Pink, that's me parrot with the garlic aversion, not me little budgie!
Ice, vets are always gentle with birds, but birds get so stressed out, I guess it's fear. It would be different if he was a 'pet' as such, being handled and petted - but he has never been handled, lived most of his life in a big outdoor aviary, and now lives in a big indoor aviary.
He is eating normally, which is always a good sign. Often when birds are ill, their appetite is the first thing to go. His breathing is quite steady. I have had birds with breathing probs, and their little chests have been heaving (hubby and I have rescued in excess of 100 birds over the years). His cere is dry and his rear end is clean, so I am hoping it is just me being over-anxious about him.
I may have to make the decision to have him put to sleep - always a difficult decision, but one that, sadly, I have had to make on several occasions.
Thanks for your concern lass.x