Strained Wing?

[steinbock]

Okay, so anyone who read my other thread knows that my bird, Skar, had some problem causing him to lose all of his flight feathers on one wing... he has since been trimmed and is not flightless.... but I've come across a new problem with the little guy...

Whenever he does something... like tries to fly... he holds his wing away from his body and opens it just barely. Sorry, it's a little hard to explain... And just recently, he was stretching it a little harder/longer than normal. And so, I was thinking perhaps he sprained his wing in whatever he did to lose his flight feathers (same wing). Is that a possibility? And if it sounds like that is what happened to him... how can i help him out? Will it heal on its own? (My parents are dead set agains taking him to the vet... they're all for letting 'nature take its course')
Please and Thanks!

[homebird]

He may be stretching to stay sharp & there may be no cause for alarm.
I was just reviewing my own journal about my Budgie Laker. The first week I had him, he would hold onto his rope perch really hard & flap his wings as if flying. If he hadn't held on he would have taken off 100m/hr. They are athletes really - to fly takes strength & skill. Even though he had been in a cage 24/7 he was trying to stay in flying shape.

I also noted that he periodically stretches every limb out very carefully after resting even for a short time - to be ready to fly at any moment. They have to preen a lot & flex their muscles & stretch to stay in max. condition. Everything depends on it in their world. It' is a way of life for them.

I don't know if there is anything you can do right away with your little guy. I say this because he probably needs a short rest time to get his strength back & get used to the trim & clip - or any strain that has also happened. He can open & close it?

Here is a photo of Laker stretching his wing & one leg - does your bird do this?

[Cindy215]

Sorry, yes I think he did hurt his wing. Only a doctor could say how much. It could have a break or a sprain. There are alot of small bones in there.

Tell your mom for me that I can't believe she'd be that heartless to let the little thing possible be in pain like that just to save money on a vet visit. It might heal normally or it will set in the broken position and he'll be handicapped. There might not be anything a vet could do to "set it" but at least they might be able to do something...I don't know, I never had that happen. Even pain meds.

I'd make sure his cage doesnt have alot of stuff hanging where he may bang it and that his food and water are easy to get to if he's staying in one spot. When you open his door, lower the cage on your bed so he doesn't have far to fall when he tries to get out, he still doesnt know he can't fly. His whole world changed with that problem so now he needs to learn how to live differently.

Sorry that happened, I know you're worried about him and it's not easy having these guys in our homes. Thank you for being a good caretaker. If you think he is hurting I'd call a local bird club or bird rescue and ask if anyone can take him (with his companion so he's not alone) to help him or take him to a vet. If you can get him there,somehow, feel free to pm me here and I'll pay the vet visit.

[steinbock]

he holds his wing normally unless he does physical exertion, and that's when he holds it gingerly...
And unfortunately, the vet thing isn't a money problem (haha, our vet does birds for fun, and so our last bill was for 45 minutes with a turtle, and he charged us 15 dollars. He's a great guy. But it's really far, and that's where the problem lies.
My dad wants me to put Skar back in the same cage as his friend (he's currently seperate, but they can see and hear each other.... but if he is hurt... I don't think Snow would take too kindly to having him around.... is that a reasonable thought?
ie: right now, he's in his special cage with a hot rock on the bottom, and besides being a little extra fluffy, he seems perfectly fine....
I know, birds like to hide problems.... he's acting almost like he's tired and falling asleep.... (with his wing in a normal position)

I don't think the wing is broken... luckily... I can sit there and poke at his wing and he won't flinch... it's only after he tries to use it that it's a problem.... I know that at least with human bones, it hurts when you poke a broken bone... and it looks normal... and he does stretch it like a normal budgie and puts it back to a normal position....
stupid dork why does he have to be such a little bugger? Hahaha

[homebird]

I think you should keep him separate for a while. I'd continue to think over what happened. See how he does day to day. Make sure he can get to water & food easily.

I know you were teasing about him - but it isn't his fault - kind of like your parents getting miffed if you hurt yourself. Angry you're hurt & angry at fate.

Let us know if he improves or has any trouble - I'd appreciate hearing how he's doing. As he gets better this could be a great opportunity for you to bond & train him a bit.

I've had wild cats become the sweetest pets after an accident i saved them from.

[steinbock]

haha, yeah, i was teasing... i love that little bird to death :) he's the sweetest little thing... I'm babbling now :)
but yeah, thanks... he can stay in a special cage for now... though I'm starting to get a little concerned because he hasn't eaten in a while.... hmmm,,, time to rearrange the food situation :)
thanks for the concern :)

[AbbeyNMommy]

My Parent's budgie broke his wing playing once! It got caught in some fabric and he struggles so hard he broke his wing. Dad tried to help him, but he was in PANIC mode.
Leave him alone in a cage and let him rest,,,,,,,,with no playing or poking and the wing will heal on its own! He might not be eating because he misses his friend, but it is best for him right now to REST!
Did he eat today?????

[homebird]

Try offering him a little of what he likes the best - in Laker's case that's easy - Millet. If you offer it by hand you'll see if he's eating. This will also help reduce his fear of humans after all the stress of the clip etc.

[steinbock]

yeah, I put him on top of his old cage with Snow... and they shared some millet...but that's the only time I see him eat.... *crosses fingers* maybe he's just trying to hide the location of the good stuff from me :) yeah, that must be it, I can see shells sitting in his cage so... thats good :)

[Monica]

Okay, so we know that after trying to fly, your budgie holds his wings out a little.... how is his/her breathing during this time? Is it labored? If so, it could be just the fact that he/she is a little over exerted, and is trying to cool himself/herself off by spreading the wings... birds do not sweat.