Me poor old budgie doesn't seem too well.

[mrs.chappie]

He is regurgitating his seed. Not just one or two seeds - about half a dozen or so at the same time, along with saliva coming out of his beak.

He is very old and I am worried that the stress of a trip to the vet may just be too much for him and finish him off.

When he is not doing this, he seems okay - eating as normal.

Any advice folks please?

[wolf63]

I don't know a thing about birds so I can't really help - but your question looked so sad sitting there on its own.

Try phoning the vet for advice - they are usually really good. I know that birds and little furries can keel over at the vet as it is a terrifying experience for them so you are right to be concerned.

Good luck.

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks for your concern and for your reply, wolf.x

[Ice.Maiden]

Chappie - glad I caught this before you go off to bed, but how old's your budgie? They regurgitate seeds as a sign of affection, and often shows that they're lonely or want to mate/lay eggs. I'd get the poor little thing to the vet for a check-over, and I doubt a gentle car ride'd put an end to him. x

[terambulan]

budgies regurgitate to bond their nests, and to feed young. It's confused and needs distraction. Change its environment.

My friend, the vet, tells me that budgies brought in, held overnight and replaced with similar new one from supplier ;) It's all about treating the pet-owner!

[icemaiden]

Definately take this little one to the vet.

Can be a sign of a lot of things. A blockage in the crop, (Sour Crop) or it can also be a sign of respiratory problems. Some parrots will regurgitate more often if they suffer from respiratory diseases.

As said before, I doubt a car ride will make him any worse.

Hope all is well

[mrs.chappie]

Thanks for your replies folks.

It's not the car ride to the vet that's the problem for birds, it's being handled by humans if they are not used to it - it causes them stress and they can die of shock.

Unfortunately I speak from experience here. I used to take in rescued birds (have taken about 100 in total over the years) and have had birds die in my, or the vet's hands, through shock/stress. It is very sad when you think you are doing what's best for the bird. It's a difficult decision to make.

Re this little fellah, he is the last surviving of all the budgies I have rescued. He is at least 14 years old, and could be much older than that - I don't know how old he was when I took him in.

I don't think his regurgitation is due to him wanting to mate (think he's too old) and the worrying thing is that it is clumps he is bringing up, not just a seed or two. I have been on the phone to an avian vet (well, the receptionist - and she is gonna get advice from the avian vet and ring me). So hopefully I will do what's best for him.

Thanks again for your replies folks - much appreciated.x