My lovebird has bumblefoot. How can I treat it safely at home?

Thanks for reaching out about Sunapana but we are unable (illegal) to prescribe or recommend a specific treatment without a physical examination. Epsom salt foot soaks can help decrease inflammation but agree that systemic antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are needed. Providing clean padded perches can decrease pressure on the lesions. Diets deficient in vitamin A can be a factor as if Sunapana is overweight. A veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

The feet look relatively normal from what I can see, however if you are noticing any major swelling, open visible wounds, or Coqui doesn't seem to want to stand on one or both feet, then it could indicate an infection. Soaking the feet in epsom salts and keeping them clean and dry with a clean washcloth can help resolve minor issues, however if the swelling worsens, the wound worsens, or Coqui seems very painful and isn't able to get around, vet care is needed. Your vet can help clean the affected area and provide antibiotics or other medication as needed.

It sounds like your bird may have bumblefoot, or an infection of the foot which can cause oozing of debris, pus, blood, etc. Other possible causes can include a sprain or break to the foot. If you see a visible wound, you can try soaking the foot in epsom salts and then using an antiseptic like blu-kote, however if it is badly infected or broken this is something that needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately as severe infections can make a bird ill very quickly and potentially lead to death. Until you can get to your vet, keeping Sunapana warm and in a hospital cage without perches and with food and water dishes that are easy to is best.

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.

Poor bird! If the foot is at all infected, trying to find a vet that can help in person is best. However, until you can find one, it is a good idea to separate the bird from any cage mates to keep from being picked on, and move him to a warm hospital cage with larger, flat perches that will make perching easier on his feet. Keeping the foot clean and dry and using an ointment such as Blu-kote (most feed and pet stores carry this for use in poultry and other birds) can help prevent infection. You can also Google how to make a bird-sized Elizabethan (cone) collar to put on the bird so that he can't get to his foot and bite it while it heals.

Without knowing what is wrong with Harry's feet it would be hard to recommend a treatment. If the area looks infected or sore, it would be better to use an antiseptic on it or Epsom salt baths on the feet to help relieve swelling and treat any infection. If the feet are sore, larger perches that are flat or more comfortable can help with sore feet. If the foot problem continues or Harry is showing other signs of illness, trying to find a vet in your area to figure out the problem so appropriate treatment can be given is best.

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.