Screaming Modification For Blind Bird

I have Tiki home, a 25 year old male, blind Ekkie. He was screaming at the rescue quite a bit, and it was thought that all the commotion there was bothering him. Since he's been here, I've been observing when he screams.

He did first thing this morning, while I was getting breakfast ready for the fids, but I'm not concerned about that. The pretty chicken does the same thing, especially if she thinks I'm not moving fast enough, so pretty much every morning.

However, I am not sure if the commotion was what was causing his screaming, I think it's more of a boredom, desire for attention scream. I've been trying to talk to him most of the morning, he loves being talked to, and will talk back. I'm just wondering what else I can do to help stimulate him. I also think he screams when he is startled by something.

I can take him out and hold him, but I don't want to push him too far, too fast, considering I already paid for that last night with a pretty good bite. Granted, that was because he was uncomfortable anyway, since he can't see and felt unsteady. I know that was my fault, and not his. I think as we build more trust, and he gets used to coming out and how I handle him, he will get less unsteady.

I do wonder if he can see at least light/shadows. He will be sitting in his cage, then suddenly lunge and growl to one side or the other. So I wonder if he is seeing slight changes in light, so he reacts aggressively since he does not know exactly what it is. However, if I move my hand in front of him slowly without touching him, he doesn't seem to react to it at all. So I am unsure. I know he does not see well at all, if he see at all.

Ah bless him, seems so unfair. I would assume he will get better but hey it's all new again. You sound like you are doing great. Just a thought would a toy that makes a gentle sound, a bell, give him some pleasure, when he learns where it is and how to make it tinkle. As a sort of comforter to go to?

There could be so many things that could be causing him to scream, you name it he is probably feeling it. Would comforting words help with the lunging just by telling Tiki it's OK. I am just thinking of how Plum was yesterday ie we have had some pretty strong gusts of wind and he was unsettled by the different noises so I just kept telling him it was OK, nothing to worry about.

I did get one of the long bells, that have the long ringers they can't swallow, hung in his cage. It's tucked into a back corner for now, I plan on moving it slowly closer to a perch so it doesn't startle him too much. I thought he would appreciate a toy that makes noise.

So far this morning, he has only screamed while the chicken did. That is the only time she screams, because this inferior human cannot get breakfast ready fast enough.

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Thank-you, for bring a very special Ekkie into your home! Special Needs Parrots especially one with limited, too no sight require less support than one would guess. The primary requirement is consistent and clear communication. Specific clue words as to where you are and whats going on around your Ekkie. By remaining consistent your guy will quickly become comfortable with his surroundings, you and the rest of the family.

Blindness can be caused by a very wide range possible sources. The Parrot's history may provide the answer, however as we all know that really is not all that truthful. In addition, the amount of Blindness and whether it is progressing (becoming better or worst) is important to understand today's and the future needs. As important is what if anything the Parrot is in fact seeing. The best way to address all of this is the New Household Member visit to the Avian Vet.

The good news is that in addition to this group, there are also specific groups, which support Special Needs Parrots, Blind. Web search using: Handicap Birds, Handicap Parrots, Special Needs Birds, Special Need Parrots, adding Blind or Blindness to set a more specific search.

You will find support in setting up his cage, what perches, toys, etc... have been found useful. Contact Calls and (as stated above) communication tools to use. Questions to ask your Avian Vet and what is current regarding treatments and specialists.

Again, Thank-You for bring this very special Ekkie into your home. The rewards will far exceed the efforts. Love from a Special Needs Parrot is endless!

Have you tried playing music or leaving the tv on for him? It helps with Willow to keep her attention, and she'll talk/sing along when alone.

Fascinating. I never heard of a blind parrot before. How wonderful that you're helping him.