budgie listless and puffy

[newmoon]

I think I already know the answer, but I really need to get some advice.

My male budgie has been puffy and listless for a few days.

He is perching (not on the bottom of the cage) and is eating and drinking.

His nares are clear, there is nothing on his face, and his cloaca is normal.

Like I said, his symptoms are: lots of sleeping, puffy, and visible body movement when breathing.

No whistling or wheezing noises.

Our Avian Vet is 30 minutes away, but I do not want to put my bird through the stress of a vet appointment or take him outside in the windy cold of Pennsylvania if I can avoid it.

Any thoughts??

[Sheila]

I'm not a vet, but it does sound like he might need some medical attention. I would put a heat lamp on him, to give him some extra heat; just in case he's chilled and keep him in a warm room (no drafts). I would call an avian vet to see if they can help you over the phone, or know of an AV that does home visits (very few does nowadays).

Good luck!

[Sivin]

I'm with Sheila. Your bird is ill and needs to see an avian vet asap. Give them a call and they will be able to tell you the best way to transport him so he'll stay warm. This can really be anything. Is there a travelling avian vet in your area?

[henryswife]

Newmoon,
Just some suggestions because it's cold here in Ct. too! brrr!
It's always a good idea to have some type of travel cage to put your bird in. I have a very small one that I put a very low perch in & a towel in the bottom. You can also use a small plastic tote with holes drilled in it for air cirulation, sides & top. Sand down ruff edges, and wash. Warm up the car, and warm up some towles to put inside the cage and put one under and another over the top, leaving an opening for air. You can soak some millet in water to put on the foor of the cage or some with a piece of carrot or fruit. Put the radio on a soothing music station.
Use the seatbelt to secure the cage.
Keep us posted on how he's doing. Alice