My budgie has tiny bugs. What are they and does she need a vet?

It would depend on the type of parasite. If you are concerned she may have mites, have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. There are over-the-counter sprays that can be used to treat most mites on or off the bird. You can find these products in your local pet store. Read label directions very carefully before using. A warm bath or misting will encourage preening and promotes healthy skin and plumage. Do not use any soap or shampoo. Keep her away from cold drafts when she is wet or damp. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Change cage paper or substrate daily.

Yes you should take her to the emergencies. Ripple is probably ill, but i couldn't tell you what is wrong based on these very general symptoms, you will need to take her to an avian vet where a blood test and faecal exam will be done to determine what is the cause of the disease before it can be treated.

Potential causes include infection (bacterial, fungal or parasites), trauma/injury, toxicity or malnutrition. It is critical to have the underlying cause(s) diagnosed before an effective treatment can be administered. Until you do that, you're simply guessing and possibly wasting time. Millie needs to be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible. In the meantime, keep her warm and as stress free as possible. Use a hand feeding formula and warm water to make a mash or paste that she may eat. You can also soak a pelleted diet in a small amount of apple juice to stimulate the appetite. Discuss payment plans or alternative financing options, such as CareCredit ( www.carecredit.com ), with the veterinarian or office manager. Ask friends and family to assist you financially if possible.

Anytime a small bird like a budgie has abnormal breathing sounds I recommend they get checked out ASAP. This is because respiratory diseases can become very serious, very quickly so early diagnosis and treatment is important. Your veterinarian may need to do tests but in some cases an exam and antibiotics are what is needed.

You are correct in that the images appear to show an apparently healthy budgie. An exam with your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian would be recommended to diagnose any illness or injury. At the very least, Penny will get a clean bill of health. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels on the cage bottom and change them daily. Offer a commercial pelleted diet supplemented with a small amount of a fortified seed mix and fresh greens and vegetables. Cooked foods, such as rice, beans and plain pastas, can also be offered in small amounts.

Unfortunately, there isn't much you can do from home without veterinary care if she is already showing signs of illness. However there are some things that may help make her more comfortable to hopefully make it until your vet appointment. Keeping her in a small hospital cage that is kept warm can help with body temperature regulation. Perches should be low to the ground or removed completely, and soft bedding placed at the bottom of the cage in case she falls. Having food and water (if she is still eating on her own) in shallow dishes she can get in and out of even if weak is best. If she's not eating or drinking, you may need to make a slurry of baby bird food and water and drop feed it to her to help keep her energy up. Otherwise, monitoring her and any changes in her symptoms can help when your vet is able to see her.

He have a respiratory infection, air sac mites or other condition. Jeff should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian as soon as possible to diagnose and treat the underlying cause. He may be very sick. Birds are very good at hiding illness or injury until it is quite serious. Try to impress upon your brother the seriousness of the situation and also that he may be putting his pet's life at risk by not seeking veterinary attention.