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My budgie only eats millet, not birdseed. Is he sick or picky?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | 3 years and 1 month old

my budgie has stopped eating his usual birdseed' and the only thing he will eat is millet. He is no longer inclined to fly out of his cage. He was sitting fluffed up for about 2 days but has improved somewhat, He is two and a half years old.

1 Answer

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Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on February 19th, 2018

Just like people- birds can become picky eaters. We love to eat potato chips over our veggies, and many birds will enjoy millet over their regular diet! You may need to remove all the 'extras' to see if it will encourage Pepper to start eating his diet again, or mix a little millet in to his regular food (however some birds will pick out their favorites). If he's acting ill in addition to not wanting to eat his regular food, and isn't still improving as you mentioned, or he absolutely refuses even if all millet is removed, seeking vet care is always a good idea to rule out an illness or something such as GI upset that could be causing his preferences to be changed. Until you can get to the vet, keeping him warm, in a separated hospital cage, and with easy access to food and water can help.

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