Numb old dangling toe

[Jerry4History]

Hiya all,
I've got a situation that I'd like your opinions on. My girlfriend just got a new cockatiel, Coco, who is suffering from both extreme underweight and a life-threatening bacterial infection. However, while we are treating these issues well enough, I noticed that one of her toes was twisted upside down and would dangle down uselessly when she stands on top of her cage. She doesn't take notice at all, even when I touched it (not knowing there was an issue at the time).
So, my question is: should I do anything about it? I only got her a couple days ago, so there's no telling how long it's been like that. I also don't want to do anything drastic, at least until her other ailments are cured first. I'm mostly afraid that she'll land on it and it will puncture the skin, or that it's simply causing her major discomfort. What do you think?
Thanks!
-Jerry

[ArticunoGail]

It might be an idea to contact an avian vet, even if you don't want to move your bird, perhaps he or she would do a phone consultation, and maybe you could email some pictures for the vet, who may, based on what the pics show, advise you abvout whether you should brng Coco in or not.

Hope this helps.

ArticunoGail.

[maxollie]

Hi, Jerry! Welcome to the community. I agree that perhaps it would be a great idea to contact an Avian Vet and get a good evaluation as to this issue, and also, I would recommend that the vet completely check out this little tiel. Especially since you are dealing with a bacterial infection. They can be caused by many things, and from your post it seems this poor little bird has not had proper care for quite sometime. Tiels and all birds hide their illnesses very well. An Avian Vet would be able to do a physical examination of your new little pet, and perhaps do some tests to be sure there are no alarming medical conditions with the little tiel.

Once you get all of these things resolved, and your little tiel gets used to you and your environment, I am sure you will have a great relationship with the tiel. Tiels are very, very intelligent, and make excellent pets. They LOVE people and kids, and can interact with you with much humor, as well as learning to talk (if they are male), and loving the attention you give them.

Wishing you the very best "friendship" you could ever have with your tiel! We hope to see pics some day, and I hope you can keep us updated as to your progress and the bird's health.

[Birdmanca]

I agree with the message ArticunoGail sent you about ways to contact a vet without bringing the bird in first to be seen. Yes, there is a problem with that toe, just need a good answer on what is the best course to take to correct the problem toe.

[victoria stiles]

Parrot toes are useful for tricks, too. Many parrots delight in showing off for your praise by dangling upside down from a perch or the ceiling.