Concern over foot health.

Due to increased travel plans around Ireland, I 'gave' our African Grey to our (adult) daughter in the UK to keep and care for.
Everything has been fine until a UK visit last week, when she showed me that he had lost a front claw. Not broken, completely gone. On closer examination, I noticed that the top of the foot was more pink than scaly, and there seemed to be a small opening in the skin under the foot.
The parrot seemed a little quieter than usual, but I only saw him paying attention to the foot once during my visit. Other than that, he seemed fine.
The cage is clean and the bird is obviously looked after, but I'm worried about the situation with his foot.
I'd appreciate any advice as to the possible cause of the nail and scale loss.
Many thanks in advance.

Top on the Foot problems, although less common can occur.

Ensure that the basics are covered; that the Parrot is perching on natural branches, not dowels, and larger rather than smaller. The smallest should have varying diameter of 38 mm (1.5") with roosting perches a bit larger more like: 50 mm (2"). Yes, I understand that the problem is on the Top, but check the bottom pads looking for redness or pink color and/or cuts or breaks of the pads. If found, note the location(s).

Now looking at the claw structure, with comforting care, move your fingers from the nail toward the leg noting any abnormal or swollen bumps or knobs along the way. Check all eight claw structures and both legs up to the belly. Note any (all) abnormalities.

Problems of the type you noted is commonly the result of an injury, attack by it self, another Parrot or animal, or an illness. Since, such events can become infected it is important to have the Grey check by a CAV or a AQV (Certified Avian Vet or Avian Qualified Vet) as soon as possible.

The claw and leg structure of a Companion Parrot are very important due to the vast majority of time that they spend on them!

Thank-you, for being observant!

tonyb said:

Due to increased travel plans around Ireland, I 'gave' our African Grey to our (adult) daughter in the UK to keep and care for.
Everything has been fine until a UK visit last week, when she showed me that he had lost a front claw. Not broken, completely gone. On closer examination, I noticed that the top of the foot was more pink than scaly, and there seemed to be a small opening in the skin under the foot.
The parrot seemed a little quieter than usual, but I only saw him paying attention to the foot once during my visit. Other than that, he seemed fine.
The cage is clean and the bird is obviously looked after, but I'm worried about the situation with his foot.
I'd appreciate any advice as to the possible cause of the nail and scale loss.
Many thanks in advance.

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Many thanks for the reply and the info. I'll make sure my daughter takes the bird to the vat asap. Regards from Ireland.

Yes, thank you for being observant, and caring, and most of all, DOING SOMETHING!

A very short time ago, huge parts of North America became very sentimental about all things Ireland!

Sadly, my long business life had never found me on the shores of Ireland. The closest I came was at the far Western edge of England at a dock in which the boat had recently left and time would not allow a wait, a crossing and back to the Manchester's Air Port.

May green shores keep you in happiness!

tonyb said:

Many thanks for the reply and the info. I'll make sure my daughter takes the bird to the vat asap. Regards from Ireland.

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