Why is my budgie molting, laying eggs, and has a swollen belly?

Question

Do budgies molt during laying eggs?? My budgie laid 3eggs on time but is not laying its fourth egg. She lost her two large wing feathers from one side and and largest feather from otger side she seems to have a swollen abdomen but her droppings doesnt seem large now as it was earlier. She is mating continuously. I am confused what is going on? Please help some!! She is 8-9 months old. Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female

Jessica Desrosiers · Accepted Answer

Molting and egg-laying are both very energy-intensive activities and it could be that your bird is not getting enough nutrition to support healthy feathers and egg-laying, especially if she is continuously laying and breeding. It would be best to ensure she is on a balanced diet and is given some extra protein/calcium with an eggfood to ensure she can maintain good health. Removing any nesting material and eggs (if you are not raising babies and it may be a good idea to let her rest and recover anyway) can help decrease or stop her egg-laying while she recovers. A swollen abdomen could indicate she is readying to lay another egg, or she is eggbound (the egg is stuck) -- especially if she is attempting to lay, straining, can't pass stool, etc to indicate this. This is a serious situation that requires either helping her get the egg out through lubrication of the vent or by seeking veterinary care ASAP. Adding in a calcium supplement and proper diet can also help in the future to prevent this. Other causes such as infections of the skin, parasites, boredom, etc can also cause feather loss, and some birds will also pluck some feathers to line the nest, however these are usually more downy feathers than large flight feathers. If treating for mites, adding in some enriching toys, or adding in a more balanced diet don't help, or you see other signs of illness in addition to what you are seeing now, seeking veterinary care in person is best.

Why is my budgie molting, laying eggs, and has a swollen belly?

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