I need advice ASAP

[lynden21]

Hi everyone:

I've been a member for a while now but I hardly post. But I really need some expert advise. I posted this from another board, hope someone here can help me also.


I left my house a little early today for work because I needed to get something. There is a tropical fish store around this area and they also sell birds. I try not to go in there because the birds are placed in the very front meaning they’re being hit by the draft each time the door is opened. The birds in there are not very healthy looking. Their cages are dirty. They eat plain seeds and they’re water cups are dirty.

Anyway, I noticed a very tiny parakeet sitting on top of a seed cup, fluffed up with his eyes closed. I also noticed that one of his leg was up against the cage. I called a worker and I said to him that this bird is very sick. He said no he’s not sick and was sort of laughing. He opened up the cage to try and get him and that’s when I realized that one of his leg is deformed. He walked with one leg on the floor and the other one he would put it up against the side in order to get away from the guy. I said to the guy that the bird is sick and I was told that’s how he came from his mother. I asked him how much is he selling the bird and he said he’s not for sale because no one will want him. Is this what they call splayed leg? I told him that I want the bird but I will have to come back tomorrow and he just walked away laughing with another worker. I don’t know much about splay legs. I’m at work right now but I will look into this during my break. But if anyone here is experienced with this please let me know or PM me. I really want to get this bird out of that environment and if possible get the other bird out as well but I don’t know how I will do that. The name of their store is “Tropical Fish” not “Tropical Birds” so they should just stick to that. I’m going first thing tomorrow. Am I doing the right thing? Would I be able to help this bird? Is there hope for his leg? Hope someone here can give me an advice I would really appreciate it.

[TooLover]

Wish I had some advice, but I don't. We had the same thing happen a few weeks ago. The birds were placed right in the front where the draft was getting them. My friend was not pleased and told them so. They were young kids working who didn't seem to give a rat's butt what my friend said! Once again, another store on my no no list. Pretty soon I am going to have to stick to the internet for shopping as my heart can't take the ignorance and heartlessness of these stores................

[Dayna]

One thing to remember is that while it might break your heart to leave that bird there, every sale that they make just shows them that it is good marketing. Purchasing animals in bad conditions just allows the people to sell more in the same condition. To them a sale is a sale, regardless of how they made it.

If you purchase a sick bird, a vet visit would be in order. And proper quarentine would be a must in my household.

[Lisa B]

I've had many disabled birds, and this doesn ot sound like splayed legs....usually it is BOTH legs that stick out. I could be wrong...but this is how I have seen them in the past. I do agree with Dayna about the vet visit being in order.

I get so angry with pet stores just hiring anyone who comes along..and does not care about the animals there. you can request to talk WITH the owner in regards to this little critter, and maybe something can be arranged. Also I woul make him aware of the treatment of the animals and the PATRONS from some of his employees.
:eusa_hand

[sillygalah_pj]

i breed budgies and had the ocational splay.
i belive that is not splayed legs if it was the bird would have both spread out. and it would not be able to walk. that poor bird.
you should talk to the manager.
sorry i think i sound rude

[peeker]

Gosh, I know how much your heart is breaking and I hate to be negative, BUT....I feel that splayed legs is something that the breeder should have dealt with. Sometimes it can be corrected while the bird is very young. I would fear that if this store is displaying birds in such poor condition and the sales persons are ignorant, the breeder is putting out "damaged" birds ***sorry little birdie :( Then....who knows what other problems you could be in for?? If you puchase the bird you are encouraging them to continue what they are doing. You are also setting yourself up for heartbreak and potentially high vet bills and who knows/ perhaps exposing any birds you have to disease. THAT is the kind of store to stay out of. I feel safer ordering seed and toys off the internet than going into creepy little stores.
JMO

[danforth3]

It may be partial splayed leg. I had a bird with that once. Even with treatment the leg was weak.

The bird being fluffed is not a good sign. Birds are are sitting all fluffed up are often sick. If you wish to get the bird, do so, but take him immediately t a vet for a check up. As previously posted, quarantine the bird from your existing flock. Some illnesses are easily transmitted.

As for whether or not to purchase the bird from a bad store, I cannot say yea or nay. That is a personal decision. If you decide to do it, I congratulate, but caution you on getting the bird to a vet ASAP so that the leg can be examined and the bird can be examined and his health determined.

Best wishes.

[carriesb]

I'm so sorry to say this but I agree for every bird they sell they think there doing a good job. If you take this or those birds you are in for a lot of vet bills most likely possibly hurting your exsisting birds because they may be diseased and heartbreak if things don't work out. I know it's hard as animal lovers we want to save what we can. If I were you I would first contact the manager or owner if possible they may not even be aware of the conditions. And then possibly call the aspca- I think that's what it's called if you have a local chapter. But I wouldn't take them on you'll be in for a lot of work. I feel so bad for them.

[lynden21]

Hi again, and thanks for all your replies. I know some of you expressed that if I buy the bird, I am only encouraging the pet store to keep breeding birds even if they're unhealthy. I decided to get the bird anyway because I don't think I can stand knowing that I just left this bird to suffer. I hope no one is mad at me for that. I also took him to the vet (and you're right the bill was very high), but what can I do now I already have him. As far as his health is concerned, I'm waiting for all the results, and he has a partial splay leg. The vet recommended leaving him the way he is but I need to get a special cage for him. He also suggested how to make him more comfortable. Instead of the regular cage I need something like a rat cage. I found pictures of cages for birds with handicaps. Once I have everything together I would post some pics. About the quarantine, he's in a different room from my cockatiel. I've read how it's important to quarantine a new bird. I think the hardest part is trying to spend equal amount of time with both so that neither one feels left out. Most especially my cockatiel. I don't want him to feel left out knowing that parrots are very sensitive. Again, thanks for all your replies I will keep everyone posted.

[Majj]

I congratulate you I too would be UNABLE to walk away from such a sad little bird.. ...That is why I don`t go near pet stores anymore ...I wish you well what did the vet say regarding the rest of his health check ??? are you waiting on blood tests ..?? let us know the results ..if all go`s well your two birds should get on great my sister had a Tiel and a budgie they were great mates (Teeny the budgie passed away due to egg binding)..Will keep my fingers crossed the health check will be O.K waiting to hear more I think you are a wonderful caring person well done...