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Hi, hopefully someone can help me. 

I brought home a gouldian which looks like it has hyperkeratosis or scaly leg (not sure which) one leg seems to be fused but I would like to help it if I can. I have painted some neem oil on the legs until I can get some idea of what to do as I've never dealt with this before. He can perch (with one leg) the other is stuck and I can't pull it out to oil the top part. I am hoping I can save him somehow. 

Any suggestions welcome, thank you. 

Hi

Can you upload a photo, so I can have a look please? You can either point to a URL where the image is or you can upload one to your gallery using the blue button above. Just click in the editor where you want it to go, then click on My Gallery to select your photo, and it should drop the photo in the editor. 

I know quite a bit about Hyperkeratosis, I have dealt with it a lot over the years. It is more common than people think and usually mistake it for scaly leg/face mites.

Thanks

hi hopefully that has uploaded, Ive done my best to get something. As the bird is new, I know I need to clip his nails, however before I stress him out more I need to work out what needs done so I can catch him and get everything sorted in one go.

he looks in pretty good health apart from his poor feet. if this is too far gone or not fair on him I will have him euthanised. but if theres a chance for him I would like to try.

thank you so much

Finchie

Scaly Leg Mites which is easier to treat thankfully. First I would seriously trim those nails, but more sure they are not trimmed too short. Holding the toes to the light, looking through the nails you will see blood vessels near the top, trim a few mm past those to avoid bleeding.

Neem oil can work for mites but in all honesty, I have been more successful with using Petroleum Jelly also known as Vaseline. I like to warm the jelly until it is soft so it spreads better. Cover from the toes to the top of the thigh. Do it twice daily if needed, but definitely once a day. Apply for at least a week or until it has cleared up. When it clears up, repeat 2 weeks later for a few days to kill off any emerging mites that have hatched. Do not pull any of the loose skin off, they will pull it off themselves. You don't need to use any medication, but it is optional. If you do want to use medication then I would recommend using either Ivermectin or Moxidectin, both are equally good, but you will still need to cover the legs with Jelly.

It can take around 2 weeks to clear up but keep those nails in trim. Use natural perches (thin branches). 

Hyperkeratosis has a distinct look to it, but you need a professional eye to see it. it is caused by a lack of vitamin A usually that is why I always provide lots of grated carrots to my birds which they love.

Hope this helps 

Trim those nails before you do anything 😄

thank you, would that cause his leg to be fused into one position, he cannot extend the leg at all. I will definitely clip his nails and put vaseline on them, I have scatt here so will apply one drop to his thigh, I have him quarantined away from my other birds. luckily I use natural wood perches so thats already done. really appreciate the help, thank you.

By the way, the fact that you have sought help for the little guy should tell you that you are on the right track. The first step is done, next get those nails trimmed then warm up some Vaseline then get it on his legs and toes. No need to kill him off, he will bounce back. Their legs are the most important part, they spend their whole lives on them. 

I already have my nail clippers in hand and some warm vaseline lol Im terrible for the waifs and strays can't leave them behind :) haha has cost me a lot of money but brought me a lot of happiness, most of the time 

Would be grateful if you could keep up updated on his/her progress 😄

I am sure the bird will recover. we can look at the leg issue after the mites have gone