Budgie eating droppings

[HomingPigeon]

I have a budgie in a cage with two cockatiels. Recently I have noticed the budgie eating droppings from the floor of the cage. I don't know if he is eating his own droppings, or the droppings from the cockatiels.

I am wondering if this is a sign of some sort of deficiency in his diet, and is it something I should be worried about?

Thanks for any replies.

[Kam_voo]

I wouldn't worry about it its normal for him to smell it but i don't know about eat it let him do it and if he gets ill find a way to stop him doing it

[wildwood]

Caged birds often suffer from some sort of mineral and/or vitamin deficiency that their body can't manufacture - particularly B12 - and eat droppings to at least get some of it back. I have no idea how they know but they do.

Try finding some grass that has gone to seed and feed a little each day. Some form of dark green vegetable should be provided daily and removed when dried out or it will go off. A lot of birds are fond of cooked peas so pass one on when you're havin' some for tea. If you actually have pigeons (going by your name) mix a little pigeon mineral mix in with some oystergrit and watch the budgie tuck into that.

[windywillow]

Thanks for replies. I don't keep pigeons but I will get some grit and put some in his cage. He has a cuttle fish bone in the cage but doesn't seem to be interested in it, and neither do the cockatiels. I add some liquid vitamins and minerals to their water, and give them spinach and lettuce occasionally. They like dandelion leaves, which I give them now and again. I will try them with some peas to see if they like them.

Thanks again, your replies are much appreciated.