My budgie might be sick

[famouslastwords]

My budgie, Beautiful (really a male,) who is about 10 years old or so, has been sleeping a lot during the day these past few weeks, and his cere is no longer blue but a brownish or reddish color (it was like that before he started sleeping so much.) My vet is not open until Monday, so I have to wait. Can someone tell me what's wrong with him before I go? I'm very worried about him and wish the vet was open over the weekend, but it's not. Hope I don't sound like a complete idiot or anything.

[shaz128blue]

wow 10 thats a smashing age, the guys on here are ace for advice but will ask for other signs too,eating, drinking, change in behavouir etc. I hope the little fella is ok and hes just a bit tired. lve to your baby x

[Budgiekin]

Welcome to the forums by the way. ;)

Not to worry, you won't sound stupid. It is possible that your little fella has a testicular tumour (which usually results in the cere on a male budgie turning brown). However, this is certainly not always the case. Hopefully your vet will be able to shed some light on this situation.

In the meantime, keep him nice and warm.

Please let us know how your little guy is doing. ;)

[famouslastwords]

Oh, and he has also been throwing his food out of his food bowl.

[absolutangel]

You might find it is just age catching up with him - 10 is pretty good going. My parents have bird of a similar age and he sleeps more now that he used to and has done for quite some time but seems otherwise healthy. However as Kim mentions in males the cere turning brown can be a sign of a testicular tumour so a visit to the vet as soon as you can would be wise. Until then making sure he has easy access to food, maybe extra millet, and warmth should make sure he's comfortable.

[pal0m1n0]

does he have an iodine block that he actually uses? Thyroid problems can also be a cause. But only an avian vet can really help you figure this out.

[famouslastwords]

I don't know if this helps, but the brown is a really dark brown.

[stacey101]

Hi , no worries you dont sound stupied ;)
id bring him to the vet , but mean while keep him warm :)

[louara]

I agree with everyone else. Take him to the vet first thing on Monday,and keep him comfortable until then. The vet should run tests to find out what is wrong and make a proper diagnoses. 10 years old,that is an amazing feat for a budgie. I realize it is hard not to fret,I hope the vet visit goes well. Keep us posted on how he is doing.