New Budgie splayed legs

[glc]

I just got this budgie last Thursday and didn't realize until after I got him home that his legs are splayed. Kind of angry because the breeder had to have known and didn't disclose that information. She said I can return him but I don't feel right doing that. Will he be okay as he gets older? He is 8 weeks old now. I can't figure out how to add a pic.

[Marianne Marlow]

Hi there

If you use "desktop mode" and go to the reply box there will be a button that says "add image to post".

[Hezz]

I’m sorry this has happened to you, but hats off to you for wanting to hold on to him and give him a good life. The time to deal with splayed legs is in the first week to 10 days, so that boat has sailed, unfortunately. Your budgie should still be able to lead a happy and otherwise healthy life, you may have to make a few adjustments to his cage set up especially as he gets older. Often the disabled ones are the most personable. I would seek the help of an avian professional, without having photos to see how bad the problem is; they may have helpful advice on how to best care for him.

[Azalea]

Hello! Other members have given you good advice already. I am glad that you want to keep him.

I know someone who has two Green Cheek Conures with splayed legs. They're able to sit on flat/platform-style perches and happily play with their toys.

[forestlands]

No problem, just basic bird husbandry, patience, and some Elastoplast. Cut a very thin strip of Elastoplast, the reddish colour type, 0.5cm wide and 5 or 6cm long.  This is a 2-person job. Hold the bird gently, on it's back, and make sure its wings are in a natural position.  The helper holds one of the bird's feet out, away from the body, to expose its leg.  Wrap one end of the Elastoplast around the leg above the knee joint, not on the knee joint.  Secure it by sticking it to the main piece of the Elastoplast. With the legs in a normal position, place the other end of the Elastoplast around the other leg, above the knee joint.  Secure the end, trim off excess Elastoplast.  The legs will look very close together, and she will have difficulty standing for a few minutes. She will soon get used to walking with the tape on, you may have to redo the tape if it comes loose. It will take 2 or 3 weeks, possible less.  She will also need extra calcium and vitamin D. 

[Hezz]

Apr 16, 2024 19:43:33 GMT forestlands said:

No problem, just basic bird husbandry, patience, and some Elastoplast. Cut a very thin strip of Elastoplast, the reddish colour type, 0.5cm wide and 5 or 6cm long.  This is a 2-person job. Hold the bird gently, on it's back, and make sure its wings are in a natural position.  The helper holds one of the bird's feet out, away from the body, to expose its leg.  Wrap one end of the Elastoplast around the leg above the knee joint, not on the knee joint.  Secure it by sticking it to the main piece of the Elastoplast. With the legs in a normal position, place the other end of the Elastoplast around the other leg, above the knee joint.  Secure the end, trim off excess Elastoplast.  The legs will look very close together, and she will have difficulty standing for a few minutes. She will soon get used to walking with the tape on, you may have to redo the tape if it comes loose. It will take 2 or 3 weeks, possible less.  She will also need extra calcium and vitamin D. 

This budgie is now eight weeks old. The method you are promoting only works while the hip joints are still lose and haven’t fused and needs to happen in the first week to 10 days. All this will do now is cause the bird pain. Elastoplast put on incorrectly can also cause damage to the tendons of the budgie’s legs.

[glc]

I don't want to hurt him. I'm hoping this case isn't too bad and he will be able to adjust and thrive normally.

[Hezz]

Apr 17, 2024 11:41:46 GMT glc said:

I don't want to hurt him. I'm hoping this case isn't too bad and he will be able to adjust and thrive normally.

Of course you don’t. If you can load a photo, that would be helpful, but I would talk to an avian specialist; they may have some suggestions.

[glc]

I can't figure out how to attach a picture. I don't have a paperclip

Figured it out

[Azalea]

A handsome little guy!

[Hezz]

Well, he’s certainly not the worst I’ve seen. At least he can keep his belly off the perch. I think you will have to watch and see how he is at getting around and think about ropes and connecting perches if he does seem to struggle or tire out quickly. What is his flying and more importantly, his landing like?

[glc]

Uunfortunately the breeder clipped his wings so he can't fly. Can't wait till the grow back. He gets along pretty good climbing up the sides.  I will attach a picture of my cage setup. I know I can improve it. I bought another rope perch but didn't read the dimension and it's huge for big parrot feet so I will just return that.

[Loz]

That's a great-looking cage. Is it an "Elegance"?

[glc]

This is the cage KINGS CAGES SLF 6421 BIRD FLIGHT CAGE 65X21X62

[Loz]

Very similar to the Elegance I use but I think yours is a nicer colour