Someone said they thought Twitter had splayed legs. His stance seems a little wide, and he's very pigeon toed (the cage he was in at the store had no perches.) But pics I've seen online seem much more drastic. I'd like another opinion, and thoughts about still trying to correct. He's about 8 weeks old.

 

They don't look splayed to me. He's only a baby give him time to get more strength and he seems to sit on the perch okay, l wouldn't worry.

i was going to ask before if he was french moult bird, as his feathers are a little 'patchy'. He is standing okay if a little wide but as Nadene said some young ones do for a while for balance. Since he can perch and move you don't have to worry.

Thank you so much! You've given me some badly needed reassurance.

 

Nerwen, your comment about French Molt, send me Googling... I think you may be right on target. In addition to the tufts on top of his head, he has a stripe that is unfeathered along the top of each wing. You can see it in this picture. He also has one of the shorter tail feathers that is at a funny angle. I noticed it today and took hold gently to see - it WAS still attached. This could really explain a lot.

 

 

I've noticed, too, that he seems week. I realize that with clipped wings he won't be able to fly, but he doesn't have nearly the strength that the others do. One perch is about 5" (12.7cm) from the bottom of the cage and it usually takes him several attempts to flutter up to it.

 

The article I found didn't have much to say about helping this baby, except that he MIGHT grow normal plummage when he molts at 6- 8 months... I put the heat lamp back up, pointed toward one end of the perch I've set low for him. He has moved right over to that end, so I think he appreciates the extra heat. (I'm sure my home is cooler than he's used to, so that's not helping.)

 

The article suggested animal protein and supplements for breeders... would that help him at this point? I did give them all a hard boiled egg today, which he wolfed down with everyone else.

 

Any futher suggestions would be greatly appreciated. He's learning the 'step up' cue, and becoming quite comfortable around me. Today he climbed up onto my shoulder and chewed my hair. I'm really attached to the little fella.

Edited October 27, 201212 yr by ima.snowbird

Hi he looks to me more like he was badly plucked in the nest which would account for the patchy regrowth and bald shoulders.

Some of the damage may be permanent if the feather folicules are damaged, but it shouldn't effect the health of the bird.

His weakness and the slight turning of his feet can be caused from under nourishment, if he was plucked in the nest he would have needed lots of energy just to keep warm and to replace the feathers.

Cheers Jenny

I was thinking the same thing as Hilly when I saw his bald shoulders. I have two budgies with similar patches, which I was told was a sign of the mother plucking. Mine are three years old now, and never did grow normal feathers in those spots, but otherwise they are fine.

 

It's a good thing you have given him a low perch and a heat lamp. It looks like he is molting, too, which adds its own stress, so the warmth and extra nutrition from eggs will probably help a lot. Molting supplements and breeding supplements are good. You can buy "egg biscuit" at pet stores, but you can also make your own. If you search in the Food/Nutrition section of the forum, you will find lots of recipes for different things you can make. I'm sure there are several versions of homemade egg and biscuit recipes.

 

In one of your other threads, you asked if he could be around 8 weeks old. I would have to say that if he experienced nutritional difficiencies in the nest, his growth could be stunted, and he wouldn't be as far advanced as his actual age. They sometimes do go into their first molt at 8 weeks, but it's a lot more common for it to happen between 3 and 5 months. His age is really only important for knowing when he's old enough to breed, which is usually around one year old. But in his case, I'd advise letting him get even older, since he has had a rough start. And also watching his progress, because if it's not actually a nutritional problem, but maybe some type of birth defect, you wouldn't want to pass that on to the chicks.

 

But it sure sounds like he's a sweetie, and making great progress in taming, so maybe he's just destined to be a great pet. On the other hand, if he does grow up strong and healthy, that temperament could be a good thing to pass on to his chicks.

seeing that last photo I agree that it could just be plucking issues from the nest. As to the feathers in ether case it is a wait and see deal. I would keep up the warmth and fresh food as it is always good in times off stress (new home, moult)

Twitter is huddled in front of the heat lamp, head tucked in, standing on one foot. This is the worst I've seen him.

 

I'm going to move him to a hospital cage, and away from the others... I don't know anything else to do for him. Is it cruel to let nature take it's course or should I try to get him to a vet?

Does he have any other symptoms? Because it is actually a good sign if he is sleeping on one foot. Sleeping on two feet means they are not well enough to balance properly. In the absence of other signs of sickness, I would just let him enjoy the heat, and coddle him a little through the molt.

 

Also, if you decide to take him to a vet, you will be wasting your money if you take him to a regular vet. You have to make sure you find one that is an actual certified Avian Veterinarian.

Oh, Finnie, once again, you've thrown me a lifeline! I didn't think he should be sleeping this time of day, but I guess if he's trying to build strength that would make sense.

 

I have found a certified avian vet, listed on aav.org. And not far to drive. But money is an issue for me right now. (I spent it all on the birds!)

 

He's out of the cage at the moment. I was hoping for some quality time with him. I will put him in the hospital cage where I can monitor his eating and pooping.. I guess there's hope for this little guy yet.

 

When I surfed your website,Finnie, and saw what you have, and what you charge... I'm kicking myself all over the place for not waiting.

Edited October 29, 201212 yr by ima.snowbird

When I first saw the picture of him I thought he had french moult too. I have a french moult bird and he looks similar. I didn't want to say anything in case I was wrong and upset you. The only difference is my bird has a wide gap between his wings at the back. His tail looks very similar though.

 

I wanted to put a picture of Titch in here but it wont work.

Edited October 30, 201212 yr by phoenix