Rescue budgie, ring cutting into leg

[tara]

Hello

I have taken on a Budgie as a rescue from a guy who breeds them but doesn't really believe in vets, he isn't cruel to them, but he sees them as somewhat expendable.

Anyway this bird cant fly, he falls to the bottom of the aviary all the time and the old owner was board of having to pick him up off the floor all the time.

He lives with my female Cockatiel Sherbet in a large indoor cage, I know classically they tend to fight but these two get on really well (I didn't really want a budgie but I couldn't leave him).

They both sleep on the same perch and "chat" to each other, if he falls its not quite so far to the floor. He wont eat greens but he is on the same vitamin supplement as is my other bird. I think he cant fly because of a funny moult, but I'm not 100% sure, his wings are defiantly not broken or causing him any pain. I get him out and let him fly (glide) from my hand to the bed which he seems to enjoy in an attempt to get his strength up.

Anyway, I noticed one of his legs looked a bit swollen. after closer inspection I realised he had a minor case of scaly face/feet, though his feet are worse than his face. So I began treatment with a topical treatment (which is working) and I will get a spot on treatment on monday.

My main problem is his ring, its metal (he was an expensive well breed bird the old owner told me) and it appears to be cutting into his leg, obviously it needs to come off. I have no idea how to get it off, I'm worried about the pain he must be in and want to get it sorted but I'm not daft enough to try and cause more problems. Any ideas, I will be getting him to a vet Monday but I feel really sorry for him, I imagine its quite painful?

Thanks

Tara

[Bonesy]

Most big breeders will have a ring cutter thats like scissors with a V knick in them that will squash and cut a ring off, but if it's tight already it's likely to cause more grazing.

The vet too should have one.

Glad you've rescued the lad, he'll be glad of it! Good on ya.

Soph.

[tara]

Poor little beggar, I was hoping to avoid causing him any more stress by doing it myself, with the right tools. Maybe pets at home will sell them.

I'm happy to he's a lovely little thing, hopefully he will be able to fly soon as well. His leg really does look raw, his old owner says hes an old bird but according to his ring hes only 2 he just looks in poor condition .

[Bonesy]

2 if he is a show bird might be considered "old" as they are sometimes infertile by three.

Heres what a ring cutting tool looks like;

[budgiefriend]

Lucky little guy that he came to live with you. He's ready for the good life, filled with love and good care. You should be very proud of yourself, Tara.

[tara]

Oh right, poor thing 2 seems so young, I have some of those! What is the method to remove it if you don't mind?

[tara]

Jan 28, 2012 17:43:06 GMT budgiefriend said:

Lucky little guy that he came to live with you. He's ready for the good life, filled with love and good care. You should be very proud of yourself, Tara.

Thank you, I have two ferrets that are rescues as well, one from an neglectful background, I used to work at an aviary so I have a reasonable amount of experience, just never come across a ring that needed removing before . Hawk (which ironically) is the budgies name seems well apart from the scaly face and foot problem, I really would like to get him happy and flying again. He chews on the leg bless him.

[budgiefriend]

Good luck to you and Hawk at the vet. Hopefully the vet will be able to help. Keep us posted.

[barrieshutt]

A C HUGHES sell a super ring cutter , this one can cut a ring that is buried into the leg

[sarah*glittergirl2212]

I hope he is soon on the mend Tara, he sounds very sweet, could you post any pictures of him?

[tara]

I'm hoping the vets have some cutters, if they don't I will order them, I imagine his leg is going to be sore under it.

I will do, he is sweet, though not really looking his best at the moment...

[tara]

Little update after using some treatment for the scaly-face/feet the swelling has gone down, still planning to remove the ring to allow the leg to heal fully, however now it should be more comfortable for Hawk to do so. Thanks for all the advice I will post a few pictures soon.

[barrieshutt]

great news Tara , witch hazel will reduce swelling in the leg.

[Deleted]

exellent news tara.......pics please .... ..

[Marianne Marlow]

That is great tara.

When you post pics we can help you think of a name if you haven't already