Parrotlette with stiff feet

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Parrotlette with stiff feet

by Nancy
(Orange, Ca., USA)

Tiki and his friend the chicken!

Hello, Our 11 yr. old Pacific Parrotlette is not able to grasp with his right foot and the left foot seems to be getting stiff also. He is very thin, however, he is eating his food and his greens. I have put Ornacyn-plus in his water for the last 7 days. This seems to have perked him up. Before I gave him the Ornacyn-plus he was just sitting in a corner and would not talk. Now he is talking again. He seems normal except for his feet. Do you have any ideas as to what is going on?

Thank you,
Nancy

Comments for
Parrotlette with stiff feet

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Dec 19, 2010

Parrotlet with stiff feet
by: The Avian Vet

You should never use over-the-counter antibiotics! These will only mask the symptoms and make it difficult to determine the cause of the problem. Discontinue their use immediately and never use them again. You need to get your bird to see an avian veterinarian immediately. This is a very serious problem. The weight loss and feet problem may be an indication of kidney disease or even failure.

Dr B

Dec 19, 2010

Parrotlette with stiff feet
by: Linda

Hi and thanks for writing. We recommend people never give over the counter meds because we don't know what kind of infection our birds have or if it could be another physical problem. Your bird is sick, and needs to be seen in person by an Avian Vet. Do not give anymore over the counter meds including those found in pet stores. The antibiotics they carry are generalized to the point where they may or may not work. What they are is very strong meds which are very hard on the kidneys and liver.

Take your bird to a licensed Avian Vet and have a throat swab done to check for bacterial infections. Have some blood work done to see how organs are functioning as well. Your bird is sick and will most likely get worse instead of better. Once bird is well, start the changeover from seeds to organic pellets if you have not already done so. All seed diets are slow starvation diets and birds tend to get sick and stay that way if not being fed wholesome, organic pelleted diets. Harrisons High Potency would be a good one to start with, and later you can move bird over the the regular Harrisons if you wish. We also mix in a few of Golden Feast's Glo'bules and give them the Harrisons Birdy Bread a few times a week as a treat. Keep fruit and veggies down to only a small amount a few times a week once bird is eating majority of pellets. Here is a link to how to go about the change. Make no changes until your bird has been seen by an Avian Vet and evaluated. The foot issue can be related to diet and either a lack of calcium, too much calcium or a Vitamin A lack.
Switching Birds to Pellets article.

Let us know what the Avian Vet has to say and we wish you the very best in getting your little one on the road to health.

Linda

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