Amputated wing

[CynCyn]

Hi, I am new and wanted to know if anyone here had any experience with their Lovebird or any other small bird having to deal with the loss of one wing. My Lovie had a lump on his wing and after biopsying the lump it was found to be cancer. Wednesday they amputated his wing (It was the only option, trust me). He came home yesterday and seems in good spirits and is eating and drinking and chirping..etc. I was just wondering if anyone has had a similar situation and if I could get some helpful tips on how to make him more comfortable while he recovers as well as help him to adjust to his new disability.

 

[bkparrot]

Oh wow - I am sorry to hear about the amputation. Glad he is doing better. I have only read about foot disabilities and a modified cage.

Wishing him all the best.

 

[aliray]

Welcome to the forum. Sorry to hear about your bird, But glad he is doing ok. Did the vet give you any suggestion for things to make dealing with his handicap? I would ask the vet first but my suggestion would be to keep his other wing clipped so he doesn't try to fly because with only one wing he would not have directional control. How about lowering his perches and padding the bottom of his cage until he gets used to having only one wing then once he is doing better make sure he has a lot of perches and things to climb. Also don't let him anywhere that he could fall and get hurt. I have never delt with a bird having one wing but there are a lot of experienced bird owners here that I am sure will come along to help

 

[Denisewalks]

I had a lovebird many years ago that had his wing amputated also.
It is amazing how resilient and adaptable birds are. He didn't need anything special. He got along just fine with his old perches and toys. We had him for many years after it happened and he was always happy.
Best wishes for your little friend.

 

[BillsBirds]

I rescued a Cockatoo that was attacked by a dog, and lost a leg & most of 1 wing. She was fine without both. Of course. she couldn't fly. But, climbed very well, beak over foot. Since most of our babies are clipped, for their own good, they do well without flying. Just be mindful of where he is, so he doesn't feel the need to jump off of anything to fly. I've dealt with many birds with special needs & disabilities, and they all manage very well. Animals are not like people...they deal with life as it happens, and accept things & adjust quickly.. Good luck with him!

 

[CynCyn]

Thanks for the words of advice. I have him in his "sick cage" which is small and the perch is only 4 inches high, I also lined the bottom with a soft towel. He loves to climb and has been doing so but it makes me so nervous. He wants to pick at his bandages so I have just been laying him in my shirt where just his head is peeking out (he loves this). I just am unsure about what activities I can have him do with him still being fragile and he seems to have so much energy (tough little guy) I don't want him to use it by picking himself and his bandage.

 

[Karigan]

Parrot magazine just printed a wonderful article about a cockatoo that had it's wing amputated, and despite its inability to fly, she was courted by a wild male that would visit her garden cage and the two wound up hatching chicks together. It was a great story and will be continued in next month's addition. By the end the whole flock was coming down to visit her!