burying head in shoulder

[newbudgie]

My friend Cliff has 8 budgies. A male died a few weeks ago and he got a new male from the pet shop to replace him. The new male is pure white with red eyes. He keeps turning his head all the way around and burying it in his back. Is this normal? He occassionally stands on the perch bar with a couple of the other female birds but, then he returns to this body position. Is he shy or scared? How long should it take for him to adjust to his new surroundings and flock?

[Mavish]

I know its normal if he's doing it while he is sleeping, but if he does it all the time im not sure. I don't think its a prolem though. He's just resting his neck. You might also see that he is standing on one leg, thats also normal.

[Amy]

He is an albino and did the owner quarantine him? If not he may be ill and pass it on to the other birds.

[Mistyoriline]

I think this is normal and yes he may be a bit shy do you have a seperate cage at night maybe you can see how he likes that alone?....just a suggestion

[Budgiekin]

Budgies will often tuck their beaks into their back feathers when they are napping. Kiwi and Aries do this all the time. Skyla on the other hand doesn't do this. Sometimes when they tuck their beaks in, they don't actually close their eyes, so they are actually just resting.

It is completely normal behaviour, however, if your budgie appears to be sleeping all the time and is exhibiting signs of lethargy/fatigue, you would be wise to bring the little sweetie to an avian vet to check for illness.

As far as adjusting to the new surroundings, every budgie is different. My budgie Kiwi adjusted in a couple of days, and Skyla took a couple of months!! And yes, don't forget about the quarantine period before introducing your new budgie to the rest of the flock! :p

[Mistyoriline]

Rite Bea good info:)

[Amy]

Rite Bea good info:)

Bea hasn't even posted in this thread! Do you mean Budgiekin?

[newbudgie]

Thanks everyone. Yes he is albino with red eyes, I think. The lady at the pet store said: "keep him in the box for an hour". So Cliff did that, then put him in the cage with the others. I will check with him again to see how its going. I am so concerned about the issue of illness that was raised. I wish I knew he should have been quarantined longer.

[Mistyoriline]

Bea hasn't even posted in this thread! Do you mean Budgiekin?Oh sorry my mess up....:(

[Amy]

Never mind, we all do it.

[newbudgie]

thanks all. He seems to be doing just fine now.
Socializing and eating with the other 7 budgies. We have been monitoring the activities in the cage and I am now convinced he is resting his eyes when he turns his head back.