Limping Cockatiel

[ketch729]

Hi Everyone
I'm new to the group. I'm in Greensboro, NC and have a question aboout my pet Tiel.

Thursday night he flew off of my husband and started limping. I immediatley called the only Avian vet near us, an hour and half away to see what to do. They said to keep him calm, watch for shock and call our regular Vet on Friday. Our reg. Vet sees birds, but is not an avian specialist. We called him Friday and he said to watch him til Monday,which we are, but now I'm not so sure.

My Tiel, Perch acts normal except for the limp. He's eating, his eyes are bright, droppings normal, he's not fluffed up and still trys to climb so I guess it's not too bad, but I don't want him to be in pain or have permanant damage because I didn't go to the Vet sooner. He's curling his toes so, I'm pretty sure it's not broken, but he won't put any weight on and when he sits he leans to the other side that's not hurt.

Any thoughts?
Thanks, Suzanne

[JacquesZoo]

He might of just sprained it from what it sounds. Is he alone in the cage? If not you might want to remove him to prevent less stress. I heard this but not sure if it is true since its been awhile since I had a bird but put on some soothing music to help keep him calm. Other then that just listen to the vet.

[ketch729]

Hi:
Thanks for posting! Yes he is alone now. We've separated him from my other 2 Tiels and put his perches as low as they can go as well as his food and water bowls. I've been kepping him covered to keep him calm, but I've gotten him out some so he does't think he is being punished. He's so sweet and loving I think not lovin on him would make him more stressed out.
Suzanne

[Mygala]

It doesn't sound bad. The fact that he's putting at least some weight on it, and is able to work his toes is a good thing. That means it's most likely not a break.

Keeping him calm, so he doesn't aggravate it is the most important thing you can do at this point. Everything else you describe sounds good.

bob

[ketch729]

Thanks! It makes me feel better that others don't think it is that bad. Keeping him from wanting to climb is another story.

A question totally unrelated to my Tiel. Is Mygala the name of your bird in the picture? It is beuatiful. I want a big bird someday, but I'm scared it wouldn't get along with my Tiels.

Suzanne

[Mygala]

Her name is Tyaa, she's a Moluccan Cockatoo I've had since she was a few years old. She just turned 19. Don't worry about birds not getting along, you would never let a large parrot come in contact with a cockatiel. The risk is just too great.

Getting a large cockatoo is a MAJOR investment in time. I wouldn't trade Tyaa for the world, ...but if I'd known then what I know now.....

The expense of food, vet bills, caging, destroyed items, toys, etc has no doubt been in the thousands of dollars. The vacations (or weekends away) I never took because I couldn't find anyone to house sit ...that I would trust with my birds, all of these are things to consider before getting large birds. It's not a hobby, or just a pet. ...to do it right, it's a lifestyle.

bob

[ketch729]

Bob,
She is a Beaut! and I bet very spoiled.

I know what you mean about the expense, but they are my babies. My 1st Tiel kept breaking blood feathers so, we went to the Vet. My 2nd Tiel had to have surgery twice, I thought my little girl was egg bound and now Perch hurt his leg. I've been trying for years to add them as dependants on my taxes.

And speaking of Perch he went to the Vet today and although they didn't do X-rays they said after observing how active he was that they thought he was well on the mend, but to keep a watch in case anything changes. So Praise the Lord for that!
Suzanne