Budgie swollen leg from leg band

[jennyrocky]

Hi everyone,
 
I'm very concerned for my budgie bird. He have a ring or a leg band on his leg, and I've noticed two days ago that his leg is little swollen and he is not using it very much (he holds the leg up). The leg band don't move up or down, and I can't turn it either.

I know that the band can be removed, but I'm afraid that there is a risk that his leg can be broken or damaged during the process of removal. I want to ask if someone had a experience with band removal, is it safe and recommended in situations like this?

I'm attaching a photo of his leg, so please If someone can help me  
Thanks !

[ffiscool]

I think you need to go to an avian vet, or maybe find a breeder you can ask, that handles birds all the time. Do you have avian vets near you?

[jennyrocky]

The nearest vet is hour and a half away, I'm little worried that the bird will be stressed out from the ride, but if it's necessary I will take him to the vet. I've asked the breeder and they said that on budgies is little complicated to remove the band and that may cause some damage to the leg (like the leg could broke), which scared me so much, so I wanted to hear opinions from someone who had experience with this. Thank you.

[ffiscool]

That’s hard. I suppose it depends on how it’s done and if the leg can be held - but it of course could be harder as his leg is swollen

Others will be on here that might know. Is the vet an avian vet?

Either way I don’t think you can leave it

[jellybean]

If the band has no movement around the leg you really need to see an Avian vet to have it removed as soon as possible.

Please do not attempt to remove it yourself.

[Ira]

As jellybean has said, if you can't move it then it's a job for the vet because it's likely cutting off blood supply. It sounds like the leg must be uncomfortable if your bird isn't using it. The vet should have the tools to do the job safely.

[Hezz]

jellybean and Ira have given good advice - not using the leg means that the band is hurting him; too tight to turn or move is definitely a problem and because of the very small bones in the budgies’ legs you really shouldn’t do this yourself. The vet is the place to go. Most budgies actually enjoy a car ride, sitting up watching the scenery go by. If he does seem a bit timid of it all, you can put a cover over his cage . Don’t have anything swinging in the cage, remove the water as well as it will only spill, a little piece of millet to nibble on might be appreciated.

[jennyrocky]

Thank you all, I've decided to take him to the vet tomorrow and I hope that everything will be alright. He's like part of the family and I was so confused whats the best to do in order to help him. I'm really scared since I've heard that removing the band may broke or damage the leg but I'm also scared that the condition may get worse. But I hope that I'm making the right decision.
Thanks again.

[ffiscool]

Good luck. Let us know how you get on

[Hezz]

Definitely the right decision to get it removed; his leg will only get worse if you don’t. A good vet will be experienced at this and there should be little risk to your little boy. If the worst happens and his leg is injured, budgie legs can be splinted or even pinned, they can recover very well and you would never know there had been a break. I have a nine year old budgie who broke his leg in his first year or two, and you can’t tell that he had ever had that injury.

[jennyrocky]

Hi everyone,
I took him to the vet today and it went fine, they successfully cut off the band. He has a little wound on the leg and it's still swollen but I guess that it takes time to recover. He seems like he's little in pain and refuses to eat or drink for now but I hope that he will get better soon after he rests.
Thanks to all, you are the biggest support!

[ffiscool]

Glad it’s done. Did they offer painkillers? Hopefully once he’s over the ordeal and has a sleep, he’ll feel lots better tomorrow

[jellybean]

I'm so pleased he's got the band off, surprised the vet didn't give anything for the pain, or the wound.

Hopefully when he's got over the shock of today he'll settle down and eat.

Keep in touch and let us know.

[Hezz]

Glad that that is done and he can now get on with recovery and a new pain-free life. The swelling may take a little while to settle, and I’d just keep an eye on the wound to make sure it stays clean and there is no sign of infection. I’m sure the vet knows what they are doing with regard to whether he was in need of any relief.

[criswell]

I'm glad he's had the band removed. I hope he's feeling a bit better today.