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Birds--General/broken leg
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Question
We are watching our neighbor's budgie, very tame and social. We thought he
was aclimated to the house, and he flew pell mell down the hallway with the
dog in pursuit. By the time I got to him, he was inthe dog's mouth...I'm afraid
my dog has broken the bird's leg. I don't see any puncture wounds on his
body, but there is blood on his leg and he is guarding it and won't sit on it.
Right now I have cleaned the wound with a q-tip and peroxide, and have him
in a quiet place with the cage covered...what do I do now? Do you take a
budgie to the vet???
Hi, Julie,
Yes, there are avian veterinarians, also known as exotic animal vets (vets that treat reptiles and other exotics). Not the same as a cat/dog vet (your cat/dog vet knows nothing about birds). Since there is blood present, there is damage. I recommend you seek certified avian vet assistance for this bird. www.aav.org can help you locate a bird vet in your area.
Chrys
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Thank you, Chrys! the bird is doing much better today. He is eating, drinking, and "talking" to himself in the mirror as usual - although still guarding the left foot. I did call 3 avairian (sp? )one was out of town, the other two were booked. one wantied almost $200 for an emergency visit...which my husband nixed. They both were also requesting permission from the owners - who I am keeping in the dark about alI of this until I know how he is doing for sure - they come home on the 1st. I don't want to ruin their skiing vacation. I did get some advice from a lady who used to volunteer for Liberty Wildlife. She told me to pad the perch with t-shirt cotton, smooth so talons won't catch, making it softer and thicker, and to continue to keep him in a quiet, dark room, cage covered. She also told me she didn't think its leg was broken because of the way he was holding it for some reason...I bought some special "stress food", a new toy to interest him in, and put a millet spray and a treat stick in the cage. He has enjoyed the treats - so I was happy to see him interested in it. I will add the new toy tomorrow if he appears stronger. they only had the food cups, cuttlebone, mirror, and a small toy in the cage for him to play with. I feel terrible for this little bird! I'm a very compassionate person, but the owners have been "through" 3 birds in three years with their boys- and I know I have done more than they would have already. They enjoy the bird, but they have the attitude of it being a $20 pet - no big deal - which is why my husband threw such a fit about taking it to a specialized vet! thank you for your concern - I will keep a close eye on him, and if it starts to look like he is regressing, I will seek out the vet avenue again. Have a blessed New Year! | ||
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Answers by Expert:
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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