Lovebird - Please Help

Hi everyone,
I was recently given (more rescued) a Fischer's Lovebird from some people who had no idea how to properly take care of it.
It looks active and otherwise healthy, except for its tail which I presume will grow back, but the main problem is its right foot.
The tips of its two front toes are missing and the foot looks slightly larger than the other. The bird is constantly picking at his ankle trying to get the metal band off. Could this be why his foot is deformed - the band is pretty loose, but I'm wondering what I should do? Would anything else cause this problem?
Would getting the band removed by a vet solve this?

Thank you very much
By the way, I can post a picture of the foot if anyone wants.

 

I would suggest a triup to an avian vet to have this bird looked over, Normally when a bird is biting at its feet or ankles is a sign of skin mites and if this is the case the bird will need treatment to get rid of them. This could also be the reason it has toes missing as they will mutilate there own bodies to remove what is causing them to itch.

If the band is loose then chances are its not that what is causing the problem unless its sticking in the bird and i again would suggest having it removed. I could have been put on the bird to late and has caused damage to the leg and foot.

Is the bird eating and drinking well and is its poop normal not watery or runny.

Mike

 

He seems to be eating and drinking, but doesn't seem to be interested in any fruits or vegetables I'm offering him.
I'm planning to take him to the vet, but I'm thinking I should wait a couple of weeks since the move has probably stressed him out a lot, and a trip would make it worse - or should I take him asap?

Also, I know it's very difficult since he's an adult, but how can I get him to begin trusting me? I realize it may not be possible since he hasn't been handled much before, but I'm willing to devote some time to him. Even if he never becomes tame, I really want him to be happy, which is the reason I accepted him from the previous owner.

Thanks.

 

Aslong as he is placed in a carry box that is covered he will be fine as being a dark place when nervous helps calm birds down.

I would have him at the vets ASAP because if there is anything wrong quick treatment is more likely to work rather than leaving it.

As for the taming him aslong as you take it slow and allow him to trust you in his own time then he will become tame, Age is not a problem when taming or training a bird aslong as you have the time to devote to him then i think you will succeed.

Taming involves acceptance and trust between you and your bird. It means spending a lot of time with your bird daily. Start with talking softly and calmly to the bird at all times.
Place your hand inside the cage making slow movements. Once your bird is comfortable with your hand being in there, then you can begin hand-taming. Move you hand slowly towards the bird if he flys away or tries to get away from you hold your hand still and allow him to calm down a little.

Once he is settled again slowly move towards him again, Eventually you should be able to get your finger close to his chest, Once this is achieved gently rub his chest and then gently press against his chest most people use commands, When you would like him to step up use the command UP.

Once he has mastered this use the Down command for him to step down.
Again time and patience is all that is needed to succeed.

Mike

 

Okay, thanks for the tips.
I'll begin looking for a vet to take him to and I'll begin trying the pointers you gave me to tame him.
Thanks again.