A little help please...new young bird..

[Vincent_The_Bird]

Hello everyone! It has been a long time since I have posted, but I could really use some help!

About 4 months ago I bought a new friend for Vincent (he is very cute, blue and white with a slightly yellow head) that I named Picaso. I originally wanted an English Budgie however they didn't have any at a trusted bird store (I have known the owners for years). I fell in love with this very cute little guy but he has a few problems: first and most importantly he has a bad leg...analogous to a human forearm, is broken. I got the bird half off (I did NOT choose this bird based on disability, I hadn't even realized until I took him out). He was about 5-6 months old at the time the mother had plucked a few feathers off of the back of his wings.

Here is my problem: while Picaso does not act lathargic or show any signs of sickness there is something that disturbs me quite a bit. His vent is not clear, and I believe it is because it is so akward for him to perch. He also shows no signs of pain in the leg, but he naps 2-3 times a day. I realise that this is a usual sign to take a bird to the vet but I need a second opinion because money is a little tight (my books this year alone cost me 1k). I do HAVE the money, but I would like to hear some opinions. I spend quite a bit of time with my birds as I study and they seem pretty happy, but I am still a little worried. They are on a primarily pellet diet although they eat carrots apples etc, (seed for dessert).

Thanks everyone!

[shosh]

I have found that when a bird is in immediate pain, they get puffy and you can certainly TELL that they are in pain. I'm not sure about the vent issue....I guess if he is crooked, it might account for it. Dark leafy greens are a great source of calcium so I'd add that, too...swiss chard, collard, spinach, beet greens.

The 2-3 time a day nap doesn't seem unusual...birds do nap during the day so I wouldn't be concerned about that.

I would still be curious as to whether anything could be done to help that leg....you can always CALL your vet and have a chat. Mine talks to me all the time and there is certainly NO charge in talking to him and asking his opinion and advice. That's what they are there for...he might refrain from making a judgement until he sees your baby, but it might help you decide what to do...

[Monica]

If Picaso isn't sitting right above something (i.e. sitting on a perch with no problems) and his vent still becomes dirty, then he may have a slight bacterial infection that may (or may not) need to be treated by an avian vet. If it only lasts for a couple of days it could be due to stress... however, if it's an ongoing problem, I'd suggest a vet check.

[Vincent_The_Bird]

Calling the vet is a great idea, ill do that. I am pretty sure there is nothing I can do since it has kinda "set" in, he still makes his way around the cage (just bought them a much more spacious cage) always prefers to fly unlike Vincent who likes the climb approach. I probably will take him in anyway because he has a much more reserved behavior (which makes it even harder to tell) than Vincent.

This is definitely one of those gray areas, thank you very much shosh and monica!!

[Tinker]

Personally I'd take him to the vet for a full check up, since you don't really know his medical history anyway. Sorry if I'm suggesting something that isn't really possible. Hey could we see some pictures? I love photos of new budgies :)