Crimson Rosella Having Trouble Perching - Help!

[Astrid660]

I don't have an avian vet in my area.
The closest one is a 3 hr drive away.
I don't want to stress out Solo, my Crimson Rosella, anymore than I have to.
He's not tame so seeing a vet would probably be intensely stressful for him.
But when I adopted him from this lady a few months ago, his nails were LONG... I mean, so long they were curling over and he had trouble perching.
I clipped them twice now, but he never bled, just threw a fit as I tried to clip the nails.
The last couple weeks, he's been having more trouble perching. His feet want to curl up, and he often stays in one spot for prolonged periods, probably resting because it hurts to walk.

I don't know what to do... Is this because he had long nails / trouble perching for so long before? Or is it something I did?

I know medical questions typically are a no no on here, as we're supposed to just rush our bird off to the vet. I wish that was a possibility right now.

[mmr]

I really think he needs to be seen by an avian vet!

[Monica]

Overgrown nails is usually a sign of liver problems, if not something worse. This alone warrents an avian vet trip. Is there any swelling on the feet? Have you looked here -> http://www.birdboard.com/forum/get-h...-vet-here.html <- or called around to see if there are any vets in your area who treat birds? Sometimes regular vets will work with avian vets to determine the problems of a bird, so even if you can't find an avian vet in your area, see if you can find a regular vet who's willing to consult with an avian vet to help you out.

[Astrid660]

Thanks for replying.
Yes I think he needs to go to the vet, too. I'm going to try phoning an avian vet, and see if he/she will answer some questions for me over the phone. Do you think they would?
*big sigh* I hope it's just something minor, not arthritis or bumblefoot or any of those other terrible things I read about.

[Monica]

Some avian vets will answer questions over the phone, but not all will, because it can be hard to diagnose a problem without physically seeing the bird. However, I still advise a full checkup for this bird because it sounds like there may be quite a lot of problems with him.

[Astrid660]

yes apparently someone had him in a back room and fed him only doritos for who knows how long. It really saddens me that most birds in captivity don't reach much of a lifespan at all, thanks to humans.

[Casper5]

Hi Astrid, I just saw your question on birdboard. I was searching for answers too. I have an umbrella cockatoo that is having the same problem. I took him to the vet and the vet clipped his nails, I am to bring him back at the beginning of January for blood work. I will let you know what they find. My umbrella can not hang on a perch very long, he falls to the ground then he try's to walk and his feet curl up and he flips on his back. I have also noticed he is staying close to the bottom of the cage holding onto the side. Also his feathers are looking ruff as if he is pulling on them. He is eating good, but I have noticed he is getting scared to be held too. I hope you can find a vet soon because I think this is something that can not wait. I have been reading on heavy metal posioning, sounds close to these symptoms.

[Abby]

Without seeing the bird an avian vet is not able to do their job correctly and to the standard that the bird deserves.

One idea is that if you have a normal vet closer and you can get a phone conference going between normal vet and avian that's a distance away then you have 2 professionals who are both relatively on the same page knowledge wise and your normal vet has the tools for treatment generally at hand.

I don't have a qualified avian (bits of paper) in my state, however I do have a vet who has alot of experience in birds. So far he's saved 2 of my birds (egg binding with one and a lung/kidney infection with the other). I also have a qualified avian in another state who has offered to do phone conference if my vet Tim if there's ever anything that he feels is out of his knowledge comfort zone. So far we haven't had to set up a phone conference but I know it's there if ever needed.

[Rahni]

Get him to the vet ASAP, it sounds to me like it could possibly be zinc or metal poisoning, this can cause leg and foot paralysis. If the vet is 3 hours away, then pack up your bird and get driving! Ask the vet what the best and least stressful way is to transport him is. Only a vet will be able to accurately diagnose him and prescribe treatment. The quicker you are the better his chances, as this is a serious problem!