Q&A for How to Choose a Good Budgie

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  • Question
    Is it normal for a feather on the tail to stick up?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    The tail feathers should lie flat in a streamlined manner. It's likely one of the feathers got knocked and its damaged near the base. However, there is no need to take any action. The budgie isn't in pain. Avoid trying to remove the sticking-up feather as shaft of a growing feather has a large blood supply and trying to dislodge the quill could cause hemorrhage.
  • Question
    I want to get a budgie but can't convince my parents. I already get good school grades (so can't work harder) and have tried the basics such as I'll pay for it, I'll feed it. What else can I do?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Actions speak louder than words, so show how responsible you are by keeping your room clean and tidy. Start earning money so that you can prove to your parents how serious you are, so offer to babysit, clean cars, walk dogs that sort of thing. Also, have a chat to your parents about what it is that's making them refuse. If you can understand why they say "No," then you can do something to help ease their concern.
  • Question
    Can I keep two females?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    There's a greater risk of two female birds being confrontational and fighting. Getting a bird of the opposite gender is less likely to end in fights and be harmonious.
  • Question
    Should I put my bird's cage near a window or not?
    Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
    Veterinarian
    Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.
    Veterinarian
    Expert Answer
    Not. Placing the cage by a window will make the bird feel exposed and insecure. She might see predators such as cats or hawks and feel vulnerable. Ideally, put the cage beside a wall, or in a corner with two walls, so she feels safe. If you feel she needs more stimulation, a good compromise is a partial window view.
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