James Harris, DVM
Parrot chick won't survive deformities
 My three-week-old cockatiel is not doing well. The feathers are not growing
in as fast as its clutchmates' and its legs are crossed. Both feet mainly just curl up, but sometimes one foot grabs onto the opposite leg. This bird hatched two weeks after its siblings and the parents ignored it the first few days, after which I started hand feeding it. I think the lag in care might be the problem. Is there anything I can do to fix the legs and help it develop correctly?
-- Abraham M. Christianson
 The parents knew this chick has severe problems, which was why they ignored it. I suspect it has multiple developmental problems resulting in stunting, poor feather growth and deformities of the limbs. Only an avian veterinarian who does a thorough medical examination and evaluation can tell you whether these defects can be corrected, but I would say the prognosis is not good. Read more on what causes congenital deformities in birds.
James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.
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