I need help/advice re: cockateel injury.

[Lee_007]

Last night my cockateel somehow got out of her cage and injured her left leg. I woke up and found her on the floor in front of her cage, limping and unable to stand. I've had her for eight years and never had any health or injury issues. I have her back in her cage with a shallow bowl of food and water near her. She seems to be sleeping a lot now. What else can I do? I have no money for a vet visit.

[jriley]

This is one of those situations that only a vet can help with. It's possible her leg is broken and if you don't get that treated she may be left permanently crippled. A cockatiel can live 35 years or more. Call around and see if any of your local vets will take a payment plan. Do you have a university nearby that has a veterinary program? Sometimes they will see animals for less than a regular vet clinic.

Until you can take her, keep her warm and provide food and water as you are doing.

Julie

[Lee_007]

But again, money is an issue, since I only work contract and just had to pay a huge car repair bill so that I'd have transportation to and from work.

Is there a chance that the leg injury could kill her? What would a vet be able to do for the leg?

[jessica313]

as julie said.. a vet visit is the only thing thats going to help your baby. its not going to get better by itsself. many vets will do payment plans as also stated above. IMHO, money shoudnt be an issue when it comes to your pets health. i definantly understand being broke and not having the money.. i am a broke college student living paycheck to paycheck but if anything ever happened to shadow id be on my way to the vet regardless.. good luck i hope u do the right thing

[Winged_Victory]

A vet is your best option. If you choose to keep her at home and observe her for a few hours, keep the ambient temperature at 85 degrees and keep her hydrated. Make food and water easy for her to get to. You bird may just have a sprain but there is no way to tell without a vet visit. Make sure she is eating and drinking. Position everything to make it easy for her to get around. You should see improvement in 2-3 days with a sprain. Do your best to take a good look at her leg as you may see a complete fracture. Keep us posted!!

Please call you vet.

[catschair]

Where do you live? Maybe some of our members can PM you with vets they have used in the area.

[Lee_007]

She seems to be resting ok for now. I have her cage semi-covered, shallow dishes close by with food and water. Actually, the last position I found her in was sitting IN the shallow plate with her food (I put a branch of millet in it, which she dearly loves). I am hoping that it's only a sprain, but I will post re: her condition later.

Thanks to everyone for your advice and concern.

Lee

[Ginich]

Lee, You might also try putting a towel on the bottom of her cage and cover it with a paper towel, napkins,etc so it is softer for her to stand on. Move one of her perches so it is low to the bottom of her cage, so if she wants to try to perch on one foot she can.
This is a long shot, but if you happen to have any Bach's Rescue Remedy in your house or have a friend that is a health nut and might have some, 1-4 drops in her water relieves trauma (for people and animals). If you don't, add a teaspoon of sugar to her water, again for trauma.