trouble perching

[Linda Pushee]

I have acquired an 8 year old female eclectus, very pretty, apparently healthy, but she has trouble perching and keeping her balance. She was not out of her cage for months at her old home, and I believe not offered many fruit or veggie options. Now I am getting her out, but she doesn't show interest in fresh foods. She never lifts a foot to take food, she eats and drinks from bowls on the floor of the cage - is this normal? How can I strengthen those feet?
I am concerned about fatty liver disease, her beak and nails were overgrown and her feathers seem a bit dry, but I have no experience with parrots, just budgies as a child. Perhaps things will improve in a few days as she adjusts to her new surroundings. I did trim the nails.
Her droppings have a strong odor - is this normal?
I would greatly appreciate any suggestions,
Linda

[patdbunny]

What you're describing definitely warrants a trip to the vet if she is indeed having trouble balancing and her poop maybe doesn't smell right. Find a good avian vet.

She's not "apparently healthy" if she's as you've described her - overgrown beak, dry feathers, balance issues, smelly poops.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I second the vet visit. It's always a good idea to get an exam when you first get a bird anyway, and if nothing is wrong, then you have a good baseline. But it does sound as if there are several signs that warrant checking out, anyway. Birds and cats -- by the time you think they might be sick, they are usually VERY sick.

[Linda Pushee]

Took everyone's advice and Tobie went to the vet yesterday. We have a very sick bird, weak and thin. Prognosis is not good. She will go back to the owner - who feels terrible and will try to do something. But just the diagnostic tests will be $6-700, then likely a huge effort at treatment, with about a 30% chance of success. I wish this had been noticed earlier.
Another point: the vet said once a bird is "addicted" to a seed diet, it is difficult to convince them to eat healthy fresh food.
I am very sad, this is a sweet and beautiful bird. Maybe I can find another one someday.

[entrancedbymyGCC]

I'm very sorry to hear that. Hopefully you will find another feathered friend one day. It sounds as if you did your best for Tobie given the circumstances. Will be wishing her luck.