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Question
our budgie seems very distressed, his leg is stiff and folded back, he seems to be panting, moving his beak up and down. He is resting on one leg in a strange position on his food tray. He may have heat stroke but we are not sure why his foot is bent back. Can you help?
Hi, Suzanne,
You need to get this bird to a certified avian vet ASAP. Your bird may have had a stroke or something similar. The panting/open mouthed breathing could be due to high heat, could be respiratory infection or it could be other. If this bird is female (brown/tan/beige/white cere), the bird could be eggbound, which is an emergency situation for a bird.
Do not hesitate. Get this bird to an emergency clinic if necessary.
Chrys
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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, 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 a certified avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Over 20 years breeding/raising/handfeeding/selling 15 different species of parrots.
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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