Need Ideas .... HELP

[PiperAndRiosMommy]

So that Amazon that I took in is having a VERY hard time getting around, he hasn't moved a whole lot since I got him so I didn't notice it until just now but he can barely lift one foot enough to step over the other one when he walks and he loses his balance and falls over .... almost like he tripped over his foot. He will not climb at all so I've already put his bowls on the bottom and he has a few perches as low as they will go in the cage. Since he is having a hard time walking on the grate on the bottom of the cage, I figured I can get a piece of plexiglass cut to size to cover the bottom so he can kind of slide his feet along so he can get around easier. I've never had a crippled bird before so I need ideas on how to make his life easier. He doesn't seem like he is in pain, he is eating & drinking normally and he's been "talking" to me when I sit by his cage and talk to him. I wish I knew who dropped him off at that store because I really want to smack them upside their head for how they treated this poor bird Any help would be greatly appreciated. I really want him to have the best life possible since he's had it rough and probably has never been treated right. Poor thing doesn't even know what a toy is .... I put toys that he could shred into pieces in there and they are all still intact and look brand new, my CAG would have them ripped to pieces by now.

 

[merlinsmom13]

Have you tried taking the grate out. My cage will allow me to slide the lower drawer into the slot where the grate slides. You would have to clean the cage frequently since he walks on the bottom.

I have to tell you that it the most pitiful creature I've ever seen. I'm looking forward to seeing him when he's had good food & care. Thanks for helping him, I'm sure he'll repay you tenfold.

 

[PiperAndRiosMommy]

The grate doesn't slide out in that cage, it is in 2 pieces and drops in. I could take them out but then he wouldn't be able to reach the perches with his beak to help climb on them. He is pretty pitiful and I cannot wait until he gets better. The eye is already starting to look better from cleaning it 3 times a day and he is now producing his own tears but I don't think it will ever be normal. He has a very good appetite. I've offered him Harrison's high potency coarse, Zupreem pellets, cooked pasta, fruit & veggies, a parrot seed and a few treat blocks. He has not been picky at all so I'm sure he'll gain the weight pretty quick. It breaks my heart watching him try to get around though, something that should be easy for a bird and he can't do the simplest things. I'll post pics of his progress. His previous owner should be charged with neglect !!!

 

[Remy]

I'm so glad he's in your care now!

Maybe if he sees you or other birds playing with toys, he will figure it out. Puck didn't have a lot of toys at his last home, and he ignored a lot of the toys I gave him at first, but he figure them out.

 

[roxynoodle]

My zon didn't know what toys were either. It took about 2 weeks before he started doing anything with them. He gets scared when he sees new ones as well. I put the first 3 in right when he first came here. He was scared of everything the first couple of days so I didn't even realize toys scared him.

It sounds like it might be a good idea to put something over the grate then so he can get to perches, rather than remove the grate.

 

[PiperAndRiosMommy]

We have converted Rio's cage and he is much happier and moving around a lot better. Seems he has taken a liking to my husband, I'm okay with that. I'm just glad to see that even though he was neglected so bad that he is still trusting in people. He is a very patient bird. He is getting used to me cleaning his eye and doesn't fuss as much when I do it. Here is his cage (more perches will be going in as he gets stronger) We used outdoor carpet to give him something to grip on to with his beak to help him climb up since both of his feet are bad)

 

[IcyWolf]

That looks amazing! Rio must be so happy now, does he climb up the ramps on his own?

 

[PiperAndRiosMommy]

He does, it takes him awhile to climb but he does it all by himself.

 

[merlinsmom13]

That looks great! Amazing! He does look better, maybe he's allowed himself to hope.

 

[BillsBirds]

First, bless you for helping this little fellow. Second, what an amazing cage set-up! great use of carpet. I rescued a cockatoo from a dog attack years ago. She lost her right leg, and part of a wing. To make it easier for her, I made low shelves for her to roost on, and lowered a few perches to stimulate perching. I also kept her food & water low, so she didn't have to climb much for them. You're doing a wonderful job with this bird. What does the vet say is the reason for the immobility? Can he grasp objects, or flex his feet?

 

[Remy]

I love what you've done with the cage! Poor, sweet baby! I'm so glad he has you.

 

[PiperAndRiosMommy]

Thanks The least I can do is try to make the rest of his life as comfortable as possible.

 

[roxynoodle]

You did a great job with the cage! Good idea!

I wonder if once he gets good nutrition for awhile if he will get stronger? He could be weak because he's lacking in vitamins and minerals due to the former owner's neglect.

You might suggest to your vet a vitamin E/Selenium shot.