old parrot can't perch

[birdstheword]

I just adopted an old African grey that has had a rough go of it throughout her life including a foot amputation. Her "good" foot cannot perch, it is always flat. Is this just a matter of atrophy? Is it something I can help her strengthen?

 

[noodles123]

I just adopted an old African grey that has had a rough go of it throughout her life including a foot amputation. Her "good" foot cannot perch, it is always flat. Is this just a matter of atrophy? Is it something I can help her strengthen?

If you need help finding an avian certified vet, we can try to help if you provide a general location. A regular or exotics vet will not know what to do about this. If you are comfortable sharing a general proximity and are willing to drive an hour or so, people will try to help you find one.



It's impossible to know what the problem is without really careful and informed investigation (likely, including blood work, possible vitamin panels, x rays etc). Certain viruses can also lead to lameness...could be arthritis, could be an infection, could be neurological...you just need more info . Birds should get blood work at minimum every 3 years (more often if needed)


You can call these vets and ask if they are certified avian-- if none are and you search without much luck, you could try an exotics vet with a good reputation among parrot people, but it's worth a drive to see an avian vet. Just because a vet deals with birds does not mean they are avian certified.

 

[Laurasea]

often the good foot gets arthritis from being the sole weight bearer. Sometimes they develop an infection from the pressure called bumble foot.

Offering very wide but still circular perches helps support the foot.. for your size burd make a big open c with your hand. She should have at least one perch this size..

Thanks for taking in a special needs parrot!!

 

[SailBoat]

Switching to wider, flatter surfaces is of great help!

Sport /Vet wrap is an excellent tool as you can rap surfaces that provide greater grip with less effort and helps to maintain warmth that helps relieve pain and provides comfort.

For a bit more background, visit the Amazon sub-forum and at the very top of each page their are two Threads. With in the huge Thread Tilted: I Love Amazons --, and as part of the many segments is one that is tilted something like: Getting to the Foot of the Problem. I know that you will find it helpful.

 

[birdstheword]

I just adopted an old African grey that has had a rough go of it throughout her life including a foot amputation. Her "good" foot cannot perch, it is always flat. Is this just a matter of atrophy? Is it something I can help her strengthen?

If you need help finding an avian certified vet, we can try to help if you provide a general location. A regular or exotics vet will not know what to do about this. If you are comfortable sharing a general proximity and are willing to drive an hour or so, people will try to help you find one.



It's impossible to know what the problem is without really careful and informed investigation (likely, including blood work, possible vitamin panels, x rays etc). Certain viruses can also lead to lameness...could be arthritis, could be an infection, could be neurological...you just need more info . Birds should get blood work at minimum every 3 years (more often if needed)


You can call these vets and ask if they are certified avian-- if none are and you search without much luck, you could try an exotics vet with a good reputation among parrot people, but it's worth a drive to see an avian vet. Just because a vet deals with birds does not mean they are avian certified.

Thanks I do have an avian vet I’m not new to parrots but new to disabilities. She had lots of vet care at the rescue hence the amputation but they did not bring up her other foot

 

[birdstheword]

Switching to wider, flatter surfaces is of great help!

Sport /Vet wrap is an excellent tool as you can rap surfaces that provide greater grip with less effort and helps to maintain warmth that helps relieve pain and provides comfort.

For a bit more background, visit the Amazon sub-forum and at the very top of each page their are two Threads. With in the huge Thread Tilted: I Love Amazons --, and as part of the many segments is one that is tilted something like: Getting to the Foot of the Problem. I know that you will find it helpful.

Thanks I’ll check the sub she’s on all flat right now with perches on “ground” level of her cage with vet wrap already but she doesn’t seem to be able to navigate that

 

[birdstheword]

often the good foot gets arthritis from being the sole weight bearer. Sometimes they develop an infection from the pressure called bumble foot.

Offering very wide but still circular perches helps support the foot.. for your size burd make a big open c with your hand. She should have at least one perch this size..

Thanks for taking in a special needs parrot!!

Thanks for the “c” tip I’ll try to find something! The arthritis makes sense as her other foot before it was amputated was in rough shape. I haven’t got a good look at the bottom to see bumble foot issues but I wouldn’t be surprised with this poor thing. She’s as sweet as can be

 

[Littleredbeak]

I have two birds with foot issues. I use a heated perch that has worked amazing. My one bird lost 80% function of her leg. She had a severe (what the vet said) imbedded ankle ring and infection afterwards. We did lots of vet visits and consultations. Our therapy was epson salt baths and a gel was put on for pain. When we went in to continue the antibiotics the vet couldn’t believe her improvement in her foot use and strength. Her ankle/ still bothers her it’s the foot she lift up buts nowhere near what it was. My other bird is older and she seems to maybe have arthritis in her one foot? Or maybe preclude trauma? I don’t know. I’ve sent videos over to her rescuer and he said he sees she’s using her foot better! (And I never said anything- it was his own observation ) Her I just use the heated perch! She prefers that perch. I’ve wrapped the perches in vet wrap to give it cushion and traction. I hope this helps! Best of luck! - I’m writing on my phone so sorry for any mistakes!