My new parakeet has crooked toes and bald patches. What's wrong?

Thanks for reaching out about your parakeet and including photos. Was he ever tested for Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD) and Avipolyoma virus? Nutrition deficiencies, metabolic disorders (liver, renal), hypothyroidism and other endocrine problems, all must be considered. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Review and discuss diet with the veterinarian during the visit. Good luck.

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 Dhal and including photos. Vitamin D3 and calcium deficiencies could result in weakened bones and possible fractures/metabolic bone disease. Other considerations are enlarged internal organs (right testicle or kidney) placing pressure on the nerve going to the limb, and possible orthopedic problems. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan which should include radiographs. Fractures and luxations are painful and difficult to fix later, testicular or renal enlargement might be more responsive to treatments early on in the disease. 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.

Based on the one picture and the age of the bird, it looks like hyperkeratosis of the feet potentially from vitamin a deficiency. I would have the bird looked at by an avian veterinarian. Bring in a fresh fecal sample and expect to have some blood drawn and sent out for analysis. This would be a good place to start.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Greenna! I can definitely see how her foot is bent inwards, with the claw somewhat contracted. This can be caused by many conditions, but unfortunately, she needs to be seen by vet to figure out what is going on and get some treatment options. This can be caused by nerve damage, a fracture, or a systemic infection, among several other conditions. I hope this helps!

Ouch! Those feet should be checked out by a vet and some blood tests run to make sure there isn't a nutritional deficiency or other illness causing the foot problem. If your bird checks out OK, then it may be a genetic deformity that will be there for life. Birds that have trouble perching or getting around may do better with large, flat perches, or flat shelf-like platforms so they can rest their feet and move around without falling off. Food and water dishes with similar shaped platforms can also help make it easier for your bird to access.