My bird can't stand or perch due to birth defect. What can I do?

Inability to perch and balance are very concerning signs, and seeking vet care is needed to find the problem. Even if the vets in your area do not specialize in birds, seeing if one can still take a look is best. Injury to the legs, illness, malnutrition, stroke and a myriad of other issues can cause balance and perching issues, and they require medical care in person to treat. At home you can try to offer low, flat perches and food and water in shallow dishes that are easy to get in and out of, however seeking veterinary care in person is needed to get Bluey feeling better.

There are a lot of reasons why a bird may have trouble perching including nails that need trimming, perches that are the wrong sizes (usually too small or narrow), muscular or neurologic issues, age, deformities, illness, etc. It is always a good first step to schedule a vet checkup and rule out any more serious causes first. If Haru checks out healthy, making sure he's on a balanced diet can help keep him strong and fit. You may also want to add in some larger perches where he doesn't have to curl his toes all the way around as it may help with balance. Adding in a flat shelf platform to sleep on can also help make sure he stays comfortable while asleep without falling off the person. Making sure all of his food and water dishes are easy to get into and out of can also help if he has trouble getting around.

Thanks for reaching out about Pino and including a photo. The foot appears deformed. If there a local wildlife rescue group that can assist? This could be due to dietary deficiencies, improper husbandry or other causes. A veterinary visit is recommended if a rescue group can not be identified. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Pixie and including a photo. Parakeets are generally light enough to survive on on foot but perches need to be established to allow a grip well. Flat platforms can also be used to rest the foot. If a wire bottom cage, a soft towel on the bottom with food and water bowls within reach. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your budgie and including photos. How was the fungal infection diagnosed? Fungal infections usually affect the respiratory or gastrointestinal tracts and not neurologic issues. Arthritis or articular gout are possible and radiographs are recommended to assess. Anti-inflammatories could help relieve discomfort but blood work should be taken prior to long term medications. Removing perches or providing broad platforms and climbing ladders, could make perching more comfortable for birds with disabilities. Good luck.

Ouch! That does sound like she's injured her foot. Until you can get to the vet, providing some low, flat perches that are easier to stand on (like a platform rather than having to curl her toes around it) and food and water dishes she can easily climb in and out of may help her relax the foot a bit and maintain her balance easier. Keeping her warm and preventing her from picking at or chewing on the foot can also help. If she's housed with other birds, moving her to a hospital cage to avoid being picked on is also a good idea.

Keep an eye on her. If she will allow, you can clean it daily with a mild antiseptic cleanser. Provide perches of different shapes, textures and thicknesses to condition her feet. Having only round perches of one size can lead to sores on the feet and overgrown nails.