeping her separated, and I would do so by keeping her in a warm hospital cage to see if that helps her improve. It's possible the diarrhea could be due to a diet change and the stress of coming to a new home, so giving her a day or two to see if she improves may help. Checking for parasites, and making sure she's on a balanced diet (removing any snacks or fruits and veggies for a few days if she has GI upset) may also help. As for the toe, that is very common in commercially bred birds. If it is causing trouble I would have it examined when you are able, but provide low, flat perches and platforms for her to hang out on in the meantime. This can help her stretch the toe and have a place to relax without losing balance. If she doesn't improve in a day or so, or seems to get worse, it is best to try and find a bird vet in your area that can see her right away.

You may see a larger than normal amount of stool a day before or after a bird lays an egg, but it should not be diarrhea nor should it last a week. Submit a stool sample to your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose intestinal parasites or bacterial overgrowth. If you supplement the diet with fruit or vegetables, discontinue temporarily and offer a commercial pelleted diet until the stool is normal. Monitor for lethargy, decreased appetite or continued loose droppings. See or recheck with your veterinarian if necessary.

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.