Favoring foot a bit?

[Vilatus]

Hi folks,

Nico is having a slight issue, maybe.

Please read this fully as this is sort of a unique situation.

Nico has a slightly deformed foot. Instead of two toes in front and two in back, he has sort of three in front and one in back, then an extra toe on his hock. He is slightly favoring this foot in the sense that when he perched and relaxes, this is the foot in seeing held up most often.

I’ve checked the foot out, and I see absolutely no evidence of irritation, no redness, no cuts or scrapes, etc. He isn’t excessively grooming or anything, is using it normally, walking around and climbing with it. Do you think this is to be expected with the foot being abnormal? I’m wondering if it just tires more easily than the other if you will.

 

[Cottonoid]

Maybe the anatomy of that foot doesn't allow him to "clamp" onto a perch the same way his "normal" foot does?

 

[Vilatus]

Maybe the anatomy of that foot doesn't allow him to "clamp" onto a perch the same way his "normal" foot does?

It doesn’t, you’re right. I’m wondering if that’s making it a bit tender?

 

[Laurasea]

Its important to check the normal foot if it does more weight bearing as its more likely to develop bumble foot.

But burds are remarkable adaptable hopefully he won't the super cutie

 

[Cottonoid]

It doesn’t, you’re right. I’m wondering if that’s making it a bit tender?

I'm still new to parrots so mostly just thinking out loud - not so much that he's tender on that foot, but if that foot/ankle don't "lock" normally around the perch because of abnormal flexor tendons/toes, he won't use that foot for sleeping, since he lacks the stability of that reflex.

That's great he lets you check his feet. You'll be able to notice right away if anything looks different, like Laurasea said.

His little crown is so perfect on that poofy head!

 

[HeatherG]

I would keep an eye on the bottom of his feet for any slick, shiny, or red areas. Those would indicate that that spot is getting too much pressure and something needs to change.

I’m also wondering if his different foot structure makes it harder to hold on or his foot gets tired easier.

Feet are important! Keep an eye on his footers.