Budgies, Cockatiels and other captive birds from Mornington Peninsula can suffer from a form of pododermatitis (foot inflammation) called Bumblefoot. This infection results in swollen, painful feet, making it impossible for the bird to stand comfortably. The bird may become lame and, if left untreated, the infection may lead to septicaemia and even result in death.
What causes bumblefoot?
Bumblefoot results from injury to the weight-bearing surface of the foot, causing bacteria to enter the foot. The first sign of disease is a loss of normal scale on the feet and the skin may be red and thin. As the disease progresses, ulcers may form on the pads of the feet. Once infection spreads to the bones and joints, the bird becomes severely lame, and surgery is required if there is to be any chance of recovery.
How to treat bumblefoot?
Early Bumblefoot infections can be successfully treated with antibiotics, and providing deep bedding to limit stress on the sore foot.
To decrease your pet bird’s risk of contracting this disease, you need to provide your bird with proper husbandry: a balanced diet (with sufficient Vitamin A), good sanitation, and appropriate perches.
Birds kept in cages where the perches are all the same diameter have an increased risk of Bumblefoot due to constant pressure and wear on one particular area of their foot. Using perches with differing widths and textures will vary the point of contact with the foot and help prevent pressure areas. A tree branch (from a non-toxic species) is ideal for this purpose.
