Ask Lafeber

Cockatiel one foot issue.

My beloved cockatiel of eight years is having issues closing one foot/claw for last 3 weeks and losing balnce on perches and when walking. Other than that, he seems happy. He wobbles and losses balance when walking, but sings all the time, very alert and engages with me. He has a large indoor cage, and the cage is open all day (closed at night). Usually likes hanging out on top of cage which has food, water and toys. He can still fly and uses wings and beak for balance to climb cage or to maintain balance if he slips off the perch. I just read your great article regarding cockatiel with one foot or no feet. I am ordering Vet wrap today. Thank you for that info. I also have traditional perches and flat perches. My bird loves the flat perches over the last 8 years along with the regular perches. Is there anything else do to for my bird. Is their any over the counter vitamins I can add to his water? Any other suggestions to help my bird adapt to his new life being slightly disabled?
Thank you for listening.
Blessings….

Hi,

If you haven’t taken him to an Avian Vet, you should take him. There can be many causes for sudden lameness and many are very treatable. As for what you are doing to help him in his cage, it all sounds great. Yes, vet wrap is great. See what the Vet says as far as supplements go.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda