Society can't stand on his own feet?

[HoangQuan]

I have a male society showing no sign of illness, but the last two days, he spent most of the time lying on the cage floor, and if he moved, it would be really slow and clumsy. I have no idea what's going on, seems like he can't stand on his feet, or his legs can't even take the load of his body's weight or so. Now he's still doing fine(not fluff up, eating well, not losing weight, no watery dropping)..but he still also always keeps his body low when he moves, and he barely moves. That is weird, and I never saw anything like that before; does it have anything to do with calcium source? cuttle bone and eggshell are always available in the cage..

[cindy]

Is he perching, able to close his claws? Are there any lumps along it's back? Nothing binding around the top of the legs like nesting material or a string, hair?

When I first read this I thought perhaps he injured himself, maybe he hit something like a cage side and is sore.

[HoangQuan]

Is he perching, able to close his claws? Are there any lumps along it's back? Nothing binding around the top of the legs like nesting material or a string, hair?

When I first read this I thought perhaps he injured himself, maybe he hit something like a cage side and is sore.

Technically, he's not perching, he's lying on the perch , with the tail feather spread trying to keep the balance, no, I didn't see him close his claws and there's lump along its back; but nothing bidning around the top of the legs.
Today he is even worse, I can see him almost paralysed
So maybe this is just an injury? any chance it is a kind of illness?

[Sally]

Sorry no one's been able to help you, Hoang, but this sounds more serious than what most of us have experience with. To me, it seems like it could be neurological, an injury rather than an illness.

[cindy]

Hoang,

I asked about the lump because if there is no ther sngs of illness and there is a lump it may be putting pressure on his spine/nerves. This may eventually effect his organs. If the legs are unable to move then it is pressing or pinching the nerves to control function.

Have you examined the lump does it feel fluid filled or solid? Most likely as Sally said it sounds like an injury.

If you can give him supportive care with warmth. Is he still eating and drinking?

I hope with rest and supportive care he pulls through.

[L in Ontario]

Further to Cindy's post - I would put him in a small hospital cage with a heatlamp and his food and water on the floor and maybe a towel around the top and 3 sides of the cage to help keep it warm enough.

[HoangQuan]

I don't quite sure what to do for now but I will keep him separated for sure. He's still eating and drinking, sometimes even singing, but the movement is getting worse, I can tell. He and his mate are having 5 babies in the nest and they're just 10 days old, I feel so bad letting his mate do all the job left, but of course we have no choice here.
This is very strange and I never saw it in years keeping budgies and finches. So I don't know what or how bad it would be, just try my best and see what happens next

[cindy]

Hoang, when you say the movement is getting worse...are you referring to him not being able to get around or stand or is her twitching?

To me if there is a lump it can be from an injury or a tiny tumor, either depending on the site where it is located can cause pressure on the nerves which will result in him not being able to walk and if the pressure extends to the brain he may seize a little. Keep him warm as Liz suggested. Keep an eye on him and make sure the heat does not dehydrate him and he can get fluids.

[HoangQuan]

No, he couldn't walk, or move, at all. Now he's lying there looking a like a death bird already, starting to fluff his back feathers up, and breathing heavily. It's noon in my place now and the temp is about 35 celsius so I don't need to turn on the heat light. yes there are seeds on the floor ready and water in shallow dish for an easy access.
Honestly, I don't think he can make it throught the night..

[cindy]

Hoang, I am so sorry this is happening. It is never easy when this happens to one of our beloved finches. My thoughts are with you and your little finch.

The female should be ok with the little ones in the nest.

[HoangQuan]

thanks Cindy, I am so dissapointed, and grumbling myself right now..
I just wish there were some signs of illness, or any clues; sothat I can figure out what I was dealing with, and (maybe) find a way to help him. It's so desperate when you look at your little friend and know that s/he is dying but you don't know why, and can't do anything to help. .

[cindy]

Hoang...I know how you feel. This may have been something internal that you just could not have predicted or seen happening until it got to this point. These little creatures touch our hearts and it hurts to see them suffer. Just make him comfortable.

You have cared for him and given him a good life, he in return has thanked you by giving you 5 little ones as a gift.

[carmena]

Don't know if this is relevant but I remember about 30years ago... ago my father had a pair of parakeets that he would let out to fly about the room. First one then the other became unable to perch. The legs would act paralyzed and they would drag them selves about their cage. It lasted a couple of days before they died. Not pretty.
Anyway, after the fact he found they had been chewing on some sections of the window sill and the paint had been chewed off. We now suspect it was lead poisoning.
A heavy metal would explain some of the neurological symptoms you describe. It won't help you fix your bird now but keep an eye out in your aviary for anything they may be able to nibble on.

Good luck

[cindy]

Lead....good point. Also check if you are using older pottery or painted dishes for food and water, they to may contain leads. I would use plastic or dishes made for birds.