Advice for disabled Budgie
I work at an animal aquatic rescue that takes in birds. I don't own this bird but I want to help.
He seems to not be able to open his back talons/foot. His nails are really long but he did let me trim some but not all, but that's not the point of this post.
He was surrendered with three other budgies that seemed rather okay besides not having their tail feathers. They were bullying him by not letting get food or water and stayed on the bottom of the cage so I moved him back into our quarantine area. It's still not the best but I took out the grate and laid some newspaper down for him. (I'm trying to reduce the friction on his legs) He has small plates in his cage so he can eat and drink.
The problem is that his feet seem to be stuck closed and he's rubbing the nubs on the perches (dowels sadly) causing sores on his ankle area. I'm wondering what I can do to help him. He's very active and is eating, drinking, playing, and grooming himself.
He is a really sweet bird; he lets me pick him up; and he lets me hold him so I really want to help him. I unfortunately can't adopt him due to my living situation but I still want to help him. Any tips for him?
(Video of him walking in comments)