Most birds have no trouble flying, climbing around their cages or perching on their favorite swings.
But every now and then a bird is born with splayed legs. Sometimes the bird is unable to stand straight, walk, perch, or move about easily.
Splayed legs, also known as spraddle legs, are legs that lean to the sides more than to the underside of the body.
Causes
There are several causes of splayed legs in birds.
Mothers could have placed too much pressure on their baby, causing the legs to grow outwards instead of under the body. Birds need sunlight to produce vitamins, and baby birds kept in nestboxes in dark corners may suffer from a vitamin deficiency that affects their growth.
While there are many bird food options that provide this supplement, not all birds eat enough. Another reason for splayed feet is a deficiency in nutrition or supplements.
In addition to diet, not enough or incorrect bedding in the nestbox can add a risk of the legs being splayed. In fact, veterinarian Ron Hines, DMV, PhD, argues that this is far more likely to be the cause than a vitamin deficiency.
Genetics can also be a factor. Inbreeding is the most common example. If not corrected, it can carry on with future offspring. Other times a parent bird might notice the baby is different and refuse to care for it or place more emphasis on the other.
Prevention
If you do not have a bird with splayed legs, you can start working on prevention in young birds now.
The feed should have a good amount of calcium and protein; check the feed you normally buy to make sure it is sufficient for the growth of the birds.
If you provide vitamin D3 as a supplement, check the amount and frequency you provide it so make it is enough for healthy growth. If other forms of vitamin D3 are unavailable, you can grind Tums and sprinkle it on their food.
Treatment
Babies and younger birds respond best to treatment since they are still growing.
You may not be capable of treating older birds or fully developed birds. However, you can consult your veterinarian to determine what course (if any) of action can be taken.
- You can add additional bedding if you determine that the baby’s legs are being pushed outward by the parents.
- Is the nesting pot too slippery for the young bird’s grasp? You need to fix this.
- Are they getting enough sun? Consider relocating the cage or providing a lamp that produces sunlight properties.
- Diet is also important for growth; double-check that your feed and supplements are sufficient if you can’t find any other reason for the condition.
There are several creative ways to treat splayed legs:
- Pipe cleaners can be bent in a figure-8 shape around the bird’s legs to bring them closer together.
- Placing the bird’s legs in a small cup so they are straight underneath him can help straighten the legs.
- To bring the legs closer together, wrap vet tape or other stick-to-it bandages around them.
- Sticks or straight objects attached to the legs to straighten them can also be used, but be careful that the materials do not scratch the baby’s legs.
- Sponges can be used with holes cut out for the legs at the desired angle. This solution can provide a soft and safe alternative to correcting the bird’s legs. Unused makeup sponges can be cut to fit for this purpose.
Consult your veterinarian before trying any of these methods. Check the splints daily for chaffing or soiling.
It is possible to perform surgery to remove and wire bones in older birds. Discuss this option with your avian vet to decide if it’s necessary.
Birds with splayed feet can still move, eat, and play normally.
You may need to provide additional support, such as extra perches or a more frequent clipping of their nails. Also, be aware that pressure points can affect their bodies in different places.
These pets can still lead a happy life, so check with your vet before you start any treatment. The younger the bird the better, so don’t delay treatment.
This pet health content was reviewed for accuracy by a veterinarian, Dr. Pippa Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS. It was last revised and updated on February 4, 2019.
