Rickets in Juvenile Budgie

[Wellensittich]

Hello. I recently adopted this parakeet who was born with rickets. Unfortunately the owner didn't know he had a male and female and was unprepared in dealing with budgie babies. I do not think they were being fed a varied and nutritional diet.The little one is already 3 months old and had a vet visit shortly before its arrival, being diagnosed with rickets. Its skeleton is disformed (leans to the right) and his toes/feet are curled. He can currently perch and fly normally and doesn't seem to be in any pain.

I'm familiar with treating splayed legs, but I'm not sure if putting its feet into splints would be worth it at this age. I'm currently supplementing vitamin d with a uvA light until the weather is warm enough to bring my flock outside again. My flock eats a diet of fresh, varied produce (with an emphasis on leafy greens) every day in addition to pellets, herbs, sprouts, and seed. They receive a probiotic once a week via water and I've never had any issues. They get a clean bill of health every vet visit.

Is there anything I could do to help make the little one's life easier or try to lessen the damage of its rickets other than what's already being done? I've modified the environment to include more flat perches, which it enjoys. I'm not expecting for it to live a long life due to the severity of its disibility, but I'd like to give it a good one. Thanks in advance.

 

[SailBoat]

Get professional Help! Like an Avian Medical Professional, commonly known as a Certified Avian Vet CAV).

I understand the caring heart, but since you have a flock, why would you chance bringing any Parrot with medical issues into your home. Although 'Rickets' is commonly not seen as a transferable disease. Birds with weakened health can care illnesses that are transferable.

Talk with your Avian Medical Professional regarding Medical Protocols and your flock.

 

[Laurasea]

What a gorgeous ducky lol budgie!!!
Welcome to tge forum.

Everything that you have said from starting with an avian vet exam to foods perches and sunshine sounds great. I was wondering about splint too, but I have no experience with rickets.

I hope you keep us updated and informed . Glad you got this little one!
https://www.canadianveterinarians.net/documents/metabolic-bone-disease-or-rickets-in-birds

 

[bug_n_flock]

Thanks for helping this little one. Our precious Hima also thanks you.



It sounds as though you are doing everything right. I would schedule a vet visit asap, and I hope you are quarantining the new girl. As for lifespan, all you can do is take the best care of her you can, and appreciate her for the unique individual she is for as long as you have her. Our Hima is 2 years old now and going strong. <3 She is precious beyond words and a sparkling gem of my heart. We may not have her for 21 years or anything spectacular, but each day we do get with her is a treasure.



ENJOY your little one. They are really so special. <3