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Birds--General/Budgie has broken foot?

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Expert: - 8/29/2010


Question

Maggie's foot
Hi there! I got a baby budgie a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, yesterday, my 2-year-old nephew (despite us telling him he was not to open the cage) let her out, and before we realized, he chased after her and (from what he tells us) his palm hit her leg as he was trying to catch her.
Now she will not put her left leg down - she just holds it up. I am worried about (a) her leg - what if it's broken? and (b) getting water. I can't force her to drink. I don't know if she's going to get her water.
Should I wait a couple days before seeing a vet? What can vets do about a broken bird foot?

Answer
Hi, Deana!

I can't tell anything from the photo.  If you suspect your bird's leg might be broken, you need to get her to an avian vet ASAP.  I can't determine this from looking at the photo...someone with avian knowledge would have to examine her and make that determination.  If it is broken, the longer you wait, the bigger chance of the vet not being able to fix your bird's leg and your bird developing other problems as a result.  It's possible she has suffered a minor injury that might heal in a few weeks, but I wouldn't take that chance.  Budgie's bones are so tiny and fragile, it doesn't take much to cause damage.

You'll need to place her water bowl (or water bottle) close to where she is perching so she can get to it.  Many times when a bird is injured, it doesn't go to water like it normally does due to the stress associated with being injured.  Sometimes, a bird will even go into shock as a result of an injury.  You'll bird will get to water when she's ready, unless she's physically unable to do so.  If this is the case, you definitely need to call your avian vet first thing in the morning.  Monitor the water level in her water dish (or bottle) in order to see if she's consuming any.  If the level goes down, you know she's drinking.  You'll have to watch her closely.

An avian vet (not a dog/cat vet) can first x-ray the leg to see if it is, in fact, broken (if a visual determination can't be made).  If so, the vet can splint the leg PROPERLY so it will heal correctly.  If not, the vet will decide what needs to be done based on what s/he sees.  Don't wait to see the vet if necessary.  The consequences might be a disabled bird.

Chrys

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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