My budgie is fat, fluffed, and breathing heavy. Is it egg binding?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Female | unspayed
My budgie before 2 days got "fat" instantly.Her feathers now are fluffed up,shes haevy breathing,shes trying to sleep. She cant reach her vent anymore so its dirty(shes trying with her claws but its ineffective. I went to a vet and he prescribed her a medicine.She can still fly but not that good.My other parakeet seems healthy and happy.Sometimes he preens her I can also see her organ from her vent .Is it illness or egg binding?? I would like to get a detailed answer if possible please.
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on June 4th, 2021
Unfortunately, without an in person exam, it would be hard to say what exactly is going on. Egg-binding can definitely cause an obstruction and protrusion like pictured, as can issues with the vent being clogged with stool or underlying illness. If you suspect egg binding, you can try putting her in a warm water bath to help break up any stool crusted to her vent and to help the muscles to relax some to see if she can pass the egg. Since budgie eggs are so delicate I wouldn't recommend trying to remove it on your own as it can easily break inside her. Moving her to a hospital cage that is kept warm and with low perches/easy access to food can also help, as can catching her to help keep her vent clean and free of debris. I would also bring her back to a vet ASAP if the medication given is not helping.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 8th, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about Pie and including photos. The only way to confirm egg-binding is through radiographs. Birds lay their eggs usually prior to dawn, so if still has an egg, it is egg binding. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, now. This is an medical emergency. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range, Placed cage in a steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes. If this does not work, see your veterinarian. Good luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on August 29th, 2017
Hi there, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Egg binding is an emergency situation in birds. Depending on the severity of the situation, sometimes at home treatment can be beneficial but others will not thoroughly help your cause. Many people suggest raising the humidity of your environment as well as lubricating the vent area thoroughly, in cases of very mild egg binding. Most are too far beyond this upon realizing what has occurred. I would urge you to take your pet in to see your veterinarian as soon as you possibly can to avoid complications. Sometimes injections (vitamins, minerals, and a substance called oxytocin) are required. In a case of very severe egg binding, it can be a surgical emergency (if the reproductive tract has ruptured, etc), or require removal by your doctor another way (sometimes under anesthesia with thorough lubrication...sometimes we have to break the egg apart so it can be passed...it really depends on the situation. Either way-it is best to be seen immediately or it could risk the life of your pet. I hope that she gets seens soon and is on her way to recovery!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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