Birds--General/Injured leg

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Expert: - 11/6/2006


Question
My 3 month old Quaker will not put one of her legs down.  Not at all! We have no idea how she may have hurt herself. This has been going on for 6 days now and there are absolutely no signs of change.  I took her to what I was told is a great Avian vet and all he did was feel her leg, say it isn't broken, gave her a cortizone injection (he said in case there was any swelling)and was gone. He said she may have gotten caught on something or fallen and caused some soft tissue damage.  How long should I wait before I expect a change?  I am worried that she will never put her foot down again.  

Answer
Hi, Susan.  Thanks for posting!

I think the vet is probably right.  Parrots get leg/foot injuries a lot and we don't even notice.  Babies are more likely because they are curious and clumbsy!  S/he probably got it caught in something, got his/her nail caught in something, etc., and pulled a muscle in the leg/shoulder.  Sometimes these injuries heal quickly, sometimes it might be a week or two.  Also, babies are "babies" when it comes to injuries.  This might be his/her first injury and she isn't sure what to think.  Give your bird some more time.  Of course, if things get worse, call the vet.  But s/he'll likely be better soon.

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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