Possible pressure sores and maybe overweight

Alice18

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Mar 15, 2017
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Can these red areas on his foot be cured without medicine? We got him with one toenail missing, so I don't know what happened to it. He can still sit on one foot and has no trouble walking. Can sores form because of dry feet? I have never clipped his nails, but is that bad not to clip them? I think he may be a bit overweight because he sometimes wheezes after flying a lot. He never wheezes at rest or from walking around. His diet consists of mainly seeds. He sometimes eat fruits - grapes, apples, watermelon, etc. He refuses to eat vegetables though. I have tried feeding him carrots and leafy greens, but he throws those away. I let him out of his cage everyday, so he is free to fly whenever he wants. He prefers to sit on me most of the time though and occupies himself by biting my clothes or anything I'm holding. I kept refilling his seeds when I see that his food tray is almost empty, so maybe that is how he gained weight. I figured he is eating because he is hungry, and would stop if he is full. How can I get him to lose weight? I only refill his seeds every morning now. Thanks for any help.
 

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maverickbull

New member
Jun 18, 2016
69
0
Bangalore, India
Parrots
Alexandrine (hulk)
IRN (honey)
CAG (red)
My theory
Sores - I think are because of the way he's managing his weight (due to the missing nail)
What kind of perches does he have? This can help too (different sizes, types)
Medication - the feet does look like it needs some help...
I use aloevera mixed in water for my birds feet... But not sure it can cure sores
Over weight - first time hearing about an overweight IRN :D :D :D
They pretty much eat anything presented to them...
See if you can move away from a full seed diet. They are not naturally full fruit eaters as they don't compete with the fruit eaters... They are more the raw fruit eating types... So this means less sugar...
There are a couple of threads here that'll help on changing diet...

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk
 

plumsmum2005

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Nov 18, 2015
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Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
You could try feeding alternately a non dyed pellet and seeds but not together as they pick what they like and ignore the rest. IRN's need some protein by way of a little cooked meat. Have you tried cooked veggies and offering in different ways, chopped small, chunky not at all etc? It all makes a difference.

Re foot, please ensure perches are scrupulously clean to ensure no infection can get into this and the other thing is I would try moving the perches round if at all possible. have you different types in the cage?

Place him on a stand and then call him to you with a treat if all else fails, birds need exercise. I have a 'too that thinks I am his play stand, so know what it is to have a sedentary bird. Even getting them to walk about if all else fails.
 
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Alice18

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Mar 15, 2017
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  • Thread starter
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My theory
Sores - I think are because of the way he's managing his weight (due to the missing nail)
What kind of perches does he have? This can help too (different sizes, types)
Medication - the feet does look like it needs some help...
I use aloevera mixed in water for my birds feet... But not sure it can cure sores
Over weight - first time hearing about an overweight IRN :D :D :D
They pretty much eat anything presented to them...
See if you can move away from a full seed diet. They are not naturally full fruit eaters as they don't compete with the fruit eaters... They are more the raw fruit eating types... So this means less sugar...
There are a couple of threads here that'll help on changing diet...

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk

Thanks. What if my IRN licks his feet after I apply aloevera to it? Do you know what type of medicine will help his feet or do I have to visit a vet? His perches are wooden and circular.
 
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Alice18

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Mar 15, 2017
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You could try feeding alternately a non dyed pellet and seeds but not together as they pick what they like and ignore the rest. IRN's need some protein by way of a little cooked meat. Have you tried cooked veggies and offering in different ways, chopped small, chunky not at all etc? It all makes a difference.

Re foot, please ensure perches are scrupulously clean to ensure no infection can get into this and the other thing is I would try moving the perches round if at all possible. have you different types in the cage?

Place him on a stand and then call him to you with a treat if all else fails, birds need exercise. I have a 'too that thinks I am his play stand, so know what it is to have a sedentary bird. Even getting them to walk about if all else fails.

I tried thin carrot slices and chunky carrot slices. I even tried dipping the carrot into meat for a meaty smell. He does like eating meat. Every time I have a meal I would give him a piece. I just have the wooden circular perches that came with the cage. I try to clean the perches, but he poops in the same area every day, so there is a pile of poop stacking on areas of his perch. I will try to scrape it off today. I will try walking around because he likes to follow me instead of watching tv and letting him sit with me. Thanks.
 

plumsmum2005

New member
Nov 18, 2015
5,330
94
England, UK
Parrots
Lou, Ruby, and Sonu.
Fly free Plum, my gorgeous boy.
Chris's recipe for chop is what got me started on producing something appetising http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/60500-stressing-food-not-anymore-chop-convert.html so enclose that for your perusal.

If you can change his perches so that his feet get a change and they are not always in the same position on the same size perch. You can use safe wood/branches from trees locally sufficiently cleaned and dried also the sanded perches are good idea to keep nails trim. Yes great to letting him walk around just be careful and don't tread on him, easily done! Let us know how his feet progress but with clean and different perches I have hopes it will heal in no time.

PS BTW I have a fitted java wood perch, a rope perch, a sanded perch and a normal wooden one at the bottom so plenty of different sizes and textures.

http://www.scarlettsparrotessentials.co.uk/perches for your info to see how many different perches there are.
 
Last edited:

Owlet

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Oct 27, 2016
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Colorado
Parrots
Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
Thanks. What if my IRN licks his feet after I apply aloevera to it? Do you know what type of medicine will help his feet or do I have to visit a vet? His perches are wooden and circular.

Are they of varying diameter or all the same size? If they're all the same size I suggest going to your local pet store and picking up a couple more perches. Such as a sanded perch like plumsmum mentions along with a couple of varying diameter (nothinges too thin or thick though)

Aloevera is a non-toxic plant that is generally safe to consume and I believe that holds true in birds but I'll look into it.

Edit: From what I could find aloe is safe for birds to consume. I think it'd help the sore.

I believe the sores are from her being overweight since an all seed diet can become very fatty for a lot of parrots. I'm not too well versed in Indian ring necks but it might be the case. Since she's overweight she'd be putting a lot more pressure on her feat causing the sores. Treating them with the aloevera and water solution should help with pain and help it heal nicely. Primary concern is getting her to a healthy weight.

In addition to the aloe treatment you could wrap her favorite perch(s) in vet tape to provide something softer until the sores heal.

I know petsmart has a small selection of vet tape but it's on the pricier side for the amount you get. This is the cheapest place I've found to buy vet tape (really cheap for the amount you get)

http://www.sstack.com/equine-bandages-wraps/dura-tech-vet-flex-bandage/
 
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Alice18

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Mar 15, 2017
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Chris's recipe for chop is what got me started on producing something appetising http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/60500-stressing-food-not-anymore-chop-convert.html so enclose that for your perusal.

If you can change his perches so that his feet get a change and they are not always in the same position on the same size perch. You can use safe wood/branches from trees locally sufficiently cleaned and dried also the sanded perches are good idea to keep nails trim. Yes great to letting him walk around just be careful and don't tread on him, easily done! Let us know how his feet progress but with clean and different perches I have hopes it will heal in no time.

PS BTW I have a fitted java wood perch, a rope perch, a sanded perch and a normal wooden one at the bottom so plenty of different sizes and textures.

Perches For Parrots | Scarletts Parrot Essentials for your info to see how many different perches there are.

Thanks for the links. I just let him take a bath to clean his feet. I will probably get rope perches because his favorite swing to sleep on is a rope swing. He doesn't sit on the metal or wooden swing that much.
 
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Alice18

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Mar 15, 2017
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Thanks. What if my IRN licks his feet after I apply aloevera to it? Do you know what type of medicine will help his feet or do I have to visit a vet? His perches are wooden and circular.

Are they of varying diameter or all the same size? If they're all the same size I suggest going to your local pet store and picking up a couple more perches. Such as a sanded perch like plumsmum mentions along with a couple of varying diameter (nothinges too thin or thick though)

Aloevera is a non-toxic plant that is generally safe to consume and I believe that holds true in birds but I'll look into it.

Edit: From what I could find aloe is safe for birds to consume. I think it'd help the sore.

I believe the sores are from her being overweight since an all seed diet can become very fatty for a lot of parrots. I'm not too well versed in Indian ring necks but it might be the case. Since she's overweight she'd be putting a lot more pressure on her feat causing the sores. Treating them with the aloevera and water solution should help with pain and help it heal nicely. Primary concern is getting her to a healthy weight.

In addition to the aloe treatment you could wrap her favorite perch(s) in vet tape to provide something softer until the sores heal.

I know petsmart has a small selection of vet tape but it's on the pricier side for the amount you get. This is the cheapest place I've found to buy vet tape (really cheap for the amount you get)

Dura-Tech® Vet Flex Bandage in Bandages at Schneider Saddlery


One is big, two are medium sized, and one is small. Thanks for the advice!
 

maverickbull

New member
Jun 18, 2016
69
0
Bangalore, India
Parrots
Alexandrine (hulk)
IRN (honey)
CAG (red)
My theory
Sores - I think are because of the way he's managing his weight (due to the missing nail)
What kind of perches does he have? This can help too (different sizes, types)
Medication - the feet does look like it needs some help...
I use aloevera mixed in water for my birds feet... But not sure it can cure sores
Over weight - first time hearing about an overweight IRN :D :D :D
They pretty much eat anything presented to them...
See if you can move away from a full seed diet. They are not naturally full fruit eaters as they don't compete with the fruit eaters... They are more the raw fruit eating types... So this means less sugar...
There are a couple of threads here that'll help on changing diet...

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk

Thanks. What if my IRN licks his feet after I apply aloevera to it? Do you know what type of medicine will help his feet or do I have to visit a vet? His perches are wooden and circular.
Don't worry... Aloe is not poisonous...
It's used for birds with itchy skin who pluck feathers et al. (For the spray 4 parts water 1 part aloe)
Vet visit - why take a chance... Check with him. If he feels this will not become a serious infection you can always stick to Aloe.
Perch - see if you can give him different sized ones... It'll help him change the way he manages his weight.
Food - start with carrots lightly steamed then peas, sprouts, corn... Don't give up he'll eat it one day. Keep trying new things :)

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk
 
OP
A

Alice18

New member
Mar 15, 2017
11
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #11
My theory
Sores - I think are because of the way he's managing his weight (due to the missing nail)
What kind of perches does he have? This can help too (different sizes, types)
Medication - the feet does look like it needs some help...
I use aloevera mixed in water for my birds feet... But not sure it can cure sores
Over weight - first time hearing about an overweight IRN :D :D :D
They pretty much eat anything presented to them...
See if you can move away from a full seed diet. They are not naturally full fruit eaters as they don't compete with the fruit eaters... They are more the raw fruit eating types... So this means less sugar...
There are a couple of threads here that'll help on changing diet...

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk

Thanks. What if my IRN licks his feet after I apply aloevera to it? Do you know what type of medicine will help his feet or do I have to visit a vet? His perches are wooden and circular.
Don't worry... Aloe is not poisonous...
It's used for birds with itchy skin who pluck feathers et al. (For the spray 4 parts water 1 part aloe)
Vet visit - why take a chance... Check with him. If he feels this will not become a serious infection you can always stick to Aloe.
Perch - see if you can give him different sized ones... It'll help him change the way he manages his weight.
Food - start with carrots lightly steamed then peas, sprouts, corn... Don't give up he'll eat it one day. Keep trying new things :)

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk

I read that the oil droplets from aloe vera can get stuck in bird's lungs and be harmful to them. I forgot that he has eaten corn before, so I'll get him some this weekend. Thanks for your advice!
 

Owlet

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2016
2,750
1,886
Colorado
Parrots
Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
If its oil drops its probably a very concentrated form of aloe. So if you mixed it with a fair amount of water I believe it'd be fine.
Natural aloe is more of a gel
aloe-vera-gel-on-wooden-spoon-1.jpg
 

GaleriaGila

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Parrot of the Month 🏆
May 14, 2016
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Cleveland area
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The Rickeybird, 38-year-old Patagonian Conure
My 2 cents on diet...

I feed Harrison's pellets, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff. My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day.

As for perches...
I use nail-trimming perches... they can eliminate nail-trimming, which was always so stressful for me and the Rb. It took a few years, but I eventually established a pattern/rotation that keeps him trimmed. I haven't had to do his nails in 20-plus years. I keep a dowel as the main "highway" down the middle of the cage, but the special cement/trimmer/textured perches are all over.
A few brands... but there are many: Polly's Sand Walk... Pumice Perch... Trimmer Perch...
Be sure to introduce them gradually: they're abrasive to their tender feet at first. I LOVE them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are smooth on top and abrasive underneath. Very easy to install/clean, oo.
Sweet Feet and Beaks Pedicure Perch xsmall for parrots, Feather Fantasy
Best to resolve foot issues first.

I'd have my avian vet in on the whole process.

Good luck!
 
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A

Alice18

New member
Mar 15, 2017
11
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  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #14
If its oil drops its probably a very concentrated form of aloe. So if you mixed it with a fair amount of water I believe it'd be fine.
Natural aloe is more of a gel
aloe-vera-gel-on-wooden-spoon-1.jpg

Do you have a link to what I can buy?
 
OP
A

Alice18

New member
Mar 15, 2017
11
0
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #15
My 2 cents on diet...

I feed Harrison's pellets, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff. My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day.

As for perches...
I use nail-trimming perches... they can eliminate nail-trimming, which was always so stressful for me and the Rb. It took a few years, but I eventually established a pattern/rotation that keeps him trimmed. I haven't had to do his nails in 20-plus years. I keep a dowel as the main "highway" down the middle of the cage, but the special cement/trimmer/textured perches are all over.
A few brands... but there are many: Polly's Sand Walk... Pumice Perch... Trimmer Perch...
Be sure to introduce them gradually: they're abrasive to their tender feet at first. I LOVE them!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
These are smooth on top and abrasive underneath. Very easy to install/clean, oo.
Sweet Feet and Beaks Pedicure Perch xsmall for parrots, Feather Fantasy
Best to resolve foot issues first.

I'd have my avian vet in on the whole process.

Good luck!

Thanks. Today he is eating corn.
 

Owlet

Well-known member
Oct 27, 2016
2,750
1,886
Colorado
Parrots
Lincoln (Eclectus), Apollo (Cockatiel), Aster (GCC)
What is it? I might be able to find out. There's a good chance it's water as a filler but better safe than sorry.

Edit: Legally, some products have to be labelled as 99.8% since its illegal to put 100% in some cases because there's no way to know if it's truly 100% that. I know it's like that in the gold market but I wouldn't be surprised if it extended to other markets too.
 

maverickbull

New member
Jun 18, 2016
69
0
Bangalore, India
Parrots
Alexandrine (hulk)
IRN (honey)
CAG (red)
Thanks. What if my IRN licks his feet after I apply aloevera to it? Do you know what type of medicine will help his feet or do I have to visit a vet? His perches are wooden and circular.
Don't worry... Aloe is not poisonous...
It's used for birds with itchy skin who pluck feathers et al. (For the spray 4 parts water 1 part aloe)
Vet visit - why take a chance... Check with him. If he feels this will not become a serious infection you can always stick to Aloe.
Perch - see if you can give him different sized ones... It'll help him change the way he manages his weight.
Food - start with carrots lightly steamed then peas, sprouts, corn... Don't give up he'll eat it one day. Keep trying new things :)

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk

I read that the oil droplets from aloe vera can get stuck in bird's lungs and be harmful to them. I forgot that he has eaten corn before, so I'll get him some this weekend. Thanks for your advice!
Just use the sap from inside the plant with 4 parts water. I'm in India I grow it so not sure where you can buy them there. :)
You should get aloe concentrate or something somewhere...
Sorry can't help on where to get them.

Sent from my XT1092 using Tapatalk
 
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Alice18

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