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My cockatiel lost a leg. How do I care for him and what's his future?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | 5 months and 2 days old | 80 lbs

I have a cockatiel who is 6 months old. His name is doodle! Two days before he hit in the ceiling fan and his left leg got severe injuries. We took him to Avian. Unfortunately they said, his leg bone is already broken and they can't fix it. So they took it off and dressed. Just today he had food. He is keep on sleeping. It is difficult for him to balance his weight in one leg. how long it would take to cure? Will he be able to breed? Will other birds accept him as friend? Will he be active and p

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on April 8th, 2018

While not having a leg won't stop his ability to breed, it would probably be best not to put extra stress on him since he is already missing a leg. If he can't get around well either, it may be best to keep him housed in his own cage, especially while he heals, to avoid other birds picking on him and worsening his injury. Providing a cage with wide, flat perches and shallow food and water dishes can help him get around a bit more easily while he recovers and learns to live with one leg.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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