Birds ( Cockatiels ) with broken legs.

[yelofox]

Does any one know if birds can adapt to only having one leg?

My life time pet Cockatiel has stopped useing one of his legs - he just drags it around - hes going to the vets tomorrow to get it checked out - could he cope if they amputated it - is it even possible?

Any help/advice greatly recived as im worrying myself to death the vets will want to put him to sleep :(

[lankeela]

You see lots of pigeons with one injured leg which they either drag or carry, and there was all that hoo ha the other week when someone had a pet chicken's leg amputated and it cost thousands of pounds, so I would think your cockatiel has a good chance of recovery and living a normal life, good luck tomorrow.

[yelofox]

Thanks - youve made me feel a bit better :)

Ive got my fingers crossed for tomorrow.

[Kleiber]

A few years ago, we had a one-legged female chaffinch who came to our bird-table. She visited for about 4 years.

[yelofox]

The thing is hes 21 and had limited mobility anyway because he was born with a deformed foot - he is getting around his cage at the moment even tho its a bit of a strugle for him - he leans against the side of the cage so he doesnt fall off his favorite perch.

The deformed foot is the one that he isnt dragging.

Im probaly worrying for the sake of worrying - it breaks my heart watching him struggle - if the vet can do anything to make it easyer for him - il pay anything to help him.

[Spikey88]

I'm sure if your Cockatiel is eating & drinking ok...the vet's won't want to put him to sleep & it is amazing how birds can adapt if they are cared for (I had a deformed chicken...from a chick.. which survived the onslaught of 499 other normal chickens...they can be cruel bullies!!)
I really do wish you all the best for tomorrow xxxxxxxxxxxx

[Kleiber]

Poor old chap -he's done well, then, hasn't he, to get to 21.
I've got a hen who was hatched with twisted feet and she still manages to get up the ramp into the hen - house every night. I don't know how old cockatiels live - is 21 ancient, or is it just middle-aged? Whatever - good luck at the vet's.

[wolf63]

The only member of our family who is a bird fan is Frankie the cat - he watches them out of the window for hours. I am going to buy him a little anorak and a pair of binoculars for his Christmas.

I have seen loads of birds in the town, pigeons I think, that have deformed feet or legs missing and they are still managing to make a living out of scavenging. If they can manage out in the bad old world I am sure your bird will be okay.

I had a friend who had a Cockatiel and she said they were great characters and good company.

Best wishes.

[yelofox]

Thankyou everyone for your kind words - I will let you know how we get on tomorrow - well looking at the time today. x

[what..the?]

I heard about a ladies cockatiel once while in a pet shop we bumped into each other buy cockatiel books and talked about them.

She said she had one with one leg supposedly it had injured it leg and it had been bandaged. One day she went to clean and rebandage the leg and when she took the bandage off the leg just went of with it - detached.

The little guy was fine otherwise and lived out it life just fine without it. Of course it took time to get used to and envolved some falling about. If your bird's wings are clipped I would suggest lowering the perches just incase he takes a bad fall, I would tend to do so anyway for a while, then again I am too protective. If he has not been using it already then he might be well used to a wobbly life and therefore will adjustment alot quickier.

If only they made false legs for birds it would mean they could stand on one and scratch with the other, which I know is a big hobby of theirs!

I hope he will be ok, and the outlook is good. Take care!

[yelofox]

Well the vets said hes got a calcium defishionsy (sorry cant spell diyslexic) and gave me some powder to put on his food that should make his bones stronger.

The bottom of his cage has 5 inches of chippings, so when he falls off his pearch he has a soft landing.

Im soooo releived!!! - I thought it might have been the end for him, him being so old.

:) :) :)

[Spikey88]

Good to hear you got on ok :o) & hopefully the powder will start working soon.Nice to have some good news.All the best for you both xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

[lankeela]

Good news, pleased for you both.

[lankeela]

Do yu give him cuttlefish, as my snails need this for calcium to help their shells grow and stay healthy.

[yelofox]

Have tryed cuttlefish a few times in the past - he didnt touch it - bought one today to try him again - but so far untouched.

[Kleiber]

Hi, yelofox - I'm glad to hear that the wee chap's doing ok. It was nice of you to come back & give us all an update. Good luck! K xx

[wolf63]

I bet that you are relieved. It is horrible seeing an animal in pain or discomfort, but when it is a family animal it is so much worse.

Get well soon to your bird and best wishes to you.

Susan

[yelofox]

William looks perkeyer already and is eating his cuttlefish.

Thanks to all again

Claire x