My budgie is holding its foot up. Is it injured? What's wrong?

Bumblefoot is very common in these little guys unfortunately, and there is no way to know for sure without seeing Puff. This would be my first guess. He really needs to be examined by a veterinarian, and likely needs to be on antibiotics and potentially a pain medication like Metacam. Hope that helps!

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.

Poor Abood! You didn't mention if you received these medications from a vet, but if they were home remedies and haven't helped, it's time to visit one. It's possible there is an infection in the foot that needs to be drained, or a break or sprain of the foot itself that requires treatment. In the meantime, if you suspect an infection, Epsom salt soaks can help, as can removing all perches (to prevent a fall) and making food/water dishes easy to get in and out of so Abood isn't trying to use the foot to get around which may cause more injury. Soft bedding at the bottom of the cage can help keep him comfortable. However, seeking out a vet in person that can examine the foot, X-ray if needed, and provide additional treatment is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Romeo and including photos. By the appearance of the feet, this is probably articular gout, an indication of kidney problems. A veterinary visit is highly recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some comfort. Good luck.

I am so sorry that this happened to you and Pluto! From the photos, Pluto appears to be putting weight on both of the legs, which is good news. Also, the toes are all about the same size from what I can see, which is good as well, as hopefully that means there is not too much swelling. Pluto may be painful on the toes, and that could be why he is holding them away from the other toes. You can do one of two things - you can monitor for the next 24 hours or so, and if there is any worsening of the signs (limping, not putting weight on the leg, or if the toes turn red or are bigger than the other toes), you can take Pluto to a veterinarian for evaluation. The second option is taking him to a veterinarian sooner to get him looked at, if you are concerned right now. At the veterinarian, they can take a feel of the legs and ensure there are no broken bones. If needed, they may recommend performing radiographs (x-rays) to evaluate this as well. They may prescribe pain medications as well, depending on what they find. Please do not give Pluto any human medications, as many of them are harmful to our feathered friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I hope Pluto feels better soon!

Thanks for reaching out about Blu. What did it get bit by? If a mammal or open wounds, probably needs to see a veterinarian, at least for antibiotics. But also possible foot fracture and/or pain medications. Provide heat support due to cold weather. Good luck.

I am concerned that your lovebird has an infection in the foot or in the joints of the foot. Sometimes if the infection becomes severe can spread into the bone which makes it very painful and more difficult heal. I would recommend taking your bird to be examined by your veterinarian. She may need to do x-rays to determine the extent of the infection and see if it has traveled into the bone. Your bird will likely need to be put on an antibiotic for a while to help clear up the infection as well. Your veterinarian can also prescribe pain medication so your lovebird can be more comfortable while the infection is healing. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.