Heartbreaking

[ACE209]

Today I went to a local feed store to pick up horse feed and some seeds for the kids. I try to avoid the poultry section, because all their livestock is crammed into tiny cages and it's just depressing. Today was different I had my niece with me she's 7 so she of coarse runs to see the chickens. I noticed a cockatiel in a bottom cage. This isn't common at this feed store, so I look at the poor guy and of coarse he is missing feathers and looks malnourished. But what I failed to notice at a first glance is that both legs were deformed and bent inwords. I was immediately overcome with sadness and asked if that was a pet of someone's, or why it was here. The shop keep then told me he was dropped of on the front door in a paper bag. He tried calling animal control, but as usual they said someone will pick him up in 3 to 5 days. Annoying. I asked him if I could take him he agreed so here I am with poor little guy. I scheduled an appointment with a specialist, but he honestly said there isn't much to do at this point. It was most likely caused by calcium deficiency. I feel so bad for this little guy. I'm going to try to give him the best life I can. What do you guys think? Did I bite off more than I can chew?

 

[Dustbunny]

Oh that is heartbreaking! You are so kind to take him in and try to help.

If it were me, I'd probably give it a little time to get to know him better and see how much he improved with a healthy diet and good home. If he was in a lot of pain and it couldn't be adequately controlled, I'd probably have him euthanized. Otherwise, I'd hook that birdy up. I've read some people have used Critter Nation cages for birds with disabilities, including cockatiels. They have fleece-covered ramps and flat ledges for birds who have trouble walking. I have one of the cages and can tell you it is a PITA to put together, but I would use it in a heartbeat for a disabled bird. Very roomy, easy access to help the bird and clean the cage.

Once you get him settled, I'm sure we'd all love to see pics and hear how he's getting along.

 

[Allee]

Poor little cockatiel. How can people be so cruel? Thank you for trying to help this little one. I hope the specialist has good news. It's amazing how well parrots can adapt. If the bird is young then hopefully a healthy diet and a loving home will make all the difference and the little bird will be a family member for years to come. Dustbunnie's cage idea sounds promising. Please keep us updated.

 

[ACE209]

It isn't painful. At least no visual signs ie heavy breathing. He's on a towel in a cage. He hobbles around. He attacked the cuttle one hard core. Not interested in roudybush maintenance but placed an order for roudybush breeder to get some extra d3 and calcium. I think with some physical therapy I can get them to strengthen up. But those toes look so atrophied and underdeveloped. Side note he has similar markings as my nate which is probably why it pulled on my heart strings. Pics to come soon.

 

[ACE209]

 

[Dustbunny]

Oh that poor thing! I'm glad he doesn't act in pain because it looks painful! It's difficult to tell from the picture, but are those red areas on his legs pressure sores? I imagine it's very difficult for him to change position.

I was just reading about cerebellar hypoplasia this morning as one of the kittens we are raising from a stray cat may have this. I saw videos where people built these little PVC walkers for kittens to gain muscle strength despite their uncoordinated and underdeveloped muscles. I wish something like that could be done for this guy.

 

[Terry57]

Oh, that poor baby Bless you for taking him in to give him a chance. I am hoping the specialist can help, and birds are so adaptable. Please keep us updated.

 

[ruffledfeathers]

Wow that is so sad. I am so glad you took this poor bird and you are going to do what you can. I think worst case, even if he doesn't have a long life, he can at least be shown love and care now. And who knows, maybe he will adapt and live pretty well?

 

[veimar]

Bless your kind heart! I'm in no way specialist, but I wonder if he can move his legs at all or are they paralyzed? If he can move there is probably a hope that he gets better, especially if he is not old. I wonder if they do physical therapy for birds? You need to get him to a good avian vet. I keep my fingers crossed for you!

 

[ACE209]

Quick update for those of you following the thread. I've been working his digits one by one to increase circulation, this however seems painful so I try to make it quick. When he's trying to escape you can see the left leg digits clamp together so there is movement. I also didn't notice at first but he has bruises on his skull from what I have no idea, but it's subsiding. His plumage is coming back really fast and he's put on 9 grams since I first brought him home. I hope we can save at least one leg. Oh and by no means is he friendly with hissing, lunging and biting... no good deed goes unpunished lol. I don't blame him and it doesn't phase me.

 

[Dustbunny]

It is so difficult to try and help an animal who acts like they don't want it, emotionally and physically. At least it is for me; I tend to over empathize. Three cheers to you for handling it so well!

I wonder if the bruises might be from him being scared and thrashing around in a cage before you found him. I really hope it's not from anything worse. It must be so frustrating not having any back story for what has happened to him.

 

[machaus]

Thank you for taking that sweet little guy. He is so lucky you cared enough to even help him. You saved his life and all you can do is the best you can to give him a good rest if his life.

 

[Kisota]

Oh, wow, poor little guy!!

That's so amazing that you're going to such lengths to help him (whether he acts like he wants it or not! )

Let us know how it goes. I wonder who let that happen to him in the first place, the poor thing. :C

 

[veimar]

Oh, just ignore his hissing and lunging! Hope he doesn't bite hard. I rescued a cockatiel (a healthy one) from rough conditions three weeks ago, and he still hisses and tries to bite my hands. But he gradually gets better, not as fast as I hoped though. Yours is a difficult one, so just have tons of patience.
Please update us on him!!

 

[veimar]

Oh, just wanted to add - maybe it can help… Did you try to put him on your lap while you read a book or sit at computer? I just thought that it might be easier on his legs and also help to bond, unless he really tries to escape. My rescue baby really loves to be on my body - he would just sit on my chest and chew my silver chain with the cross, or climb to my shoulder, although he still hates my hands.

 

[MikeyTN]

Oh poor baby!!!!!!! It makes me very sad seeing pictures such as this with Cockatiels......I'll be receiving 5 Cockatiels from someone not wanting them soon, but I don't think they would be in poor shape cause this lady actually cares about them, then I'll find homes for three of them as I already have a person in mind.

One thing I noticed in the picture, he needs to have his nails clipped. That would help tremendously in perching and walking. Let his sores on this feet heal first before really pushing the training for his mobility. Try to keep his feet clean at this time until fully healed.

 

[Allee]

ACE209,
Just wanted to say again how great it is that you are trying so hard to help this little tiel! It sounds like there's a good chance his condition will improve. Very good sign that he is already gaining weight and has more movement in his legs than you thought. Have you given the little guy a name yet? I would love to see more photos.

 

[ACE209]

Another quick update: today we went to a specialist and well good and bad news. Doc says there isn't much he can do unfortunately he's too old to correct the bent legs. He said that he's an adult by the looks of him and what he can do is amputate the digits and place caps on his stumps to elevate the pressure sores.he said it's extremely painful for him to be putting weight on his legs the way he does. Of coarse he said euthanasia is a valid choice as well. Right now I'm not sure what to do. He's calmed down some I can pick him up now without him freaking out. Still gaining weight. I'm going to try and find him a home. Of coarse I'll have to be very careful in placing him. What are your thoughts on amputation? Or should I have him euthanized?

 

[ACE209]

At this point I am very angry at the person that let this go on for so long. I am at my wits end. I don't know what's best for him anymore.

 

[Allee]

I'm so sorry you are faced with such a tough decision. I understand your anger and frustration. The decision is of course yours alone and I'm sure no one will judge you for it. The specialist's suggestion for surgery sounds like a plausible plan that might ease the pain and allow the bird more mobility. It's hard for me to say because I don't know how much the bird is suffering or if surgery might improve his condition enough that he would have a chance at a happy life. I know there was a reason it was you that rescued him in the first place. I wish you the very best.