As a result, uric acid accumulates and begins to abnormally collect in different sites within the body. There are two distinct forms of this disease in parrots. Articular gout usually affects the joints of the lower legs. It is most common in budgies where it appears as multiple cream-colored shiny swellings bulging up through the skin. It is very painful and the bird becomes progressively crippled.
Visceral gout affects the internal organs and is very difficult to diagnose.
The first course of action is to correct the diet, thereby eliminating the cause. Whether the cause is excess protein or improper calcium levels in the diet remains controversial. Meanwhile, try this simple but effective remedy, which I think most parrots find enjoyable too. Cherries, fresh, frozen, or even canned, should eliminate the gout problem rather quickly. If you cannot find cherries, all health food stores sell small bottles of black cherry juice concentrate which can be added to the drinking water.