On May 3rd I adopted a 1 mth old cockatiel with numerous congenital issues. More so for the sake of getting the bird away from the Craigslist "breeder" than in the interest of my own pocketbook. That being said, I am in dire need of advice. I have already seen 2 vets with the baby but I am still stumped as to what to do and there are no real fixes I have been offered. Opinions and knowledge welcome!.....
First off, the bird has an under bite. Has anyone had experience with manipulating the beak and lower mandible to correct this on a young bird and if so, has it worked? My bird's under bite is maybe 1/16" from the upper beak going over the lower, but it has his upper beak growing into it's tongue currently. I have been able to manipulate it and have held it in place for anything for a few seconds at a time to placing a piece of foam tape around the back of the bird's head and around the beak for a couple of hours. It seemed to help but of course it pops back into place when the apparatus is removed. Has anyone had luck with getting a beak to grow properly in the right direction contrary to how a bird was born?
Second, the bird was born with splay legs. I thought that is all the issue was, but it also appears to have a backwards lower leg from the knee down. In other words the right foot is backwards and it can only stand when fully hobbled. I have no issues with a disabled bird, but does anyone have any knowledge as to how to help strengthen what the bird has or has anyone dealt with surgery to correct a malformed leg?
Third, I think that the breeder damaged the air sacs that wrap around the back of the bird's neck. It could be from feeding or it could also be a congenital thing. Has anyone had any luck and if so, with air sacs that fill with food during hand feeding?
I obviously have my work cut out for me, but the bird is a month old and I think started this early, I can make a difference. The baby is a fighter and wants so badly to stand and to live!
First off, the bird has an under bite. Has anyone had experience with manipulating the beak and lower mandible to correct this on a young bird and if so, has it worked? My bird's under bite is maybe 1/16" from the upper beak going over the lower, but it has his upper beak growing into it's tongue currently. I have been able to manipulate it and have held it in place for anything for a few seconds at a time to placing a piece of foam tape around the back of the bird's head and around the beak for a couple of hours. It seemed to help but of course it pops back into place when the apparatus is removed. Has anyone had luck with getting a beak to grow properly in the right direction contrary to how a bird was born?
Second, the bird was born with splay legs. I thought that is all the issue was, but it also appears to have a backwards lower leg from the knee down. In other words the right foot is backwards and it can only stand when fully hobbled. I have no issues with a disabled bird, but does anyone have any knowledge as to how to help strengthen what the bird has or has anyone dealt with surgery to correct a malformed leg?
Third, I think that the breeder damaged the air sacs that wrap around the back of the bird's neck. It could be from feeding or it could also be a congenital thing. Has anyone had any luck and if so, with air sacs that fill with food during hand feeding?
I obviously have my work cut out for me, but the bird is a month old and I think started this early, I can make a difference. The baby is a fighter and wants so badly to stand and to live!