Splay Leg

Question
I have two budgies born about 10 - 12 days ago. They seem to be progessing well however I am unsure if either or both birds has one or two splay legs. How do I tell?  Do you have a picture of splay leg(s)? so I can identify if the birds at this age have them.  As well do you have a simple step by step way of fixing them (perhaps with pictures).  thank you.  

Answer
Hi, Deborah.  Thanks for posting your questions.

Splay leg is a condition in baby birds where one/both legs turn sideways from the body when they stand instead of being directly under the body.  It's most usually caused by incorrect substrate under the baby's, i.e., when the material under the baby's is slippery where the feet don't have enough friction to stay straight up and down so the legs slide out from under the birds when they stand and grow out sideways.  It's important to correct this problem immediately or as the baby grows and the bones harden, they will not be correctable.  If you suspect your baby budgies have splay leg, take action to correct the problem right away.  If when the babies stand, one/both legs aren't directly under them, then they may have splay leg.

I don't have any photos, but if you use the string "splay leg" on Google in the search window, there are several websites that will come up with different ideas on how to correct this problem (some with pictures).  Whichever fix you choose to use, you'll need to leave the baby's legs in the fix probably for a couple of weeks, maybe longer.  Usually, you'll have to change the material you use several times during the process, as the material will likely become dirty and require change.

I have a website that has information on this condition if you'd like to visit:  http://www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Basically, you need to bring both legs back under the baby and affix them in this position until they are repaired (called hobbling).  The birds' legs haven't turned to bone yet, so they are still soft and pliable and correctable.  Once a baby gets to be 2/3 weeks old, they may not be fixable, and you'll end up with crippled birds.

There are different ways you can hobble the legs (see the websites for examples or read further).  For each leg, I cut a piece of gauze small enough (as far as width goes) to go around the leg 2-3 times (perhaps an inch, inch and a half long).  You'll want to place this gauze just above the feet, but below the elbow, where a leg band would go.  You'll need white medical tape cut as wide as the gauze, but it will need to be long enough to go around both legs over the gauze, as well as between the legs to hold them in place.  Once the gauze is in place (do one leg at a time, and it may help to have another person to hold the baby while you do this), take the medical tape and wrap around one leg completely over the gauze.  The gauze is used to protect the baby's skin...you don't want the tape directly on the baby's skin.  With the tape wrapped around the first leg, gently pull the baby's leg directly under his body (as it would be if it were standing), pull the other end of the tape between the legs and wrap it around the other leg over the gauze.  It helps to then bring the tape back around to the other leg, letting the tape stick to itself in between the legs.  This ensures everything stays in place.  You won't actually be able to wrap the tape around the second leg like you did the first leg, but get it close enough before taking it between the legs again and pinch it tightly together where it meets itself around the second leg.  It's hard to explain in writing!  You may have to do this a couple of times in order to get it right!

The point is you want to bring the legs together under the baby in a normal position using the tape to hold the legs in place.  The gauze is merely to protect the baby's skin from the tape.  I like this method because the baby can still move around on his own legs/feet, whereas if you use styrafoam or something like this, the baby might not be able to move his legs as well and walk around.  Kinda like an incarcerated person who is shackled at his legs!

You'll also need to change the type of bedding you have the baby's on.  I use Rubbermaid drawer liners under my baby birds.  It gives them friction for their legs and can be washed/disinfected easily.

Come back if you need more help.  Thanks.

Chrys