Why are my 14-year-old parakeet's legs paralyzed and worsening?

In older small birds, strokes can sometimes cause the use of legs and the inability to grip or perch properly. Other potential causes can include calcium deficiency (which if she isn't on a balanced diet may be possible), bacterial infections such as Aspergillosis, viral illnesses, toxins and even diseases contracted from wild birds if Snowy has had access to the outdoors or with wild birds. If you haven't seen an avian vet specialist, or had any blood work done, that may be your next best step in figuring out what is wrong. Changing Snowy's environment some, such as including flatter or platform-like perches may also help with mobility so that she can continue to have access to food and water.

Thanks for reaching out about Pablo. This could either be a leg injury (fracture, luxation, neurologic) or an enlarged organ (kidney, testicle) placing pressure on nerve to that leg. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. For now, remove perches and place a thick towel on the bottom of the cage on which to stand. Place food and water within reach. Good luck.

If your bird is paralyzed, it needs to be seen by a veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. Infection, trauma, tumors, toxins or being egg bound (in females) can all be potential causes. In the meantime, keep Mitthu warm and as stress free as possible. Make an appointment as soon as you can.

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.

I am sorry to hear that Leo is having difficulty walking. Without seeing any pictures, or knowing if you have had a cerebral vascular accident (aka stroke) diagnosed by a veterinarian, I am going to speak about difficulty walking in general. When birds exhibit this sign, it can be due to a number of reasons. I haven't had the opportunity to see a zebra finch as old as Leo, as typical lifespan is around 10 years old in my experience. With his age, I would be concerned that there is a problem with his joints or his muscles/bones, his organs, or he could have a mass somewhere that is pushing on his nerves to make him weak or unable to walk. I would recommend having Leo seen by a veterinarian. They would gather information about what is going on, and then perform a thorough physical exam on him. They would feel his legs to see if he has any changes to them or issues with their range of motion, would feel his body and belly for any masses, would feel his body condition to see if he is thin, and depending on the findings, they may make recommendations for diagnostic tests including radiographs (x-rays) or blood work to evaluate his organs and systemic health. Please keep Leo in a small cage with no perches and soft padding until you can get to the vet, and please make sure he has food and water within reach.

Thanks for reaching out about Bulbul and including photos, although the photos do not include the legs. A loose leg is likely a fracture, dislocation or neurologic problems, each requiring a veterinary visit to treat. Nutritional deficiencies can lead to weak bones, more likely to fracture. Veterinary intervention sooner than later can improve prognosis and recovery. Provide supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range, as young birds have difficulty thermoregulating. Offering food and water via a syringe might give some hydration and energy. Good luck.

If she seems paralysed I would call your vet. Hopefully it is just temporary but the dosages of medication in birds are very sensitive so maybe she got too much, or possibly she was hurt when you restrained her to give her the meds?