Whats causing the red lumps on my canary's feet?

Question

My canary has red lumps on its feet that look like scabs. I was wondering what it was, what cause this, and is there a natural remedy for this?

Thanx in advance

Answer 1

One of the prime reasons that canaries have scabby looking feet is because they may have a mite infestation.

Mites are more common than we realize (http://www.aaawebmaster.com/canary/disease.htm claims that over 95% of canaries suffer from mite infestations). They often burrow deep in the skin and make tunnels that look like swollen scabs to the naked eye. They often attack the back of the neck in most finches, but in canaries they tend to prefer the feet.

Fortunately, the condition is easily treated. You can buy a bottle of Scalex or Scatt at your local pet store. These are inexpensive spray treatments that will take care of the problem within about 2-3 weeks or so (depending on the severity of the infestation). Also, be sure to disinfect the cage with a weak bleach solution (2.5 mls bleach in 100 mls of water).

Just for your information, birds often come to your home with low mite infestations that can increase when they are under stress, causing serious harm to your bird. Mites can also be found in bird seed, especially when they have been packaged in unclean facilities.

In any case, it is not a bad idea to have your canary inspected by an avian vet to properly diagnose your pet. Also, please remember that the information provided here is only advisory.

Good luck.

Answer 2

This sounds like a serious condition called Bumblefoot--an infection in the feet. Often caused by unsanitary conditions. Scrub perches and cage until 100% disinfected and dry. Do not use rough perches and especially NO sandpaper perches for birds! A variety of sizes and shapes of wood perches are best for canaries. The best chance for your bird is to see an avian experienced vet for antibiotic treatment. I lost a rescue canary to this. :(

Answer 3

These are sores that birds get if they don't have different sized and shaped perches. Get a pedi-perch (http://www.cockatootrainer.com/favorites/) and some other sized and shaped perches (wavy ones are best). The canary's feet should start getting better soon. Good luck!

Answer 4

Cliffieduckie is right. In the wild birds perch on tree limbs and such. None are smooth and straight and the same diameter all the way across. Just as we can develope problems with our hands and fingers from holding straight, typical pens and pencils. They can develope calluses and even get arthritis.

Birds need the varying sizes and even textures for healthy feet for constant perching. I use send perches shaped like natural limbs and branches as well as some rope perches and of course wooden ones. All vary in sizes that are comfy for the birds.

If you use rope perches, be sure that no loose threads are coming undone and if so, remove them as they can get tangled up in it or even ingest it.

Answer 5

You need another doctor then!