Jun 9, 2020 18:37:27 GMT
shea
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 3
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Post by shea on Jun 9, 2020 18:45:12 GMT
My budgie is 2 years old and has been favoring one foot the last few days. I first noticed something was wrong when he was staying fluffed up, literally sitting on his perch. Once he began to move around I noticed him limping and then holding the hurt foot up. He still tries to be active. Chirping all over the place. But there are moments, like right now, where he is laying on his wood platform. I assume so he can rest and get off the foot. But it’s breaking my heart. No puncture sites or abrasions. Foot looks visually fine. What do I do??
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Post by blue48 on Jun 9, 2020 19:32:55 GMT
My budgie is 2 years old and has been favoring one foot the last few days. I first noticed something was wrong when he was staying fluffed up, literally sitting on his perch. Once he began to move around I noticed him limping and then holding the hurt foot up. He still tries to be active. Chirping all over the place. But there are moments, like right now, where he is laying on his wood platform. I assume so he can rest and get off the foot. But it’s breaking my heart. No puncture sites or abrasions. Foot looks visually fine. What do I do?? Can you see if there's any injury there? Does it feel warm to the touch? In it's an infection he will probably need an antibiotic so I would ring your vet and ask for their advice.
There are some foot conditions that affect budgies - bumblefoot or mites, both of which need medication only a vet can prescribe.
Someone more experienced than me should come along, but I'm sure they will also advise you to seek a vet's help.
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Jun 9, 2020 18:37:27 GMT
shea
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 3
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Post by shea on Jun 9, 2020 22:55:18 GMT
It doesn’t seem any warmer than usual. I will call the vet. Thank you so much for your advice!
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Post by Hezz on Jun 10, 2020 0:38:02 GMT
It is possible that he has gotten it caught in something. Does he use the foot/leg at all? If he does, it is doubtful that he has broken a bone, but may still have caused a sprain. Also check his joints for any sign of swelling or heat and check the bottoms of his feet for any red spots or sores. Does he have natural branch perches? If you find any of the above symptoms, get a vet to check him out. Are all his toes gripping as they should? Budgie toes do seem to be quite prone to getting caught, hurt or broken.
If his feet and legs seem fine, not hot or swollen and no broken skin, give him a few days of rest, and a heat source might also be appreciated even if he doesn't appear ill. Mostly (try to) keep him calm and inactive (I know that can be hard) and allow time to heal. A sprain can take as long to heal as it does for us, but as long as he is improving and now getting worse there isn't much else you can do, if that is what he's done.
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Jun 9, 2020 18:37:27 GMT
shea
Brand New Budgie
Posts: 3
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Post by shea on Jun 10, 2020 1:27:04 GMT
He has the natural perch that came with his cage and also a sandpaper perch and rope bungie. My original thought was that he snagged his toe on something (because he is very active). I don’t see any cuts or swelling. It’s hard to tell about the heat.. I fee like he’s always usually warm. But it doesn’t seem any different. He still hops to his food/water bowl when he wants and I find him tugging on his toys (playing), so he is somewhat using his foot. But when he’s resting he either holds it up or is laying down. I never see him lay down so I got really worried.
I leave his cage open when I am home so that he can come out when he wants but I will limit that for now and try to give him time to recover.
Thank you for your feedback! I’ll keep a close eye on him and hopefully he starts feeling a little better!
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Apr 26, 2024 18:13:49 GMT
Deleted
Posts: 0
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Post by Deleted on Jun 10, 2020 7:12:27 GMT
Most of us here would recommend removing the sandpaper perch. Rough sandpaper can cause sore feet, which can lead to bumblefoot. A variety of natural wood perches should help keep his toenails the correct length,
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Post by Hezz on Jun 11, 2020 1:29:54 GMT
Yes, definitely get rid of the sandpaper, and I would guess that the "natural" perch that came with his cage is a pine dowel - very straight and smooth - so none of those perches are terribly good for a budgie's feet. If you can't access any bird-safe natural tree branches yourself, there are plenty of places that sell them on-line. Even rope perches aren't that good as they are too soft and too uniform. You need to give the feet as much exercise as the rest of the bird so perches of multiple thicknesses, not less than allowing the feet to go half-way round the perch, and differing textures. Leave the bark on if you are able to get your own. Fresh cut branches are best.
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