Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 1/3/2008

Question
 I have a baby budgie that is 2 weeks old.   He has I think what you refer to as, "splayed legs"   He is now just going in circles, and gets caught in corners of the cage.   I would like to know if there is any way I can fix this poor baby's legs.   I was told not to have shavings in the cage when babies are in there. Would it help now, if I put the shavings in there again?   Also, there are two babies, and the third one died shortly after hatching, so, this one could have leaned on the other one, right?  
Thanks, Jaclyn.

Answer
Hi, Jaclyn,

I found your question in the question pool this morning.  I don't know why it was not answered when you submitted it.

Please describe what you believe to be splay leg.  Splay leg is when one or both legs extend to the side instead of being completely under the bird.  Yes, you can try to repair splay leg.  Visit my website for more information:  www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html.  You can also Google "splay leg in parrots" for pictures and additional information.  You need to hobble the baby ASAP, as the sooner you do this, the better chances are the legs can be repaired.  

Shavings are not going to help this baby now.  What you need to use is Rubbermaid drawer liners cut to size (or something similar), which will provide friction under the babies legs.  Splay leg is caused by lack of friction under the bird when the bird tries to stand.  As a result, the leg(s) grow to the side.  Yes, splay leg usually occurs when only 1 hatchling is in the nest, but not always.  Just depends on the situation.

Good luck.

Chrys