FINCHforum

I have read that fluffing is a sign that the bird is trying to keep warm and may be ill. She is a little less active than her cage mate who is not fluffing. Should I be concerned and should I do anything immediately? If so what. Also, I have one week left to return them.

Thanks

Well fluffing is a sign that the bird is trying to keep warm so a heat lamp will help with this. What is wrong well it could be a number of problems. Before anyone can advice what path to take after the heat source we would need to know more about the bird such as type, age, poo what it looks like, dirty vent,open mouth breathing or sounds when breathing things like that so it would be giving us a picture of what maybe happening. Heat first though.

dan78 wrote: Well fluffing is a sign that the bird is trying to keep warm so a heat lamp will help with this. What is wrong well it could be a number of problems. Before anyone can advice what path to take after the heat source we would need to know more about the bird such as type, age, poo what it looks like, dirty vent,open mouth breathing or sounds when breathing things like that so it would be giving us a picture of what maybe happening. Heat first though.

Okay, looks like I have some homework to do....

I would add a source of heat for her. Does she have any other symptoms then fluffing that would make you think she is ill?

In your introductory post, I was a bit concerned when you mentioned that one was "fluffing". But then you mentioned that after switching the perches around they were both active, flying all around and bathing. Sick birds as a rule generally don't bathe.
Your birds are in the office - are they near any kind of draft such as an AC vent? Birds don't like cold drafts. Sometimes birds will "fluff" when they are in the midst of a moult. I would keep an eye on the breathing, the activity level, the poop and look for other signs of illness besides the fluffing. If things don't improve, take her back expressing your concerns and they will have their vet check her out. You will get a new bird. JMO. Bob

I have been observing both birds and the one I indicated was fluffing is more like puffing up. Especially when someone comes around. Likeshe is trying to look bigger. Otherwise, it is very active, eating, drinking, chirping and flying around. She really does not appear ill to me. I will continue to watch her, but I think she is okay.

Thank you for all of the comments.

Glad to hear she's doing well. You might want to give her just a bit of extra heat to help her though the changes to her environment.
Best of luck