Birdie wheelchair?

[BeatriceC]

MrC and I like to take the birds out for walks. We get our exercise, the birds get outside time, everybody's happy. With the addition of Charlotte, we have a couple logistical issues.

First and foremost is her balance problems. I'm not sure she could reliably steady herself on a human arm for any length of time while the human the arm is attached to is walking up and down fairly steep hills.

Second is she's still getting used to this whole human contact thing. She's bonding well with me (at first she seemed to be choosing MrC, but that's reversed now), and she trusts me, and even hurls herself out of her cage at me these days, but I don't know how she'd handle new experiences on said human arm. She would probably be more comfortable with something a bit more stable.

Fourth, since she's naked, I worry about the intense Souther California sun and sunburn.

Third, a little over two pounds of bird on the end of my arm is a lot of bird to haul around for more than a few minutes, particularly in light of those steep hills I mentioned previously.

So I had a thought while hauling my son's wheelchair out of the back of my van this afternoon. What about a "birdie wheelchair". I was thinking I could take the frame of a basic stroller (one with a sun canopy), remove all the fabric and attach perches for her to hang on to and let her ride while we walk. I'm trying to work out in my head how this would work. I think she might feel more secure with a solid perch instead of an arm, and the canopy could give her some shade to protect her skin (or give her something to chew on...I'll have to think about that). Does this sound like an okay idea or am I just crazy?

 

[jugoya]

Get a pram and fix perches in it.
Easier cheaper and comes with a sun shade
You could also slowly get her used to birdie sweaters

 

[BeatriceC]

That was the thought, though I used the word stroller. I was thinking something smaller than a full sized pram would be better.

I was thinking something like this:

Babies R Us Lightweight Stroller - Navy - Babies R Us - Babies "R" Us

 

[jugoya]

Thats what I was thinking
You said Wheel chair I was a bit confused there xP

 

[BeatriceC]

In the body of the post towards the end I said I was thinking of using a stroller. It's probably really easy to scan right past that line.

MrC thinks I've lost my mind. That's all the more reason for me to do it! I think I will go shopping tomorrow.

 

[jugoya]

Its also late as anything for me xD
Silly me... yup yup yup
Whatever you use... Charlotte is a spoiled delightful girl.

 

[plumsmum2005]

Marine, a Blue and Gold Macaw, strolling the streets of Japan

This is just for inspiration but based on just a stroller. Good luck, MrC will have to smile on the other side of his face soon won't he?

 

[GaleriaGila]

Well, why not? Really looking forward to seeing what you cook up!

By the way, Jugoya... what a precious avatar picture!

 

[Flboy]

Covered in netting and some type of light weight Boulder/perch, a stroller sounds good!

 

[BeatriceC]

So I'm not completely crazy! Yay!

Next question:

I'm going back and forth between just buying a new one or looking for a used one. As long as the frame is stable and the wheels still work, I'm thinking a used one would be fine. I'm going to be ripping off the fabric anyway to make room for her tail feathers. But are there any safety issues I'm not thinking of with a used stroller?

 

[wrench13]

Wow, that is really creative. With a hack saw, some 1x1s and hardware I bet you can rig something up for her. What a good momma.

 

[BeatriceC]

I finally found the perfect frame! It actually needs very little work. I'm so excited!

 

[Teddscau]

Uh huh. That looks about right. It should definitely get the neighbours talking, if that's what you're going for . Have you thought about getting her little hoodies? Okay, I know that's not what we're talking about, but they have the cutest little hoodies online that you can buy for your bird.

Oh, you could, if you wanted to, buy her one of those Celltei Pak-o-Bird carriers. They come with these, umm... Okay, they have these thingies on the carrier that you can roll down to protect her from the sun and wind. They also have dish holders and stuff. I don't know, talk to Salty's dad. He just posted about his lad's new Pak-o-Bird. You could strap the carrier into the stroller frame(?) you have there.

 

[SailBoat]

With that as a base, you have tons of options and directions.

I would start by web searching that frame and what it originally looked like new. This will address load support areas, attachment points and framing to support the coverings.

You have an excellent base. Take a little time to think it though.
Remember to measure, measure, and remeasure. A way to avoid problems is to use cardboard as a visual and physical shapes and sizes, will they fit or what needs to be changed, etc, etc, etc... This will let you explore ways of sliding cages into place and back out. The height and location of the sun cover, etc.....

From there, you can eliminate what will not be needed or change, and look at adding what will meet your needs i.e. shading and support for their enclosures.

 

[BeatriceC]

This frame is actually brand new. This is what it's supposed to look like. It's a frame and support for the bucket car seat of the parent's choosing. The car seat would be secured into that rectangular part and secured by the straps you see.

I have it just sitting by her cage right now so she can get used to it. I figure it'll take me a little bit to figure out exactly how I want to modify it, and by then it won't be such a scary monster anymore.

 

[psychocircus91]

Here is the pak-o-bird and stroller. Extremely pricey, but just in case it offers any inspiration.