Last Updated on May 9, 2025 by Mitch Rezman

I have a 4-week-old budgie. It has developed splayed legs. I am using first aid adhesive tape to try to correct them, and have added Aspen shavings to the nesting box.

I observed a lot of bickering between the parents, and the female had a cut on her head.

I also observed the male trying to feed the baby, but the female kept interrupting the male, and then they would just fly off, chasing each other and bickering.

This pattern happened over and over. When the female sat on the perch just outside the nesting box, she didn’t actually feed the baby. It was almost like she was guarding her territory.

I had witnessed her previously feeding the baby. I was concerned that she was aware that they baby was “unhealthy” because of the splayed legs and that maybe she was starting to not take care of it so I decided to remove her from the cage.

She doing that, the male continues to feed the baby. At the moment everything seems to be somewhat settled. We change the nesting material regularly and change the adhesive tape regularly.

The legs have been taped for about 3-4 days now. I imagine that it will take some more time to have this issue sorted.

My question at this point is do I take the baby out of the nesting box and let it sit on the floor of the cage, so it can start to forage around, for a little while each day and then return it to the nesting box?

Because it can’t walk I can’t imagine how it will hoist itself out of the box. We have seen it use its beak to try to look up and out of the nesting box opening.

The male does sit on the perch just outside the opening and leans in to feed the baby. He also does go into the box too. The baby often gets into a position inside the box where he is face forward in a corner.

Not sure if he is doing this on purpose or, because of the nature of his disability, he ends up in a corner and can’t get out of it. I try to move him a couple times a day to get him near the opening.

So, back to my question- would it be a bad idea to let him sit on the floor of the cage, for a period of time each day, just so he could start to forage and spread his wings etc.

I feel like he is trapped in the nesting box but that might feel secure to him (and I am putting my human feelings on this scenario).

Thank you for taking the time to read this long message. I really don’t know where else to turn for advice. We don’t have an avian vet where I live and I am really distraught about the idea of making the wrong move for this little budgie. I have bred canaries in the past and found it much less stressful.

Thanks –

Catherine

 

Splayed legs in chicks are often due to poor footing, so using Aspen shavings and taping makes sense.

The parents’ behavior is concerning. The female was aggressive and stopped feeding, which might be due to stress or sensing the chick’s health issues. Removing her was probably right to let the male focus on feeding.

Now, the question is about letting the chick on the cage floor. Since the chick can’t walk, moving it might help with leg strength, but there are risks.

The nesting box provides security and warmth. If the floor isn’t warm enough, the chick could get cold. Also, if it can’t move well, it might not forage effectively and could get stressed.

I should consider if the chick is old enough. Budgies start to fledge around 4-5 weeks, so maybe a bit early. But with splayed legs, mobility is limited.

Maybe short supervised sessions on the floor with soft bedding and easy access to food. Ensure the male can still feed it. Also, physical therapy for the legs, like gentle exercises when taping.

Alternative ideas: Modify the nesting box to have a lower entrance or a ramp. Use a small container with padding on the cage floor as a temporary nest.

Monitor the chick’s stress levels. Consult online avian communities for more advice since there’s no vet available.

Need to balance the chick’s development needs with safety. Suggest trying limited floor time with close supervision, ensuring warmth and accessibility.

Also, continue the taping and maybe adjust the nesting area to encourage movement without risking injury.

Based on your detailed description, here’s a structured approach to address your concerns:

1. Splayed Leg Management

• Current Care: Continue the adhesive tape splints (replace every 2-3 days) and soft aspen bedding to stabilize the legs. Monitor for skin irritation or restricted blood flow.
• Physical Therapy: Gently rotate the chick’s legs in natural positions 2-3 times daily to improve muscle tone. Avoid forcing movements.

2. Nesting Box vs. Cage Floor

• Keep in the Nesting Box for Now (until ~ 4-5 weeks old):
  • At 4 weeks, the chick still needs the security and warmth of the nest. Premature removal may stress it and disrupt feeding.
  • Modify the box by adding:
    • A low perch (1-2 cm high) to encourage leg muscle use.
    • A shallow ramp at the entrance to help the chick explore safely.
• Controlled Floor Time (start at 4 weeks):
  • Introduce 10-15 minute supervised sessions on the cage floor 1-2 times daily.
  • Ensure the floor has:
    • Non-slip padding (e.g., textured paper towels)
    • Warmth (heat pad set to 32-35°C under half the floor area)
    • Easy access to millet sprays and softened seed near the chick

3. Parental Dynamics

• Maintain the male’s care routine. If he stops feeding, prepare hand-rearing formula as backup.
• Keep the female separated but visible to avoid territorial stress. Reintroduce only after the chick is fully weaned.

4. Foraging Encouragement

• Place shallow dishes of sprouted seeds and millet in the nesting box to stimulate pecking behavior.
• Hang a small mirror at chick-eye level to trigger curiosity about movement.

5. Disability Accommodations

• Create a “recovery corner” in the cage with:
  • 5 cm foam padding covered by fleece
  • A stable perch with side rails (use popsicle sticks glued to cardboard)
• Use a small rolled towel to prop the chick upright during feedings.

Monitoring Checklist

Day	Leg Alignment	Feeding Frequency	Mobility Progress	Stress Signs
1	Slight gap	6x/day	Can lift head	None
3	10° improvement	5x/day	Attempts to stand	Vocalizes
7	25° correction	4x/day + foraging	Shuffles forward	Preens normally

If no improvement in leg alignment after 7 days of splinting, consider using veterinary-grade orthotic putty instead of tape. Join the Avian Orthopedic Support Group on Facebook for real-time guidance from experienced breeders.

Written by Mitch Rezman and the Windy City Parrot content team

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