Polydactyl Pionus

[caietaro]

We've put a deposit down on a female WC pionus female that is about 7 weeks old. We've been going to the breeder's to visit with her weekly, but didn't notice that she has polydactylism - she has a 5th toe on one foot . The breeder pointed it out today. She seems to move around just fine and doesn't seem to have a problem gripping onto hands. Has anyone seen this in a bird before and is it anything we should be concerned with? Could it cause health problems/difficulties later in life?

 

[JadeC]

I don't know about the health aspect, but that is adorable!!!! I wouldn't imagine it would cause issues. I mean, dogs and cats have extra toes and they live normal lives. The only thing might be you have to be extra careful about keeping things that little toes can get caught up since there's extra!!!! I think that is just awesome though. Just more parrot to love and now you can identify your bird no matter what!!! Good luck and keep us updated! I'd like to see pics and have you started picking out names? Maybe you can name him/her Tero short for pterodactyl. Hehe

 

[Betrisher]

You *have* to call her Anne Boleyn!

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, had an extra finger and this was used as evidence against her that she was a witch and had bewitched the king. Thus, she got the chop. Oh, and I don't mean the 'smooshed-up vegetable' chop; I mean the 'bid a cheery goodbye to your head' chop!

 

[goalerjones]

Polydactyl? Thought those were extinct! Its gonna need a huuuuuge cage!

 

[caietaro]

You *have* to call her Anne Boleyn!

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, had an extra finger and this was used as evidence against her that she was a witch and had bewitched the king. Thus, she got the chop. Oh, and I don't mean the 'smooshed-up vegetable' chop; I mean the 'bid a cheery goodbye to your head' chop!

I love the reference to Anne Boleyn! We've been trying to think of a name with meaning and this might be it! Maybe Annie B for short?

 

[chippy]

You *have* to call her Anne Boleyn!

Anne Boleyn, the second wife of Henry VIII, had an extra finger and this was used as evidence against her that she was a witch and had bewitched the king. Thus, she got the chop. Oh, and I don't mean the 'smooshed-up vegetable' chop; I mean the 'bid a cheery goodbye to your head' chop!

TOO funny!!!!

 

[cockatielgirl]

Polydactyl? Thought those were extinct! Its gonna need a huuuuuge cage!

LOL!!!

 

[caietaro]

We went to visit her again this weekend and I was able to get a good look at the foot with the extra toe. Other than having an extra toe, everything looks good!

 

[JadeC]

Awwww so adorable!! Haha

 

[crimson]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I know you are very excited about your bird and I am very happy for you, but I thought you should know and from what I have read, it is more than likely a genetic defect, brought on by inbreeding which can cause extra wings, toes, deformed beaks, one leg, etc....
One of her birds is carrying the genetic trait, and is probably not even aware of what caused it.

It can happen to any breeder any time, heck I may even have a bird here that will produce some deformity down the line, you don't know until it happens.

We just had two baby guinea pigs born two days ago, one of them has an extra toe on each foot, which is caused by inbreeding.
We are guessing it's the male, we got him from Pet Smart, and will never breed him again for that very reason, but that doesn't mean that the babies aren't cute, or unhealthy.

 

[caietaro]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I know you are very excited about your bird and I am very happy for you, but I thought you should know and from what I have read, it is more than likely a genetic defect, brought on by inbreeding which can cause extra wings, toes, deformed beaks, one leg, etc....
One of her birds is carrying the genetic trait, and is probably not even aware of what caused it.

It can happen to any breeder any time, heck I may even have a bird here that will produce some deformity down the line, you don't know until it happens.

We just had two baby guinea pigs born two days ago, one of them has an extra toe on each foot, which is caused by inbreeding.
We are guessing it's the male, we got him from Pet Smart, and will never breed him again for that very reason, but that doesn't mean that the babies aren't cute, or unhealthy.

I had assumed it was a defect due to a genetic variation - I'm positive I'm never going to breed her, so as long this is the only defect I'm happy. I suppose there's no way of knowing whether there could be a hidden defect that could cause health problems later on in life, but that's probably true of any bird/animal. Do you think I should consult a vet before brining her home/getting more attached?

 

[Echo]

Yes, if you are able to have her checked out for other possible genetic defects, it would be wise.

 

[caietaro]

Unfortunately I don't think I'll be able to get her an exam before brining her home, but I can call a vet and ask. The breeder does have a 7 day window where you can get the bird checked by a vet and bring it back if they find anything though.

 

[crimson]

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, I know you are very excited about your bird and I am very happy for you, but I thought you should know and from what I have read, it is more than likely a genetic defect, brought on by inbreeding which can cause extra wings, toes, deformed beaks, one leg, etc....
One of her birds is carrying the genetic trait, and is probably not even aware of what caused it.

It can happen to any breeder any time, heck I may even have a bird here that will produce some deformity down the line, you don't know until it happens.

We just had two baby guinea pigs born two days ago, one of them has an extra toe on each foot, which is caused by inbreeding.
We are guessing it's the male, we got him from Pet Smart, and will never breed him again for that very reason, but that doesn't mean that the babies aren't cute, or unhealthy.

I had assumed it was a defect due to a genetic variation - I'm positive I'm never going to breed her, so as long this is the only defect I'm happy. I suppose there's no way of knowing whether there could be a hidden defect that could cause health problems later on in life, but that's probably true of any bird/animal. Do you think I should consult a vet before brining her home/getting more attached?

It wouldn't hurt to ask, the problem is(now I'm just learning about this too from our guinea pig episode, and from what I have read)that even if you decided to pick another bird from the same clutch without any extra toes, genetically all the babies now carry the defect gene, whether they are showing deformities or not. It just so happened it showed up in that particular bird.
I don't know whether it can cause health concerns down the road, only your avian vet could answer that question.

 

[caietaro]

Lots of good information, thanks. I think I'll call and avian vet to see what they think, and otherwise keep an eye on her as she continues to grow to make sure everything looks okay. Then I can take her to see an avian vet during that 7 day window.

 

[crimson]

just remember if any tests need to be run, you must get the results back within the 7 day period, even if your one day late, you won't have the option to return it, but depending on the breeder one day may not matter.

good luck