Budgie covered in oil !

Gabi · #1 05-14-2016, 05:23 PM

So today I was cutting up some fresh fruit for my babies, and one of them Bubba was sitting on my shoulder. Unfortunately there was an uncovered pot filled with cold vegetable oil I used a few days prior. He flew off my shoulder and straight into the pot.

I've washed him multiple times in diluted washing up liquid and dried him on the radiator as well as with a hair dryer. I hope his feathers will go back to normal, if they're a little oily should I give him another bath ?

He's back in his cage now, but he's very upset, he won't eat. He won't tweet back at his friend and I'm worried. Is it because he's traumatized after today's events ? is there anything I can do to make him more comfortable ? I'm going to cover their cage with multiple blankets so he's not cold at night time.

Thank you in advance.

Therm · #2 05-14-2016, 05:26 PM

Gabi, I'm going to flag this up for some of the more experienced staff to offer their advice.

Gabi · #3 05-14-2016, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Therm

Gabi, I'm going to flag this up for some of the more experienced staff to offer their advice.

Thank you Therm, I appreciate that.

**aluz** · #4 05-14-2016, 05:44 PM

I'm very sorry to hear of this accident...

Did you use a dish washing product in warm water? This is usually what is used to remove thick oily substances off feathers.
And after carefully washing up and avoiding contact with the eye, ear and beak/cere areas, it's important to remove all traces of the washing liquid in order to avoid the budgie from ingesting the product while preening the feathers to dryness.

How long ago did this happen?
Given the very scary ordeal he has been through, it's natural for him to be upset and stressed to the point of not wanting to sing or eat.

It would be good to monitor him for a while and see if he settles in for a restful night of sleep. Keeping him warm and covering the cage for the night should suffice. You can also put some music on low volume to hopefully help him out in diminishing the stress levels.

In order to avoid these types of accidents from happening, it's always best to have the pet birds safely on their cages while we are on the kitchen area preparing meals.

I hope your Bubba will perk up soon, if tomorrow he doesn't seem well, then it would be best to have him examined by an avian vet specialist.

**shanebudgie** · #5 05-14-2016, 05:48 PM

I'm sorry.I hope your budgie will be alright soon.I agree with aluz on this.but sometimes accidents happen unfortunately.I think your budgie will be alright real soon.blessings and keep us posted.

Gabi · #6 05-14-2016, 05:49 PM

Hi Thank you for your advice

It only happened today about 8 or 9 hours ago. Yes I've used Fairy liquid (the equivalent of Dawn) and washed him multiple times. He's shakes his tail from time to time and has moved onto the swing to be near to his friend. Hopefully he'll be better tomorrow, I will sleep by their cage tonight and keep an eye on him.

Thank you for your advice it's very helpful

**aluz** · #7 05-14-2016, 06:11 PM

You're very welcome. You do well in sleeping in the same room with them.
Since your Bubba hasn't eaten anything for 8 - 9 hours, you may want to try offering him some spray millet. You can even soak it in electrolyte solution to hopefully give him a little boost of energy.
You will find the detailed info on this by checking this link: https://talkbudgies.com/your-budgies-...te-recipe.html