Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 2/22/2007

Question
at one time I did use the sand covered perch until this problem developed. No blood/pus/injury. No wound what so ever, but it is equivalant to pressure sore in humans, I think. You can see a raised area which since this began has subsided and reappeared.It Poor Bird has been on one leg for a day or two now. No bird vet in close proximity. probably greather than 3 hours away. I am currently with DOD at Ft Benning. Any help would be appreciated. The bird still has a strong will to keep going
Thanks
Laurie
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
my 10 year old budgie has developed a sore on the bottom of  one of his feet. I have tied everything such as mole skin on the perch. This most recent episode he seems to be having a difficult time healing. what can i do to heal this
-----Answer-----
Hi, Laurie.  Thanks for posting!

What would cause your budgie to develop a sore on the bottom of one of his feet...are you using sandpaper covers on the perches in it's cage or anything similar?  Is this a wound of some sort?  Any bleeding or puss or infection?

I'm asking because this might be something for an avian veterinarian to evaluate, particularly if it isn't healing.

Can you provide more details about the situation, severity of the wound, etc.?

Chrys

Answer
Hi again, Laurie.

It might take a week or 2 to heal if there's no infection, pus, etc.  I'd recommend keeping something soft and comfy wrapped around the perch(es) to aid in healing, but not something the bird's toenails can get caught in.  I'd also "pad" anything else in his/her cage that might aggravate the area.  Definitely don't use sandpaper perch covers...they are bad for parrot's feet.

Not knowing how friendly your bird is, you might want to soak that foot (if the bird will allow it...let him/her stand in some warm water in a dish or other), then apply a light coating of vaseline or something to keep the area a bit moist.  If bird won't tolerate soaking, just keep the perches, etc., wrapped until your bird is able to use its foot again.  You may even need to place your bird in a temporary "hospital" cage without perches until s/he gets better (the bird would stand on the cage bottom versus on a perch).  

Due to your bird's age, it might be necessary to have avian veterinary intervention.  Your budgie is old as budgie's go and sometimes the elderly don't heal as well/quickly as younger budgies might.  Definitely watch for any signs of infection.  You might want to check www.aav.org to see if you can find a bird vet locally just in case.

Chrys