Bella's diagnosis...

[Monica]

When I first read about Bella's foot issues I was thinking bumblefoot perhaps, and then read that you found out for sure. I've been following along with this and would love to hear updates!

[Ashling]

Not much has changed except she's back outside with the others. I believe keeping her away from her family in a dark little bathroom would be riskibg her infection by stressing her out more. Although I kept her reasonably entertained by hiding grapes around her cage, she pined for the others. In fact an AMAZING thing happened- one morning she was particularly longing for her family and was clucking away when she started CROWING just like a ROOSTER! Full cock-a-doodle-doos! I didn't know it was possible for hens to crow!
We are looking for an ointment in health stores called "Golden Seal" which is apparently a powerful topical antibiotic. Hopefully it's better than betadine. Thanks for your interest :)

[expressmailtome]

I hope that she enjoying being back outside again!

Matt

[Ashling]

Thanks! She's loving it :)

(and so am I... the bathroom is opposite my bedroom and the smell of fresh chicken poop isn't the nicest thing to wake up to!)

[expressmailtome]

Originally Posted by Ashling

Thanks! She's loving it :)

I am glad! Maybe being outside will help her at least mentally.

Matt

[Ashling]

I am a firm believer in healthy mind, healthy body. For my animals anyway!

[expressmailtome]

I also belive that our pets need mental stimulation and not just physical stimulation to be healthy and happy.

Matt

[Astrid660]

I echo what the others have said... brave of you to go through with that! I am not sure if I could... but then again, blood and injuries scare me. I fainted recently when my tiel lost part of her toe and was bleeding a bit.
I hope that she makes a speedy recovery.

[Monica]

Her crowing like a rooster doesn't completely surprise me but it does interest me! I've seen female birds, particularly budgies, acting like males, with all the head bobbing, eyes pinning, beak tapping, singing, and even some regurgitation.

Does sound like Bella is happy to be back outside!!! Bet she'll feel even better when both feet have been treated and healed!

[Ashling]

We just got them all a good wormer (moxi stuff which a chicken breeder friend says cures any parasites on and in the body) from the avian vets and was going to get some antibiotics but they said we have to bring her in to get some prescribed.

This is a bit of info about bumblefoot, which is what I have been doing :) (Minus the "surgury" bit)
YouTube - Dealing with bumblefoot in non-parrots