Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I recently adopted a blue and gold macaw. I was told he/she was 9 weeks old before I pick him up, but when I got there it was obvious he was only around 4 weeks old. He has splayed legs and twisted feet. I am taping them to try to correct them. The other thing I am concearned with is that I believe he may be having siezures. Every so often he will stretch his wings straight up and flap them uncontrolably. His whole body shakes when he does it. He was being fed Kaytee Macaw handfeeding formula mixed with half a jar of baby food, 3 times a day. I have not fed any baby food, and I am in the process of switching him to Zupreem Embrace plus handfeeding formula. I am also feeding him 4 times a day. Does he have a chance at a somewhat normal life? I know his feet will never be perfect. I am really worried about the possible seizures. I have called several vets in my area and they all tell me the same thing, drop him off in the morning and we will get to him when we can. I don't want to just drop him off. How can they figure out if something is wrong without the vet at least talking to me?

Are these true avian vets you have contacted? I have never had any of our vets tell me to just drop a bird off and they will "get to it". All of our vets see us for a consultation along with the bird then if they need medical procedures we leave the bird there, after talking with the vet!! Where are you located at and maybe we can help you find a vet in that area?
Is there a problem with you having to be to work at a certain time and the vets don't arrive until after that time? If that is a problem is there anyway you could set up the appointment to coincide with a break at work, lunch hour or a vet that has evening hours??

I am not able to diagnose a problem over the internet or in person. I am an avian specialist but not a vet and even vets will not diagnose over the internet or at least no avian specialists I have heard of without seeing the bird first. With splayed legs a bird can still lead a very happy normal life. We have had several birds in with splayed legs and other leg problems. Some do need special cages with shelves instead of perches or lower to the ground perches depending on the extent of their problems. It is unbelievable what they can adjust to if given the correct care. As far as siezures I haven't heard of this problem very often except in very critically ill parrots so I could not begin to comment on that except to get to an avian vet. If the bird is in as bad shape as you are explaining you need help with it, for its medical problems, its handfeeding which it will definitely need if as young as you say, and for an overall health checkup!!

I have only found 3 avian vets in my area. 1 of which I have heard horror stories about her ability to properly care for animals. I have taken a bearded dragon to her and was not impressed in the least bit.

The other two I called said they could give me an appointment and I could just drop him off and they would call me when they were ready for me to pick him up.

He is eatting great and is having regular "potty" sessions. Everytime I pick him up. He also flaps his wings everytime I pick him up, just not to the extent of the times I am worried about. I think I may just be paranoid and he may just be exercising.

BTW, I am in central Indiana