Diseases of Budgies

French Moult

When aviculturalists say that a bird has ‘French Moult’, they are usually referring to a parrot, often a budgie, that has what are called dystrophic feathers. These feathers have persistent feather sheathes, numerous fret marks, blood and inflammatory debris in the feather shaft, are generally stunted, and wear prematurely.

Egg binding

         Egg binding is when a bird produces an egg and cannot lay it. There can be various reasons for the occurrence of egg binding. Egg binding is very serious, and an avian vet must be consulted right away if you suspect your bird may be egg bound.

       Egg binding is a serious condition that will almost certainly result in death if an avian vet is not consulted. The reason that it is so fatal is because of the pressure an egg can put on the surrounding organs. A bird has all its organs stored in such a small area, as the body cavity of a bird is so small. An egg that is inside a bird for too long can put pressure on the kidneys, liver, and nerves. Pressure on the kidneys and liver can stop them from working properly, resulting in increased toxins in the blood that can cause death.

What can be done? 
If you are unable to get your bird to a vet straight away, there are small things you can do to help your bird. Heat will help the muscles in the oviduct wall contract, and it is a good idea to keep your bird warm by placing a heat pad under the cage floor where she is sitting so that the bottom heat can help her. DO NOT put the heat mat inside the cage itself, as you don't want to burn or overheat your bird, especially if she is unable to move. The heat pad must be secured to the underside of the cage and only on one side to create a thermal gradient - a warm end and a cold end.