FINCHforum

First, let me say that in no way do I suspect that the bourke I brought home three weeks ago is sick. However, I do occasionally catch him sitting directly under his mini-flourescent lamp with slightly "puffed up" feathers. He's usually happily chirping and singing away while doing this.
Any small bird (finch, canary, etc.) puffing up it's feathers like that would lead me to believe that something is wrong. Is this something that bourkes normally do? He eats well, poop is normal, and free flies around the house very well. He is also most "talkative" at dawn and dusk as described in normal species characteristics. Thoughts? Bob

Bob, bourkes are normally active at dusk and dawn, it is common for them to fluff up a little when sleeping. The are more sedentary than most birds, preferring to sit and sleep when most birds are active.

Compared to the budgies and my scarlets the bourkes are sweet but dull when it comes to energy expended during the day. I have 6 in the aviary with owls...mid day they all sit and snooze...but during dinner I can see in the room, they are flying about the aviary.

If during the peak times the bourke should be active and it is not I would tend to think something is off. Bourkes are just low energy birds during the day.

If you need a vet close to us let me know I can see if you can get into my daughter's office to see the avian vet there.