Ask Lafeber

Budgie health

Hello
2 months ago I got a pair of budgies, they stay outside the cage until is time to sleep.I feed them budgie seeds and fruits they dont like vegetables that much.
They both are moulting but my female budgie has a bald spot in the lower back, under some fethers that pop out, I am not sure if it is a lumb the color is skin color, but to me it looks like a small lumb.
Her poop is dark green-black color with white dot in the middle.
She is mos pasive and afraid than the male bird.
But she flies and plays somtimes.
I don’t know what to do, and where I live I don’t think I can find a vet.
Please help!

Hi Nina,

You may just be seeing her preen gland which is located on her lower back near the base of the tail. This gland has oil in it and they use this to keep their feathers groomed. The preen gland can get infected, impacted or have other problems. You can try to do a search for images of a normal preen gland to see if hers is normal. If it is the same color as the rest of her skin, it is probably normal. If there is a problem it might be red or a dark color.  It is a good idea to do a search for an Avian Vet near you – type in Avian vet and your zip code. It is best to know where the nearest one is before you have an issue with one of your birds.

Regarding diet, loose seed mix is not nutritionally balanced. They should be on a nutritionally balanced diet such as pellets or our foraging diets. It is good that they eat fruits, but try different veggies also. Parakeet generally love broccoli florets. You might also offer some dark, leafy greens. Here is a link with more information on nutrition.

Bird Food Guide

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda