Budgie licking perch A LOT

[Angela18]

Can anyone explain why he might be doing this? He is literally licking the perch (any one he lands on) on a regular basis. Not biting, no regurgitation, just seems to be licking it. None of my other budgies have done it.

For context, he had a friend (a female). They are free-flying all day, so I dont think it’s boredom.

I have a video but can’t see how to attach a video - it’s on my phone.

 

[Mizzely]

Here's how to post a video:

How To: - How to post a video

How to post videos to comments and threads The only way to post videos in your comments or threads is to paste the URL of the video uploaded to a file hosting site like Youtube, Facebook (public videos only), Vimeo etc. You cannot upload any videos directly onto Avian Avenue. Here is a link...

forums.avianavenue.com

What is his diet? Sometimes licking objects can be related to nutritional needs.

 

[LozBin]

Is he leaving behind any sort of deposit on the perches?

I ask because I have a boy who used to lick mirrors, compulsively. He didn't appear to regurgitate but he left a thin residue on the mirror and it was quite an extensive one (until I removed all mirrors from his world).

 

[Finchbreed]

What type of perches do you have?
Wood? Plastic? Mixed?

 

[Angela18]

Here's how to post a video:

How To: - How to post a video

How to post videos to comments and threads The only way to post videos in your comments or threads is to paste the URL of the video uploaded to a file hosting site like Youtube, Facebook (public videos only), Vimeo etc. You cannot upload any videos directly onto Avian Avenue. Here is a link...

forums.avianavenue.com

What is his diet? Sometimes licking objects can be related to nutritional needs.

They have a mix of seeds, vegetables and a kind of pellet(ish) called Nutriberries. I also add Avipro vitamins and prebiotics to their water. Neither of them are very good at eating the veggies - I’ve tried lots of things but just can’t get them interested in anything but nibbling a couple leaves and sometime nibbling other things. They also have a cuttlefish bone.

 

[Angela18]

What type of perches do you have?
Wood? Plastic? Mixed?

I use only wooden perches. Mix of types.

 

[Angela18]

Is he leaving behind any sort of deposit on the perches?

I ask because I have a boy who used to lick mirrors, compulsively. He didn't appear to regurgitate but he left a thin residue on the mirror and it was quite an extensive one (until I removed all mirrors from his world).

No I dont think so…

 

[Finchbreed]

Have you tried growing some of the birdseed and feeding them these greens?
Dandelions are generally quite popular too.
It is common for budgies to chew their wooden perches (which are the best type for them so good choice) but not licking them.
Have you cleaned the perches recently?

 

[Vittror]

Could you please post a photo of the setup of your cage?

You said he had a friend, is she still alive? Not sure about the word 'had' so that's why I'm asking.
And is he housed with other budgies?

 

[Angela18]

Could you please post a photo of the setup of your cage?

You said he had a friend, is she still alive? Not sure about the word 'had' so that's why I'm asking.
And is he housed with other budgies?

Thank you. The word had was a typo, he has a current friend. They are any in their cage when they choose to be, both doors are open all day until they sleep at night. They have a variety of perches and “playgrounds” (perch setups with ladders etc) outside the cage. These have toys and swings etc. Plenty of room to fly around. I’ve had budgies for years and none of the others have shown this behaviour.

 

[Finchbreed]

Have you cleaned the perches recently?
This question was because it occurred to me that the perch might taste "interesting" depending on what was used?

 

[Angela18]

Have you cleaned the perches recently?
This question was because it occurred to me that the perch might taste "interesting" depending on what was used?

I clean with F10 wipes - have you got any suggestions of something better please?

 

[Finchbreed]

I change mine out regularly with natural perches from Eucalyptus and fruit trees. The old ones sit in the sun and rain, and get a scrub with pure water.