New here, Have questions

[Akuma223]

Hello all, I'm new here and wanted to ask some questions about some birds we have in my animal science class, not all are parrots but I thought you might be able to help still. The birds we have are all rehomes and so have lots of different backrounds. We have and African gray parrot named Nickels, a canary named Dude, A Cockatoo Named Smiley, a budgie, and a pair of male and female cockateils named lily and frenchfry.

In before people say a classroom environment where faces always change is not a good idea for birds, they seem to do very well considering and are well cared for. There are always students who take extra time to bond with specific birds. Our teacher worked at a vet for many years and has had many different kind of birds herself.

Now for questions. The African gray parrot I work with has Extremely Messed up feet. He can only use like, two toes on each foot. He can still perch but he has very bad balance and falls frequently. He uses his beak heavily to get around. Because of his lack of balance he is very nervous and can be a challenge to get out. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could make his life easier? Maybe letting him be able to fly would help?

Now for the Cockatoo, anyone have suggestions as to how to make the scary bird not hate me?(I clipped her nail too short once and she bled everywhere, I cried) She is just starting to get friendly enough with my friend that she will go onto her arm and walk around on our laps. My friend can pet her but when I try she tries to bite me.

Canary - he has really dry, scaly feet. Is it just because he is old or might there be other reasons?

Cockateils seem pretty fine, the male comes out willingly (though he likes to look angry all the while) the female takes a little effort.

Budgie - He seems kind of....crazy. He always chirps and pecks furiously at his mirror, is he lonely or something?

Any help and tips are very welcome.

 

[lee62]

Have you asked your teacher these questions? If so what was her reply

 

[Tammy]

You could try platforms for the African Grey to perch on. I saw a Grey in a rescue that had his toes eaten off by rats. The rescue installed platforms & ramps similar to a ferret cage & this greatly helped the bird get around & feel secure.

 

[Akuma223]

Good god, rats! Sheesh how does one allow that to happen
Anyway, The platform/ramp sounds like a great idea. I will most certainly bring it up to her. I really want to make his life more comfortable.

lee62- I don't like to bother her much I'm kinda used to asking forums for answers. I typically gather information and then confront her with advice. Some of her care can be outdated so I research the many animals we have to make their lives better.

 

[lee62]

OK, is there a reason you don't like to bother her, being a teacher she is there for her pupils to ask questions?
Anyway lets try another approach, what does the animals' vet believe are the issues with the animals? Do they see a vet regularly? The more info you can supply regarding the African Grey & Canary the easier it will be for others to offer appropriate advice. Maybe by putting some pics of the birds and their surroundings up might help.

 

[weco]

Like Tammy said, platforms would help the grey considerably, however, if the feet were deformed from hatching, the bird does not realized it has any impediment. Whether from hatching or from a later injury, birds will adapt & acclimate. A bird's beak, at least with psittacines, is always used as a third foot and you will always see them using their beak as a climbing tool.

There is a condition called scaly feet that can be genetic, a process of aging or an illness. There is also a parasitic mite that can infect & feed on dried scales. Dried scaly feet can be treated with regular applications of baby oil being gently rubbed into the feet & legs. If the bird is infected with scaly mites, a veterinarian can provide or suggest a spray to use, but keep in mind that applications will be for 4-6 weeks so that each hatching of eggs will be killed off.

Now if these suggestions/tips are for extra points/credit, remember to cite your sources properly.

 

[Akuma223]

Its not for extra credit, I just like to see what I can improve. I'll ask her how often they see a vet.
I'll also try and get pictures of the birds and their surroundings tomorrow. I need to find the one my friend took when I actually got Nickels to perch on my fingers, It was amazing that he trusted me in such a short time especially with his messed up feet.

 

[MonicaMc]

The African gray parrot I work with has Extremely Messed up feet. He can only use like, two toes on each foot. He can still perch but he has very bad balance and falls frequently. He uses his beak heavily to get around. Because of his lack of balance he is very nervous and can be a challenge to get out. Does anyone have any ideas as to how I could make his life easier? Maybe letting him be able to fly would help?
As mentioned, platform perches and ramps. They can be wire, wood or otherwise. Calcium deficiency can also cause problems. What is the african greys diet?

Flight may help him get around, but wont do much good in a cage if the cage itself is not large enough for him to fly around in. It may help him gain confidence in himself if he could fly, but this also means extra training to teach him to fly to you and fly back to his cage.

Now for the Cockatoo, anyone have suggestions as to how to make the scary bird not hate me?(I clipped her nail too short once and she bled everywhere, I cried) She is just starting to get friendly enough with my friend that she will go onto her arm and walk around on our laps. My friend can pet her but when I try she tries to bite me.
Keep every interaction a positive one. Give the 'too treats by hand. Have a friend or other student/teacher hold the too and ask the 'too to step up onto you and reward the bird for doing so.

Canary - he has really dry, scaly feet. Is it just because he is old or might there be other reasons?
It's not mites, is it? What's the canaries diet? What's the humidity? Frequency of bathes?

Cockateils seem pretty fine, the male comes out willingly (though he likes to look angry all the while) the female takes a little effort.
Maybe he is angry. You want interactions with the birds to be positive ones, and if the bird looks visibly upset, chances are, the bird is. Look into positive reinforcement training. If he loves millet, you can entice him to come out for millet! Have him go to you for food and treats.

Budgie - He seems kind of....crazy. He always chirps and pecks furiously at his mirror, is he lonely or something?
I don't recommend mirrors. Period. Beyond that, ya that's typical budgie behavior! He can do it towards his toys or he'd do it towards another bird. It's just the way they are! Males love to sing, flirt and show off!

 

[Akuma223]

I will look into their diets and work on positive interaction. I will try to upload the pictures I took soon

 

[goalerjones]

Re: the Canary, if its more than just the feet, if it includes the legs as well, it could be liver issues.

Re: the Grey, if he falls frequently it might be best to place padding at the bottom of the cage to lessen the impact.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Are these birds your teachers personal pets?

Here's a good example of a cage with platforms, this galah has severe arthritis and uses his beak to help walk.

Grates are placed in places he poops the most