Budgies are tiny little things, and that in itself can make caring for them nerve-wracking at times. Together with this, they are not able to vocalize to humans if something is wrong.
When a budgie starts shaking, it is natural to assume that something is amiss, but rest assured that there are several reasons why budgies shake.
Not all of them are a cause for concern, and environmental factors can help indicate what is going on.
Why is my budgie shaking?
There are several reasons why budgies shake, including temperature, stress and anxiety, and environmental changes that cause fear. Budgies that are strongly bonded to their owners may tremble out of happiness and excitement. In some cases, and in tandem with other symptoms, budgies may shake due to malnourishment, injury, or illness and will need to visit a vet.
Budgie Getting Cold
Just like humans, pets can get too cold or too hot. Budgies do best in temperatures between 65-80 degrees Fahrenheit (18-27 degrees Celsius), and anything chillier or warmer may cause them discomfort.
If you notice your budgie shaking, it may, in fact, be shivering, so consider the temperature in the room where it is kept.
If the area is too cold, cover the cage partially with a blanket and keep an eye to make sure the shaking stops. Alternatively, turn up the heat in the room.
Similarly, if a budgie is too hot, it will communicate this by lifting its wings and shaking them out to cool off.
Try to incorporate cooler air into the space or move it to an area where it is less balmy.
Stress or Anxiety in Budgies
Budgies are very in tune with their surroundings and can become stressed or anxious when they experience a change they do not enjoy.
An alteration of the environment, loud, raucous humans, pungent smells, sudden noises, and other pets like cats can cause a budgie fear.
By shaking, a budgie might be trying to communicate to its owner that it feels uneasy.
As a budgie parent, one needs to figure out what is causing this distress. It may take a little time, especially if the reason for a budgie’s anxiety is not apparent.
It could even be something as nondescript as a too-bright piece of clothing, so pay close attention to how it reacts to people and things in its immediate surroundings.
When the reason for the anxiety is discovered, it’s best to try and remove or eliminate it so that your budgie can go back to feeling safe and secure.
Too much Excitement
Just like cats and dogs, budgies can use their body language to express affection and excitement about their owners.
Budgies bond exceptionally well with attentive humans, so it is no surprise that it misses them when they’re not around.
Happy shaking is usually accompanied by chirps and other excited movements, like sashaying up and down a perch.
Take note if shaking occurs when greeting your budgie, close to feeding times, or when it is presented with a toy.
Budgie is Sick
Shaking can indicate health issues, such as malnourishment, injury, or potentially fatal illnesses, and is usually accompanied by other symptoms and changes in behavior.
A malnourished bird may be shaking from weakness, so consider if its food is sufficient and of high quality. Irrespective of their small size, budgies still need all the relative nutrients and proteins that other pets need to survive.
Another possible reason for sudden onset shaking is that a bird has injured itself by flying into something or falling from some height and is hurt and afraid.
Budgies that are very ill can tremble too. In addition to this, other behavioral changes will occur.
Chirpy birds will go quiet, and they may start eating less, seem unstable on their perches, or stop moving around altogether.
Any of these signs, or combinations thereof, require urgent attention.
Frequently Asked Questions about Why my Budgie is Shaking
What is a healthy diet for my budgie?
A budgie should have a balanced diet of good quality seed and pellets and occasional treats of fresh table food. Seeds alone are not sufficient for budgies, as they do not contain adequate nutrients and can cause malnourishment over time.
Why does my budgie shiver after bathing?
Birds sometimes shake to regulate their body temperatures, and therefore shivering can indicate that a budgie is either too hot or too cool after its bath. Interestingly enough, budgies will also shake after bathing to circulate air between their feathers while they dry off.
Why are my budgies fighting and shaking?
Budgie pairs sometimes fight because they are jealous of one another. This emotion is usually accompanied by irritation and stress, which can lead to shaking. To prevent budgies from fighting, make sure they receive the same amount of attention and reinforce their positive behavior towards one another with treats and praise.
Conclusion
I will be the first to admit that I get very nervous when I see any bird shaking, but it is essential to remember that this is normal behavior and could be caused by many factors.
Equipping yourself with the knowledge to understand what budgies are trying to communicate is the best thing you can do for yourself and your bird.
The sooner you can rule out disease and disaster, the more at ease you’ll feel.