Poop shackles! URNGENT!

[SilverSage]

We went to see a man about a cage and came home with 8 baby budgies with their feet encased in marble-sized globs of hardened poop, beaks so dirty they are being warped, and poo in their nostrils. Once we saw them we couldn't leave them there! It looks like 2 clutches between 1.5 and 4 weeks old. Any ideas on how to remove the hardened poop from their feet and beaks? It is rock hard and there are globs on each toe, so most of the babies are dragging around 8 marbles of poop instead of being able to use their feet. We will post pictures once the crisis is over but for now we could really use suggestions! Thanks!

 

[Bundiibird]

Can you soak them off? I would thin maybe the water would soften the poop.

 

[Terry57]

One of my button quail came to me that way as well with her feet encased in poop. I put her in a small travel cage with the grate in it, and lowered the cage into a couple of inches of lukewarm water with reg. Dawn dish soap in it. I only lowered it until it covered her feet. I let it soak for 10 minutes, then rinsed her feet and changed the water, and repeated. I did end up coming off, but you don't want to pull on it because it can take their toe tips with it. You just want to let it soak off a little at a time. Stay right with them while you do it to keep an eye on them.
Bless you for rescuing those poor babies.

 

[SilverSage]

Update, they are clean now, but the big concern is temperature and feeding. I am concerned that they may have yeast in their crops....

 

[RavensGryf]

I'm glad they're all clean now. How sad. All you can do is try your best.

Though it's not a funny matter, I was busting up at "poop shackles"

 

[Betrisher]

Bless you for saving these poor little babies! I'm glad the poop shackles came off. All you can do is, as Julie said, your best. Keep them warm, make sure they have food and water and just observe them. It could be they'll have trouble walking and perching after the PS, so you might want to put paper on the floor of the cage to help them get about. Best of luck with the little darlings and may all good things come your way for this kind deed! XX

 

[Allee]

Thank you for bringing these little sweethearts home and removing their shackles. I'm looking forward to seeing updates and photos when you get them past the crises. They are fortunate you found them.

 

[SilverSage]

They are all doing well! We are beginning the weaning process, and right now all but one seems to be thriving. One I think may have injured her mouth somehow, because she begs for food and eagerly take the syringe, but as soon as it is in her mouth she tosses her head and backs off, only to beg again. it seems to me like she is feeling pain when she tries to feed. We have adapted the best we can, and she is beginning to eat seeds.

I would prefer to wean to pellets, but half of them have warped beaks and I am afraid they won't be able to crunch them. I am offering both, but so far only seeing interest in seeds - I am honestly relieved and somewhat surprised they can eat the seeds!

 

[Allee]

I'm so happy to hear this good news. I know you've worked hard for them, it must be wonderful to see them thrive. Sorry one of them is having trouble eating, I hope it's just temporary. I agree, I don't think I would worry too much about the pellets just yet, but I would continue to offer the tiniest pellets I could find, so when they are a little older the pellets will be familiar. Hugs to all of you.