I posted here a few times awhile ago because i thought my parakeet's feet were broken, but now i think that he might just be getting arthritis. Has anyone had this problem? He(or she-could never tell) is 12 years old and lately he's been falling off his perch more than usual(maybe once a day or so?) and has trouble climbing back up and and when he does, sometimes his feet are curled up for a few minutes and he has to sit in his food dish until his feet are better and he can sit on his perch again. He doesnt act like hes in any pain or anything, hes still as happy and loud as always, but im kinda worried because i dont know how to fix it. Ill try to post a pic later on if i can, sometimes the old guy can be a grump if i disturb him! thanks.

could be. That's really old for a budgie, you have been a good mother. You could take him to the vet and see what he says, but if he's not used to going it may be too much trauma for him, or try a bigger perch for him that will stretch his feet out more. This is why it is good to have various sizes. Maybe a nice fat one from a safe tree or better yet a big comfy perch.

He's had the same size perches his whole life because i never thought to get him bigger ones. For some reason i always thought those were for bigger birds but im going to get him some different sizes now. I have to have everything in his cage close to the same level because he has trouble jumping from perch to perch or whatever-he has to grab onto the cage with his beak for help. I dont know about the vet though he's so jumpy...he used to be so sweet but now he bites like crazy.

he could very well be in pain. Arthritis hurts, steching the feet out will make him feel better. If he will let you, massaging them would feel very good to him. A pan of warm water,like a pie pan where he could soak his feet before massaging them would feel good and help loosen them up. Please let me know how he does. He deserves to be cared for in his old age as thanks for the many years of joy he has given.

http://freespace.virgin.net/cobber.budgies/longevity/ageingpet.html

This is a site that speaks directly to aging budgies. I don't know that it will answer your questions, but you might find it interesting.

Hope it helps!

Thanks for the link-i've tried to feed him veggies before but he doesnt really seem to want them. I wish he would let me touch him to help his feet but i know that he would peck the flesh off of my fingers if i tried. How do you post pics on here? Im completely computer illiterate. Maybe someone could finally tell me if he's actually a boy or a girl.

I'm gonna try to post these pics of Mickey..i apologize in advance because i dont know how to do it and am just guessing around because im bored. haha he's so old...you can see he barely moves from his favorite spot next to his favorite mirror.
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/mousettz/IMG_0361.jpg

http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/mousettz/4f6f1ad2.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/mousettz/IMG_0346.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/mousettz/IMG_0345.jpg
http://i71.photobucket.com/albums/i132/mousettz/IMG_0355.jpg

What a Sweetie! He's a boy!

Great Pics!

what a pretty old boy. God sure does show favor on Birds, they keep their gorgeous colors for life,no gray there. Thanks so much for posting them. You can tell he's had great care. He's a lucky birdie to have found you.