We have just purchased a new budgie 3 days ago. It is very young

We have just purchased a new budgie 3 days ago. It is very young and we can't yet tell if it is a male or female. In the pet store, it was very active and healthy-looking. However, since we brought it home, it has not been moving around or properly eating yet. Although its cage is placed in the corner of the room, and we try not to scare the bird, it seems to be afraid to get down to the floor to eat, and has only been nibbling on some millet for 3 days now. In addition, it does not make any sounds. We added a full spectrum lamp above it's cage that also provides some heat. Nothing seems to help. The bird only moves around a little when we are near the cage - talking to it or showing it the food. I am afraid to take it to the vet since it might go even into a deeper shock. Please, let us know what else we can do to help our budgie to get used to its new surroundings. Thank you.
Natalie

Optional Information:
Age: <1; Breed: parakeet

Already Tried:
Offered different food, adding light, taking away perches - the bird was hanging on the side of the cage.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Good afternoon,

I tell people to bring their bird into the vet when it is not perching, sitting on the bottom of the cage, looks like it has labored breathing (open mouthed breathing) and moves awkwardly. Lethargic birds should also be seen.

Your bird may have been with a lot of other birds when you bought it. They are very social animals and can get depressed when taken away from their friends. Also, a new surrounding can be very difficult for them.

With that said, you should offer some different kinds of food. A seed only diet is not good for them, I would try to give it some cheerios, cooked beans, and fresh fruit. There are some good quality bird diets out there, one I know is called Zupreme.

Mirrors may help him/her and a window to see outside. I would actually talk to him/her and socialize with him. Another bird may not be a bad idea (isolate the new bird to make sure it is healthy before bringing it in). You can try TV and radio as background as well.

I think a vet visit is probably warranted. Vets who see birds are pretty good at handling them without too much stress, but yes there is always a risk that they can stress out.

Keep trying!

Dr. Amanda
Small Animal Veterinarian
Special interest in canine and feline behavior.

We have just purchased a new budgie 3 days ago. It is very ...

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