How to help Loki accommodate for his toe?

Kali

New member
Oct 19, 2017
4
0
Melbourne, Australia.
Parrots
Charlie the Galah (Rose Breasted) Cockatoo.
Hi guys,

I am posting as I have recently taken in a young cockatiel (I named him Loki) who has something wrong with his toe. I canā€™t figure out if he got it caught on something and ripped the talon out, or his talon was clipped too far back.

None of his other talons have been clipped, but it looks as though there is still a small part of it there, and that it HAS been cut.
I have been keeping it clean (very diluted ACV wash) and applying a bird safe barrier cream, as well as having an appointment with an avian vet tomorrow (itā€™s the weekend here). I have attached the best pictures that I could get of it, but itā€™s hard to see what Iā€™m talking about without seeing him firsthand.

My main concern is that it is obviously painful for him, and he is having trouble holding on with that foot from the pain. I am seeking advice on how best to keep him comfortable until he heals, and suggestions on how best to accommodate for his future - cage adjustments, perches, etc., as I donā€™t believe this talon will grow back.
He has a long, happy, love filled life ahead of him here with me, and I want to make sure that he is able to do everything that other birds can.

Thank you all! ā¤ļø Kali & Loki.
 

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MonicaMc

Well-known member
Sep 12, 2012
7,960
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Mitred Conure - Charlie 1994;
Cockatiel - Casey 2001;
Wild Caught ARN - Sylphie 2013
I've had and have birds with missing talons or even ones that had them but they weren't growing out normally. As long as their feet were healthy (i.e. they had no grip issues), I have not cared for them in any special way.

Since it's bothering him, thick or even flat perches may help give him some relief for the time being.


Will you be getting bloodwork and fecal done?
 

Mindy

New member
Nov 9, 2017
114
2
Michigan
Parrots
Finnegan the Timneh, Chicky the Cuban Amazon and Fanny Featherbottom the house chicken.
Ouch, I'm sure the vet will help you out on the pain part. As far as having one less talon, my amazon had a toe bitten half off (I assume as a baby). She's able to do normal bird things like climb and eat so it's no hinderance.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
For now assuring relative cleanliness and freedom from chewing/pecking while healing is most important.

Birds are amazingly adaptable and in the long run Loki should be fine. I have a few birds with missing talons and formerly injured toes and they perch/eat normally.
 

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