My bird falls, can't grip. Could it be egg binding with no egg?

Thanks for reaching out about your pigeon. Egg binding is a common cause for inability to utilize the legs, if an egg is still in the uterus or has damaged a nerve while passing. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. If can not stand, remove perches and provide a soft towel on which to sit. Ensure that food and water are easily accessible. Review diet to include vitamins and minerals, best in the form of fresh vegetables. Good luck.

Most birds will lay one egg every other day. The condition is more common in smaller breeds, and can be more serious as well. Ideally, she should be examined by a veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. If one is unavailable right now, provide supplemental heat, about 90 F. Soak her for 20-30 minutes in a warm Epsom salt solution, enough to submerge her vent. Dry thoroughly then use a sterile lubricant (or vegetable oil) around the vent. Monitor for lethargy, straining or difficulty breathing. If she develops any of these symptoms, she should be seen at the nearest veterinary ER immediately. Be sure to feed a balanced diet and provide a cuttlebone or mineral block for additional calcium. Limit seeds and offer mainly a commercial pelleted diet (Harrison's, Lafeber, KayTee Exact or Pretty Bird) supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi and including a photo. Could she be egg bound? That will often place pressure on the nerves going to the leg. Calcium deficiencies can manifest in bone and/or nerve problems. A radiograph is recommended to assess bone density and if egg bound. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give aid. Removing perches and placing a soft towel on the bottom of the cage can also give comfort. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Piper. You need to see a veterinarian as soon as possible even if not an avian veterinarian. Heat support can give aid but is not a treatment. Calcium deficiencies are common reasons for egg binding, but just giving oral medications won't be enough. You need to see a local veterinarian, even if this means an emergency visit today. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Bulbul and including photos, although the photos do not include the legs. A loose leg is likely a fracture, dislocation or neurologic problems, each requiring a veterinary visit to treat. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to weak bones, more likely to fracture. Veterinary intervention sooner than later can improve prognosis and recovery. Provide supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range, as young birds have difficulty thermoregulating. Offering food and water via a syringe might give some hydration and energy. Good luck.

Unfortunately, without an in person exam, it would be hard to say what exactly is going on. Egg-binding can definitely cause an obstruction and protrusion like pictured, as can issues with the vent being clogged with stool or underlying illness. If you suspect egg binding, you can try putting her in a warm water bath to help break up any stool crusted to her vent and to help the muscles to relax some to see if she can pass the egg. Since budgie eggs are so delicate I wouldn't recommend trying to remove it on your own as it can easily break inside her. Moving her to a hospital cage that is kept warm and with low perches/easy access to food can also help, as can catching her to help keep her vent clean and free of debris. I would also bring her back to a vet ASAP if the medication given is not helping.

Thanks for reaching out about Tweety. Could she be trying to pass an egg and is egg-bound? Otherwise, a gastrointestinal foreign body, cloacal prolapse or other condition is possible. A veterinary visit is highly recommended, as soon as possible. Providing heat support can help, in the range of 80-85 F but is not a cure. Good luck.