Update on 7 y.o. Budgie Sol

[Ivysaurus]

Hey all!

A month or two ago I posted asking for help with a dietary change for my 7 year old female budgie Sol, who was suffering from suspected fatty liver disease. A few weeks ago, I finally got her a slot at the vet, and she was diagnosed with a xanthoma. I chose not to have them operate, because the vet told me there was a high chance that Sol would not have enough skin to close the incision; I am attempting to control its size through her diet and medication.

Since then, I have made many changes to my husbandry routine, and my bond with her has gotten so much stronger. I always thought she was just not very affectionate due to not being hand-raised, but since I have been working on better care for her I have found that to be quite untrue. She will now come over to me whenever I pass her cage, looking for greens or treats in my hands, and will sit on my hand to eat treats.

Regarding her feeding, many changes have been made.
- She is receiving a mixed diet of pellets and low-fat seeds, and seems to be eating both with a preference for the pellets.
- She receives fresh vegetables every day, and seems to be getting more confidence trying new foods. She still refuses any fruit, though, which is confusing. She hates bell peppers, and will eat around them in anything I make her. She loves dandelion greens best, but will try any green.
- I give 2 small seed clusters of millet each evening to administer her anti-inflammatory medication. Although I’m wary about the fat content, I feel it’s better than having to grab her and force-feed the medication every night.

I have also been trying to bring her cage outdoors when possible, as she loves the sun and will only take baths when she’s outside.

Regarding supplements, can anyone weigh in on iodine or vitamin A supplements? I have read that they may benefit xanthoma treatment. I am also concerned about her skin health, as I notice her itching a lot. She also has pin feathers on her head- I am unsure of the cause or if that’s bad. I give a powdered skin and feather supplement sprinkled on her seeds, but it doesn’t seem to make much difference.

I am also considering making her a mash for the first time with some beetroots, so any suggestions for other ingredients to add are very welcome!

 

[Finchbreed]

Coming from Australia - like your Budgies ancestors - I can tell you that fruit and bell peppers are unnatural to Budgies.
Green millett and dandelion are natural to them. My mother is a well known Aussie Show budgie breeder - she uses Green seeding grasses and dandelion for her show birds.
Budgies need to be active if they are going to eat oats and other fatty seeds. If they are less active then milletts and a little canary seed is better.
Few Aussies use pellets. We have our seed mostly grown in Aust, so it is fresh and in best condition for feeding.
Beets are a fine addition that some of the birds enjoy, and some refuse. They are like us in making choices. Mum's budgies love to chew on Bottlebrush wood, leaves and flowers.
Good luck in getting your girl to continue in better health.

 

[Respect]

Having pin feathers on the head is completely normal for a solo bird as they can’t use their beak to preen their own head. It’s fine to leave them be, and the feather casings will eventually flake off on their own.

One common cause of itchy skin can be low relative humidity. I find frequent baths and using a humidifier in the drier months keeps my bird more comfortable

Wishing you luck, it sounds like you’ve come far with her