Arthritis in Feet

[Merlee]

How does one know that a bird has arthritis in its feet?

 

[BillsBirds]

Arthritic birds will have trouble grasping perches, and bending their toes around things, and holding food with their foot. My Grey was over 40 years old when he started having problems. I put him in a low, wide cage. And replaced several perches with "platform perches". And covered the bottom grate with a towel to provide softer flooring.

 

[Merlee]

Thanks. I have a bird that pulls up one of it's feet quite often and I was starting to worry that we may have problems in the future. It may just have cold feet. I'll be monitoring it to see if there is any pattern.

 

[goalerjones]

Check his toes/feet for injuries. Also nail damage. How old is your bird?

 

[Merlee]

I have checked the feet and he seems fine. The bird is somewhere in his 20's. I may be worrying over nothing.

 

[goalerjones]

My vet and I had this talk, but Hahnzel is just coming up on his second hatchday. My vet told me to get rid of all the branches except to use some for climbing. He had me install 1x4 pieces of wood for his main feeding and sleeping perches so arthritis wont be a problem later on. I would suggest doing the same.

Just measure the total width of your cage and have them cut some birdsafe wood at your local supply/home store. Use non galvanized woodscrews and washers to the hold the wood securely in place. I have two planks in Hahnzels cage and a third one on his tree stand. It makes it a lot easier for him to eat, play, rest without fear of falling and or arthritis.

 

[MonicaMc]

Gout is another possible cause for concern.


When in doubt, it's best to seek the advice of an avian vet.