Common Conditions of Budgerigars

Budgies are relatively hardy little birds that make wonderful pets and companions. They generally live to around 8 years of age but there are a few conditions commonly associated with budgies that you need to watch out for, such as tumours, scaly face mite and goitre.

Tumours are relatively common in budgies and can be external or internal. Fatty tumours or lipomas can occur in overfed birds. Reducing calorie intake and increasing exercise can decrease the size of these tumours. Sometimes surgery is required if the tumour is interfering with the normal motility and comfort of the bird. Malignant skin tumours may also occur. These tend to grow quickly and may have ulcerated surfaces.

Tumours in the kidney can result in lameness due to interference with the blood circulation or nerve supply of the leg. The leg becomes paralysed, and as the tumour enlarges, the abdomen begins to swell. Surgery in this area is difficult so the outlook for these birds is poor.

Scaly face mite (scaly leg mite) results in a crusty reaction around the beak or eyelids, on legs and feet. It is a common mite infection in budgerigars.

Goitre is thyroid gland enlargement due to iodine deficiency. The enlarged glands put pressure on surrounding organs, leading to vomiting and crop disorders, and breathing problems. Budgies have higher requirements for iodine than other birds, and can be prevented by the addition of a soil and grass clump to the bottom of the cage as most soil contains iodine, or by the addition of iodine supplement to the water.

Chlamydiosis or psittacosis occurs in budgies. The organisms cause a wide range of signs, and the disease is transmissible to man.

Hepatic lipidosis is a liver disorder caused by overfeeding.

- Last updated 16 November 2012