Urgent Foot injury

[Holly O]

My linneolated parakeet fell from a toy at the top of her cage to the floor of her cage. She landed quite hard on her feet and now seems to be favouring one foot. I don't see any visible signs of injury, but I don't want to stress her out by removing her from her cage for a closer look.

I'm new to birds - how serious could this be? If it seems to stop in the next little bit, is she ok? How soon to see a vet? Thank you.

 

[iamwhoiam]

It may be good to take her out and have a closer look at the foot to see if there is any swelling or redness. If you don't see any improvement with the foot and her behavior changes then you want to take her to the vet.

 

[Hankmacaw]

It's just like with your child - he may not want to do something, but if it's for his welfare you make him do it. Take your baby out and look at BOTH FEET AND HER KEEL. Make sure something isn't broken and check for swelling and bruising on the keel area.

I would put her in a padded carrier cage, so she can be watched closely for awhile.

 

[Beth In Alaska]

Rio recently hurt a foot and favored it a little for a couple of hours. She flew and walked on it, but would then hold it up like it hurt. Since her keel was fine, and she could walk, I decided to wait a few hours to see if it resolved and it did. I would check her for injury and see how she fares.

 

[Holly O]

Rio recently hurt a foot and favored it a little for a couple of hours. She flew and walked on it, but would then hold it up like it hurt. Since her keel was fine, and she could walk, I decided to wait a few hours to see if it resolved and it did. I would check her for injury and see how she fares.

This is exactly what's going on here.

 

[Holly O]

It's just like with your child - he may not want to do something, but if it's for his welfare you make him do it. Take your baby out and look at BOTH FEET AND HER KEEL. Make sure something isn't broken and check for swelling and bruising on the keel area.

I would put her in a padded carrier cage, so she can be watched closely for awhile.

Had a thorough look. No swelling, bruising, or breaks that I can detect. Normal activity has resumed. I will continue to monitor closely.

 

[Holly O]

A question though, how does one properly assess the keel?

 

[Hankmacaw]

First look for any blood. Then brush the feathers back from the keel and look for bruises. Then run your finger down the keel to feel any bumps or obvious broken areas. If everything is positive then his keel is fine.

 

[Holly O]

First look for any blood. Then brush the feathers back from the keel and look for bruises. Then run your finger down the keel to feel any bumps or obvious broken areas. If everything is positive then his keel is fine.

Thank you!

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Glad your little girl seems better, they sure know how to scare us!

 

[iamwhoiam]

Good to read that she is doing better.

 

[Holly O]

Not out of the water yet. She climbed and played and ate this afternoon, then seemed to pay for it in the evening and began to limp and favor her hurt foot again. There is no swelling or discolouration though, off to the vet tomorrow I guess...

 

[iamwhoiam]

Sorry that her foot is still bothering her. Maybe she caused the problem to flare up again with her climbing and playing. Keep us updated.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

Oh, darn! Hopefully it will improve after some rest.