Ask Lafeber

Old Budgie Flight Problems

My budgie is ten years old but recently his tail feathers have fallen out and he has lost the ability to fly. He is still happy and playful with me and his long term budgie companion, can get around easily by climbing the cage bars and is eating and drinking normally. Is this just a sign of old age or should I put him through the stress of a visit to the vet as he seems at the moment completely normal and happy except for not being able to fly and no tail feathers.

Hi,

These days 10 years is very old for a budgie. Many die much sooner because there has been so much inbreeding. As for whether a Vet visit is in order, that should be a conversation with your Vet, taking the bird’s age and quality of life in consideration. One has to weigh what besides age might be causing this, and would it be something treatable? Or is the little guy happy and content with his elderly life? Possibly he fell in the night and lost his feathers that way, or maybe his age affected a molt and he molted too many feathers at once. But one thing is certain – birds can barely fly without tail feathers. My thought is losing the tail feathers might be the reason he isn’t flying right now. If he did try to fly, he would probably drop like a rock without the tail. The tail feathers should grow back soon, and then you will find out if he can fly. Watch him closely and consider your options. Most importantly, enjoy your little senior.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda