Common Budgie Illnesses

Budgies can be prone to certain illnesses. This guide will help you recognize symptoms and understand how to treat common health problems. 

Budgies are hardy little birds, but they can still get sick — and because they often hide their symptoms, even a small change in behavior can be a big warning sign. Knowing the most common illnesses in budgies can help you catch problems early and get your bird the help they need.

Here’s a simple guide to the most common health issues budgies face, their signs, and what to do.

1. Respiratory Infections

Symptoms:

• Sneezing or wheezing

• Tail bobbing while breathing

• Clicking sounds

• Discharge from nose or eyes

• Open-mouth breathing

Causes:

Drafts, strong fumes, poor air quality, sudden temperature changes, or bacterial infections.

What to do:

Move your budgie to a warm, quiet area and see an avian vet right away. These infections can get serious quickly.

2. Psittacosis (Parrot Fever)

Symptoms:

• Puffy appearance

• Watery green droppings

• Trouble breathing

• Loss of appetite

• Lethargy

Causes:

A bacterial infection that can spread to humans in rare cases (zoonotic).

What to do:

Get vet help immediately. This illness needs antibiotics and isolation. Always wash hands after handling birds.

3. Mites (Feather or Scaly Face Mites)

Symptoms:

• Crusty or flaky beak, nostrils, or feet

• Itching and scratching

• Bald spots

• Ragged feathers

Causes:

Parasitic mites, often spread by contact with infected birds or cages.

What to do:

Visit a vet for safe treatment. Clean the cage and toys thoroughly.

4. Diarrhea

Symptoms:

• Watery, runny droppings

• Messy feathers around vent

• Lethargy or dehydration

Causes:

Spoiled food, too much fruit, sudden diet change, or infection.

What to do:

Remove fresh food and offer dry seed only. Keep your budgie hydrated and see a vet if it lasts more than a day.

5. Egg Binding (Females Only)

Symptoms:

• Sitting at the bottom of the cage

• Swollen belly

• Straining or panting

• Fluffed up and weak

Causes:

Lack of calcium, poor diet, or laying too often.

What to do:

Emergency! Keep her warm and calm, and get to a vet urgently.

6. Obesity or Fatty Liver Disease

Symptoms:

• Inactive or heavy-looking budgie

• Labored breathing

• Large white patches on droppings

• Swollen belly or chest

Causes:

Too much seed or millet, lack of exercise, and no fresh foods.

What to do:

Switch to a balanced diet with more veggies and less seed. Encourage more movement and talk to your vet.

7. Injuries (Wing, Beak, or Feet)

Symptoms:

• Limping or not using a leg

• Drooping wing

• Bleeding

• Swelling

Causes:

Falls, cage accidents, or fights with other birds.

What to do:

Stop bleeding with styptic powder or cornstarch. Keep the bird calm and get vet help quickly.

⚠️ When to See a Vet

Get help immediately if you notice:

• Difficulty breathing

• Not eating or drinking

• Bleeding

• Sitting still/fluffed up for hours

• Change in droppings, behavior, or sounds

🧡 Final Tip

The sooner you act, the better your budgie’s chances of recovery. If you’re ever unsure, it’s always safer to contact an avian vet.