I was wondering if anyone here had members of their flock tested for PBFD and if yes, about what it ran you? I just had two budgies dumped on me and while based on their care I think the problem is seriously bad malnutrition of a hen with chicks & a growing chick, I want to rule out the disease. The birds are going to be very carefully QT'd obviously but because of the especially pernicious nature of the disease I want to get the bloodwork asap. I just need a ballpark from peoples' experience to start scuttling for $$ with since I can't get in touch with a vet today.
A little more about the birds, the mother bird is missing a ton of feathers on her chest and belly which according to the owner was because she pulls the feathers out to make a nest but I'm not sure I buy it. She also has some bad looking bites from other birds on her feet and chest. The baby bird has some feather loss at the shoulders that looks a bit bloody as from plucking or pecking. He also has bowed legs, inturned feet, and is a tad on the skinny side. So I'm leaning towards malnourished birds living in crowded conditions. But I really want the bloodwork either way.
A little more about the birds, the mother bird is missing a ton of feathers on her chest and belly which according to the owner was because she pulls the feathers out to make a nest but I'm not sure I buy it. She also has some bad looking bites from other birds on her feet and chest. The baby bird has some feather loss at the shoulders that looks a bit bloody as from plucking or pecking. He also has bowed legs, inturned feet, and is a tad on the skinny side. So I'm leaning towards malnourished birds living in crowded conditions. But I really want the bloodwork either way.