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Birds--General/Parakeet's Feet

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Expert: - 11/4/2006


Question
Hi,

One of my four parakeets has lost its ability to curl its toes/feet in order to grab the perches.  Other than that it seems quite healthy.  It now spends most of its time at the bottom eating seeds and where I've set a water dish for it.

Is there a disease that causes something like this?  

Thanks, Sue

Answer
Hi, Sue.  Thanks for posting!

It could be a disease, could be arthritis, could be a muscle or nerve problem, maybe a stroke?, etc.  You really need to take this bird to an avian veterinarian for an evaluation.  Not a cat/dog, but an exotic animal vet.  If you need help with this, let me know.

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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