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My female budgie has a brown cere and can't poop. Is she egg bound?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Female | 10 months and 15 days old

Hi vet,I have a pair of budgies in which the female budgie is facing some problem.From last few days its beak turned into brown colour and it's mostly feeds on cuttle fish bone.It makes small squeak sound when male is feeding to eat. I have also another problem that it is facing difficult to poop and it's rubbing it's vent and mostly sits in the nest box or sits under the cage for sometime. I need a help to solve problem beacuse I love my birds a lot.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on September 16th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Katrin. The brown thickening of the cere is common with females who are reproductively active (ovulation). It also sounds like she is straining with difficulty defecating, possibly egg bound. A veterinary visit is recommended as this can become serious and possibly fatal. Other possibilities exist and a veterinarian should be able to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

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Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 16th, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out. It sounds as if she could be egg bound. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. The brown cere is a sign of ovulation (reproductively active). Check and correct diet as calcium deficiencies commonly play a part. Budgies need to eat a wide variety of vegetables and/or pellets, can provide these nutrients. Good luck.

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