Over the last few days my budgie has started to bring his rear longer toe to the front so that he has 3 toes at the front and leaves one at the back. He is finding it uncomfortable and keeps chewing his foot until he manages to put it back properly.

 

Other than this, he seems fine in himself - flying around the house and chatting/eating/drinking.

 

We cut his nails last night in the hope that this would help (not that his nails were very long) and also removed the sanded perch.

 

He is about 12 yrs (although we aren't sure), but he is slowing up a bit.

 

I'm not aware of him injuring it at any time.

 

Has anyone else come across this problem or have any suggestions?

 

Many thanks

 

EDIT - Here is a photo:-

 

Edited February 6, 201114 yr by Claire W

Is there any reddening of his foot, any swollen parts? It could be arthritis. Call your avian vet and see if he can be seen and be given anything for pain if it is arthritis or a disorder.

Is there any reddening of his foot, any swollen parts? It could be arthritis. Call your avian vet and see if he can be seen and be given anything for pain if it is arthritis or a disorder.

 

Thanks Elly. there doesn't seem to be any swelling on his bad foot, but the other does look slightly larger than usual, so you may well be right about the arthritis. We are taking him to an avian vet this afternoon. I'll let you know how we get on.

 

Thanks.

Please keep us updated.

Please keep us updated.

 

The vet thought it could have been one for three things.

- arthritis

- injury

- neurological (possibly a tumour pressing on a nerve in his foot)

 

He gave budge a painkiller (metacam) injection and then for a few days gave him some more in medicine form. But it didn't seem to make much difference and therefore unlikely to be either arthritis or an injury.

 

The next step would be to give budge an xray, but since he's fairly old anyway we decided against it. Budge seems fine in himself (other than the wobbles!) so we are going to see how things go.

Awww... sorry you didn't get a nice easy answer. I hope he continues to be fine in himself and has many more months/years with you. My only suggestions would be to help him fix his toes when you notice (if he doesn't mind you bothering him all the time) and maybe find the best perches for him. I'd use natual ones, and I'd try different thickness'. Put a few different ones in and see which ones he prefers. Then use that size. Good luck!

Thank you for your advice maesie. He seems to want to correct his toe himself, but I will keep checking he does.

As you mentioned the different size perches are a good idea. I'll try him with some different widths.

 

Thanks again.