Canary balance issues, possibly runny droppings

[silverstar]

A month and a half ago, I posted about my male canary who had an injured middle toe, and how to care for him as part of the toe fell off. Since then he has been doing well, and has mostly adjusted his grip. Sometimes I notice his foot slides a little, and he has to readjust it a few times. However, I noticed a new issue starting today.

Several of the droppings in the cage have been runny, although some of the more recent ones have more form. The color is a little different than normal, more of a brownish color, no blood at all. My main concern is that since this afternoon he hasn't been perching normally, and has been sitting inside a food dish or on the bottom of the cage instead. He is able to fly up to get food and water when needed, and sometimes will perch fine. He'll often flutter his wings before falling down, but I haven't been close enough to see if this is because of weakness, or gripping issues.

I thought that by now there wouldn't be changes, so I haven't invested in any platform perches. If this turns out to be related to the foot and not illness, I'll definitely provide a few. I have not seen him sleeping during the day or being puffed up, so I'm a bit puzzled.

I definitely want to make an appointment with my vet, but if I can't get an appointment immediately, I'd like to know if there's anything I can do to help until then. If the runny droppings continue, I'll pick up an electrolyte solution for hydration, and provide a small heat lamp. I really hope the little guy gets better soon, this is all a bit worrying

[cindy]

if the droppings are runny the bird is not digesting well... hold off on boiled grated egg and veggies. Keep the diet simple...seed, millet, dried egg food.

[silverstar]

Thanks for replying, Cindy!

Good news! After I posted, my bird avoided laying on the floor, although he likes to perch on the ledge of his seed hopper. It probably helps him grip a bit better. This makes me think he wasn't actually lethargic, but was more comfortable off the standard perch.

I did a little research myself, and found out I should stop giving veggies, fruit, and a few other foods. I've added some millet spray to the cage, and may offer some brown rice or raw oatmeal.

Overall, the droppings are looking a little better. They have never been completely liquid, and half the time look mostly normal. I replaced the water with an electrolyte drink, and have been monitoring for dehydration. I'm prepared to hand-feed liquids if needed.

I'll closely monitor him the next few days, and get him to a vet if things get worse or continue too much longer.