Budgies are hardy and resilient birds, but like all pets, they can suffer from various health issues if not cared for properly. As a responsible owner, understanding common illnesses, recognizing early symptoms, and providing preventative care can help your budgie live a long and happy life.
This guide covers common budgie health issues, their causes, symptoms, and how to prevent them.
General Signs of Illness in Budgies
Budgies are masters at hiding illness—a survival instinct that prevents them from appearing weak to predators. As a result, owners must be vigilant in spotting early warning signs.
Symptoms of a Sick Budgie
If you notice any of the following signs, your budgie may be unwell:
Fluffed-up feathers for long periods (often indicates illness)
Lethargy or lack of movement
Loss of appetite
Watery, discolored, or abnormal droppings
Labored or heavy breathing
Sneezing or nasal discharge
Weight loss or sudden puffiness
Weak grip when perching
Closed or swollen eyes
Excessive feather plucking
If these signs persist, consult an avian veterinarian immediately.
Common Budgie Health Issues
Respiratory Infections
Budgies are susceptible to respiratory illnesses, often caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
Causes:
Poor air quality (cigarette smoke, strong chemicals, Teflon fumes)
Cold drafts or sudden temperature changes
Dust accumulation in the cage
Symptoms:
Wheezing or clicking sounds when breathing
Tail bobbing while breathing
Discharge from the nostrils
Open-mouth breathing
Prevention & Treatment:
Keep the cage away from drafts and smoke
Maintain good ventilation but avoid direct airflow
Keep the cage clean to reduce dust buildup
If symptoms persist, seek veterinary attention
Feather Plucking & Self-Mutilation
Feather plucking is a serious behavioral issue that can indicate stress, poor diet, or medical problems.
Causes:
Boredom or lack of mental stimulation
Poor nutrition (lack of vitamins or minerals)
Parasites or skin infections
Stress from environmental changes
Symptoms:
Missing feathers (especially around the chest and wings)
Excessive grooming leading to bald spots
Red, inflamed skin
Prevention & Treatment:
Provide a variety of toys to prevent boredom
Ensure a balanced diet with fresh vegetables and pellets
Reduce stressful environmental changes
Visit an avian vet to rule out medical causes
Gastrointestinal Problems
Digestive issues are common in budgies and can range from minor stomach upset to serious infections.
Causes:
Poor diet (excessive seeds, spoiled food)
Bacterial or fungal infections
Dirty food or water bowls
Symptoms:
Watery or discolored droppings
Vomiting or regurgitation (outside of courtship behavior)
Loss of appetite
Prevention & Treatment:
Provide fresh, clean food and water daily
Avoid processed or sugary treats
Introduce new foods gradually
If symptoms persist, see a vet
Beak & Feather Disease (PBFD)
PBFD is a highly contagious viral disease that affects a budgie’s feathers, beak, and immune system.
Causes:
Spread through direct contact with infected birds
Contaminated food, water, or cage surfaces
Symptoms:
Abnormal feather loss
Brittle, misshapen beak
Weak immune system (prone to infections)
Prevention & Treatment:
Avoid exposing your budgie to infected birds
Disinfect cages and food dishes regularly
No cure—only supportive care from a vet
Egg Binding (Female Budgies)
Egg binding is a life-threatening condition where a female budgie struggles to pass an egg.
Causes:
Calcium deficiency
Obesity or lack of exercise
Stress during breeding
Symptoms:
Straining without laying an egg
Sitting at the bottom of the cage
Swollen abdomen
Prevention & Treatment:
Provide calcium supplements (cuttlebone, mineral blocks)
Ensure your budgie gets proper nutrition
If a budgie is struggling for more than a few hours, seek emergency vet care
Mites & Parasites
Budgies can suffer from external parasites like mites, which cause discomfort and skin irritation.
Causes:
Contact with infected birds
Dirty or contaminated cages
Symptoms:
Scaly skin around the beak or feet
Excessive scratching or irritation
Feather damage
Prevention & Treatment:
Keep the cage clean
Provide regular bathing options
Consult a vet for mite treatment
How to Keep Your Budgie Safe & Healthy
Maintain a Clean Cage
Change water and food dishes daily
Replace cage liners every few days
Deep-clean the cage monthly
Provide a Nutritionally Balanced Diet
Pellets (nutritionally complete)
Fresh fruits & vegetables
Seeds in moderation
Calcium sources (cuttlebone, mineral block)
Ensure Proper Environmental Conditions
No direct drafts or extreme temperature changes
Keep away from smoke, fumes, and scented candles
Provide natural daylight & a sleep schedule
Offer Mental Stimulation & Socialization
Rotate toys weekly
Spend time talking and interacting with your budgie
If possible, consider a budgie companion
Regular Vet Check-ups
Annual health checks
Immediate visits if abnormal behavior occurs
Consider preventative health screenings