We have a cockateil that is always kept in a cage. (she loves it in there).. Anyway my 4 year old nephew who was here on vacation let the bird out of its cage. He was told 5 times not to open the cage and as soon as we left the room he did it again. My cairn terrier (who was only going on instinct) got the bird. We were able to retrieve it from the dog but its been with a bandage on its leg for 3 weeks. It was near death but now Its doing great, singing gained weight, eating...but yesterday my vet (an aviary specialist) said the leg is not bonding and it needs to be amputated. Does any one have or know anyone that has a one legged bird? .Any help or experince with this?
2007-07-19 07:38:25 · 8 answers · asked by frank s 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Yes, I've had several come through the shelter. The bird will take a while to get used to it, but it'll manage. What I do to make things easier for them is I put their food on the bottom of the cage and put a little cover thing over them so they can't poop in the food. I also put lots of ropes, ladders, and perches close together in the cage so they can get around easier. Keep the cage bars very clean because the bird will use its beak as an extra leg to get around (picture of one of my one-legged birds: http://www.cockatootrainer.com/timidness/ he's the one on the right)
Good luck and let me know if you need more help with him!
2007-07-19 07:52:39 · answer #1 · answered by Cliffieduckie 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I've had two birds who needed a leg amputated, though not for the reason you have. They learn to do just fine and are able to manage with one leg.
What I am surprised at is that you didn't take the bird to the vet sooner! Do you realize how lucky you are that they bird didn't die of an infection? I certainly hope that your veterinarian will prescribe some antibiotic for infection after the surgery. Please be certain that your vet is an AVIAN SPECIALIST and have him or her show you his credentials for treating birds. You realize just putting them "under" for a surgery is a highly sensitive and dangerous thing to perform if the vet isn't properly trained?
For after the surgery, you can usually find a sort of balcony type perch for the bird to use as it gains its strength in the remaining leg. They generally hang from the side of a cage and a similar to a grate at the bottom of a cage. For mine, I attach about 3 layers of soft paper towel on the grate and make sure its snug - then just change it daily if the bird uses it alot and gets droppings on it.
Moral of the story - DON'T trust a 4 year old to do what you tell them. Birds and pets in general are just TOO enticing for children.
Best of luck with your cockaTIEL.
2007-07-19 08:30:28 · answer #2 · answered by Goody 2 Shoes 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am so sorry to hear about your cockatiel. Continue handling this bird to keep the trust bond. He needs to not feel alone, being a flock animal. Birds are very adaptable. I have had many birds that have had deformities and they don't seem to know they're different. Also I hope you found a lock for that cage. (Or sometimes hanging it from the ceiling is a possibility.) No doubt the bird is terrified of your terrier. It will further strengthen bird's trust if you act as savior protecting bird from dog. Keep your bird safe and warm, free of drafts and not in a silent room, which is terrifying. Give him his meds as perscribed until finished. Play music when you are not home. Give gentle cool mist bath daily. Give fresh food and water daily in clean bowls. Offer fresh fruits and veggies (except avacado) for four hours a day in seperate bowl. Do not make radical changes to environment or diet during healing. Modify cage to accomodate new limb but avoid taking all the challenge out of it . Birds need challenge and stimultion. Keep a close eye on bird and bring to vet if a problem occurs. Hope this simple advice is pertinent.
2007-07-23 07:38:13 · answer #3 · answered by Renee N 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you are just giving an update to a previous question. That is great that he is getting his leg amputated, he will feel much better without it, once he has recovered from surgery. And it is also great that the fenced is getting fixed so he won't have to stay on a chain all the time. The only thing I would worry about is him still chasing and killing small animals when he is on the invisible fence. Sometimes dogs will run out of the fence while chasing a small animal. Because of the Adrenalin rush from chasing the animal they won't care about the shock on the way out, but a lot of times they won't come back in to the yard, in fear of getting shocked on the way in. I would be concerned about that, and keep an eye on him for the first few weeks while he is using the invisible fence. And as for the meds...yes, you can put his pill in bread, or you can put it in wet food. Which ever he prefers, and which ever works. Just make sure he has had a meal before he gets his pill.
2016-05-17 11:42:38 · answer #4 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've had experience with a one legged bird before. It may take a while for your cockatiel to adjust-but trust me, birds do great with it! I've also known a parakeet with a deformed leg. He also did great.
I would worry too much- I'm sure your cockatiel will be absolutely fine.
2007-07-19 08:15:58 · answer #5 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two little singers that have legs, but no feet. They look kind of funny with just stumps! I had to give them flat perches instead of the normal round. Other than that, they are just fine. I think that your cockatiel will learn to adjust and will be fine.
2007-07-19 07:52:59 · answer #6 · answered by noonecanne 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Best of luck for you & the bird.
2007-07-19 07:46:57 · answer #7 · answered by jon_mac_usa_007 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Nope. Got a one-eyed dog tho.
Good luck with your bird.
2007-07-19 07:46:41 · answer #8 · answered by ♥Lucifer♥ 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋