My youngest Budgie (thought he was male, but we now believe to be a female) is being really destructive at the minute, and ripping to shreads the sandpaper at the bottom of the cage. Apparently it's because he (she - I just can't get used to it haha) is in breeding condition...

So he was being a busy lil bee ripping the paper at the bottom, and then I heared a horrible coughing/sneezing sound.. when I looked, he was choking. I assume on some of the sandpaper!?

I've never felt so helpless, I tried to put my hand into the cage and he just went for me - as usual - and to be honest, I wasn't sure what I could have done even if he'd have let me get him ???

What should I do if this happens again? He seems ok now... about 5 minutes after all this horrible coughing and choking, he attacked his rope toy then went to kiss his 'mate'

What a horrid experience for you! Must have frightened the life out of you, not to mention your budgie. Afraid I don't know what you'd do if it happens again. Did a google and the only real advice was to go to a vet immediately. Of course that isn't always possible.

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Thanks for your help hun x

Yeah, I was in tears thinking I was watching him die and I couldn't do anything and for the little sod to just chirp up as if nothing had happened!? I could have strangled him lol

Unfortunately the vets around here don't seem to really care about Budgies

I'm wondering if there's another sort of material I could use at the bottom of the cage - that maybe isn't so harmful

Yes, our vets are the same here. I use newspaper on the bottom of my budgies cage. They have often ripped it but haven't had any probs. I have also used a special sand which we could buy in the supermarket.
Don't you just hate it when they come up chirping...especially after they have nearly given you a heart attack. LOL. Think they do it on purpose...rotten little sods!!!

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Aw, how awful for your Budgie. Hope he doesn't do it again.

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Glad your budgie is ok, that must have been a real scare!

When I kept budiges in a cage I used to use lthe loose budgie sand at the bottom of the cage. It made it real easy for cleaning too, just threw it away each day, and replaced the loose sand.

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I'm going into town today on a hunt for some sand!

Thanks everyone. Hopefully this will be better for them.

I'm sure they will be fine

Good luck and happy bird keeping.

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hi i use a mix of hay and sand for my birds hth