budgie bumblefoot

[rbird]

Has anyone heard of bumblefoot in budgies?
Ours has difficulty perching of an evening and loses his balance whilst nodding off.
We prop him up with a second perch under his bum.
He still seems to slip down the perch he is on though.
Dorothy and Ross

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Ross & Dorothy

[birdboy6]

Hi
yeah i've heard about bumblefoot in budgies. I read that you can use rope perches to help comfort their feet. There are also perches that are flat and easier to grip onto.
http://petshub.com/ubb/smile.gif

[rbird]

thanks BB6,
first response we've had - sounds worth a try - managed to get him to perch using a second one immediately behind him but he still slips down the front one eventually - atleast he's getting some sleep and is in a much better spirit the next day
thanks again
Ross and Dorothy

[prettybird]

Bumblefoot: The common name for an infection on the bottom of the feet. It is usually caused by dirty perches, sandpaper-covered perches, poor nutrition, vitamin A deficiency, and obesity. This condition can potentially cripple the bird. A toe or a joint higher up the limb swells up as a result of the bacterial infection. On the underside of the foot an open sore can develop, making it painful for the bird to use the affected limb.

Treatment: Veterinary care which will probably include antibiotics, topical medications, and bandages. In advanced cases surgery to open the wound and removing the debris may be needed. In addition to veterinary care improving the diet and padding the perches are helpful.

All the best,

Sabrina http://www.prettybirdie.com