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Birds--General/parakeet leg color change

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Expert: - 12/9/2008


Question
We noticed tonight that Blueberry, our healthy 8-year old parakeet who's normally quite lively and talkative, wasn't making any noise.  I took him out of his cage and his legs seemed more white than the usual pink, and his feet were cold.  They're normally very warm.  Also, after a few minutes of sitting on my finger, he seemed to lean forward and almost lose his balance.  We're very concerned and puzzled, and would love your input. Thank you so much.

Answer
Hi, Marianne,

From what you describe in your post, it seems your bird might have some type of circulatory problem in his legs/feet.  I recommend you make an avian veterinary appointment for your bird ASAP in order to see what is going on with your bird, particularly with the imbalance issue you mention.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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