new bird with bad foot

[kimtoo]

Hi,

I just took in an IRN from a coworker that didn't want it. Apparently a relative had the bird about a year and dumped it on my coworker. This fid has been a cage that is about 18x18 at the most, not sure it has been out of it in the past year. It is terrified of hands, I have other birds but none have reacted the one this one has. S/he also has a problem with her left foot/leg. The two front talons are missing the claws and part of the toe, they appear to be paralyzed and stick straight out . She has adapted somewhat by using one back claw thrust forward to climb and help her perch but she is pretty unstable perching. What concerns me more is that when she walks, she walks on her "ankle" with the foot bent up in front of her leg. This causes her to hobble, one leg is now in effect, shorter than the other. Is this going to cause problems for her later? I am afraid it will cause a problem with her hips . Are there alternatives to a standard cage and perches that might be better for her?

I was told she is about a year old, I think she is older. I have no idea what happened to her foot or when it happened.

[Valo's Moirana]

did you already take her to a vet? if so, what did the vet suggest? if not, that's what i'd do since the vet can tell you if it's broken etc by taking an x-ray

[kimtoo]

Have not taken her to the vet yet. The injury is old, no red or broken skin where the toes are severed, I do know it happened more than 30 days ago-before the bird changed hands the first time. I just got her yesterday (Sunday).

[Mikaela]

Awww lord Kim, shew... work cut out for you but if anyone has it in them, you do!

[kimtoo]

thanks mik...it is so SAD to watch her hobble/limp around

I don't know what I can do to make it easier for her. I think the injury is too old to try to do anything with it.

[Lisa B]

I would have the damage looked at by a vet even if its old, in the event someday down the road, you see more problems, and or the bird needs pain management . Most likely you will just have to watch how she manuvers around the cage, and make little adjustments for her. I had a tiel like that who hobbled on her legs, with all her toes facing forward and wrapped around each other. Cricket lead a very happy full life with her disablility.
best of luck with your new baby.....thank you for opening your heart to her.

[kimtoo]

Thanks Lisa, I will be doing that. I'll post again when I know more. She seems more relaxed tonight. eating some apple and some egg. I don't think she can stand on her bad foot to hold food in her good foot...not sure how this affects her eating. May need food more pulverized? She is thin, maybe this is why. Anyone else have a bird with this problem?

[CALVINS MOM]

I knowof a caique that is the same way - its toes were eaten by its parents - both feet. So she walks on her "elbows". She is basically paralyzed or atrophied and does not really use her stubs, for lack of a better word. A friend of mine has her. She's none the worse for wear. She has comfy perches and flat perches for her and she is doing just fine. Good luck with your new fid! Hope you have many happy years together. A vet visit would probably be in order - perhaps there is something that can be done for her.

[kimtoo]

Thanks for the reply and advice. Do you know how your friends bird handles eating? What does your friend do to make the food more managable for her fid? I am thinking maybe cooked meals and smaller pellets for a start...I watched her deal with an apple last night and it seemed like as long as I give her a big enough piece, she eats from the top and manages okay. Egg was okay too as it doesn't require holding to tear it or break it open.

Any advice on diet that can be eaten without a foot to hold it in would be appreciated!

She has an appointment with the vet later this week....

[corralup]

I heard maybe some gerber baby food? Maybe not any views on people baby food? To me it sounds like a good idea since its all mushy and ready to eat.

sandy