Posted: Wed May 24, 2006 11:18 pm Post subject: Limping Kakariki
One of my Kakarikis has developed a bad limp over the last couple of days. She does attempt to use the claws on that leg but there appears to be little or no strength there. Climbing is now conducted using beak and one leg only. standing is usually on one leg with the body weight more or less centred over the good leg. I do not know how the injury occured - could have caught the leg on anyone of a number of toys, ropes, twigs etc in the cage or simply getting in or out of the nesting box! Other than the obvious movement difficulties she appears content and is in the process of producing a new cluch of eggs.
I am assuming that the leg isn't broken but has sustained perhaps some ligament damage. Will this type of injury recover or is this likely to be a permanent disability? I am nervous about taking her to the vets in case I'm told that the injury cannot be repaired etc etc
Walking with a limp, lame, being in the process of producing a new cluch of eggs, egg binding. It seems to be a typical female thing but they all have something in common........CALCIUM. This is an important component of the eggshell but also in the functioning of the muscles.
When the female produces eggs she extracts Calcium from her skeleton. This 'Buffer' must be refueled timely. Otherwhise you may expect difficulties as mentioned above.
Another cause can be Kidney problems. The sciatic nerve runs through the Kidneys and any swelling can cause a paralysis in a leg depending on which Kidney is affected.
This problem (with hens going lame ) during the breeding cycle appears to be very common. We have 2 hens that are now stiff in one leg and have also lost the ability to fly. Our vet is at a loss as to why this problem affects some hens and not others. These birds are from different blood lines and large healthy specimens.
Calcium defficiency could be a problem, but the vet thinks it is more likely a genetic problem in that the calcium is not being absorped correctly. He has been giving the birds calcium injections and so far there has been very little change. Once the problems occurs the hens never seem to fully recover. It is a mystery that only seems to affect Kakariki and very frustrating.
I have never seen it in Kakariki in NZ...be it a neglected rescued Kakariki, or heathy...maybe something to do with mutations??? _________________ My Spelling is Not Incorrect...It's 'Creative'
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