Need PBFD Care Advice

[Angela18]

Hi, sadly one of my lovely budgies (so they both are probably infected) has just been diagnosed with PBFD (Psittisine Beak and Feather Disease) I’ve learned there is no cure, but am really hoping some of you have advice as to how best to care for them during the course of the disease.

 

[Pixiebeak]

Hello and sorry..
How old are they? Symptomatic?
With budgies it's a little weird...as many adults don't develop symptoms....but if they bred the chicks would likely not make it...and you have to be so careful to not have other species or pas this in to other birds

 

[Angela18]

Thank you for your reply. The one which is showing symptoms is Nova - he is 2 years old. He is with his friend Dusty who is only 1 - she isn't showing any symptoms at the moment. Nova just has very ruffled feathers on his breast, otherwise he is still healthy. We don't have any other birds (but spoil these 2 rotten ) So, is it possible that he actually won't get much worse? Just feather issues?

 

[Pixiebeak]

I can't say, every case is different, it's not as good if an adult is showing symptoms.. support with excellent nutrition, be on the alert for secondary infections, and follow your veterinarian advice and experience. But generally they can coexist with this aweful virus better.

Parrot Beak and Feather Disease in Budgerigars

A little information about Parrot Beak and Feather Disease in budgerigars.

www.49w.us

 

[Angela18]

Thank you - we have an excellent avian vet who is due to talk to me soon. Any dietary advice you can give would be appreciated. They are given veggies daily as well as a good quality seed mix and also crushed up pellets. Unlike the girl, he never touches the cuttle fish and is not good at eating the veggies… but I can’t force him. He eats mostly the seeds (out of choice), but he does have some of the veggies and nibbles the pellets. Thank you for your kind help

 

[Pixiebeak]

Sometimes how you offer the veggies can increase them eating them, and where he is now in his veggies journey isn't the end of the storyline! They usually keep exploring and trying more over time .

At first hanging the leafy greens really improved them eating them . I spread out my veggies on plates or shallow dishes . I only do minimal hunks I don't need to mince or make small for them to eat .

You can offer a little boiled egg with the boiled egg shells too. Mine enjoy eggs and occasionally chow on the shells .

 

[Angela18]

Thank you