Special Needs Bird

SamBeben

New member
May 8, 2019
26
0
Parrots
African Grey, Moustached Parakeet
My fiance and I recently adopted a special needs bird.
He is an IRN and can't fly. He also jumps and can't balance very well on you so he sticks out his wings.
If there is anybody with experience with special needs birds, I would love to hear some advice that you could give to a new owner of one!!
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
Thank you for the rescue if a special needs bird!!! What a wonderful thing to do!!
I don't have experience to help, sorry..
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Deep respect for choosing a special needs bird! Sometimes they become the closest bonded of companions!

I too have no experience but hope bumping your thread allows members to share!
 

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
My husband and I have a special needs budgie named Hima. She has severe splayed leg and cannot stand, hop, climb, or walk as normal. She has her own ways of getting around, though, and does just fine. Anything in particular you have a question about? :) I'd be happy to help out with advice any way I can.
 
OP
SamBeben

SamBeben

New member
May 8, 2019
26
0
Parrots
African Grey, Moustached Parakeet
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #6
My husband and I have a special needs budgie named Hima. She has severe splayed leg and cannot stand, hop, climb, or walk as normal. She has her own ways of getting around, though, and does just fine. Anything in particular you have a question about? :) I'd be happy to help out with advice any way I can.

I'm just not sure how to interact with him and take him out often because I'm afraid he will fall off.
How do you interact with your bird to where they still have the attention they need?
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
You can buy an old fashioned TV tray table and make that a movable play stand. Attach large diameter branches or perches. Then get a drop cloth and Velcro some pillows to it so the floor will be padded, and the table isn't that high to start with .
 
OP
SamBeben

SamBeben

New member
May 8, 2019
26
0
Parrots
African Grey, Moustached Parakeet
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
You can buy an old fashioned TV tray table and make that a movable play stand. Attach large diameter branches or perches. Then get a drop cloth and Velcro some pillows to it so the floor will be padded, and the table isn't that high to start with .

That sounds so cool! Thank you very much for the advice!!
 

bug_n_flock

Well-known member
Jan 2, 2018
1,371
207
Isolated Holler in the Appalachian Wilderness
Parrots
B&G Macaw, Galah, 5 cockatiels, 50 billion and a half budgies. We breed and do rescue. Too many to list each individual's name and age etc, but they are each individuals and loved dearly.
Hima is a velcro bird. Her favorite place in the world is clinging to my chest. Don't get me wrong, she also gets around and causes trouble elsewhere, but she is very much a momma's girl.



She doesn't "step up" so much as she sort of straddles an open hand held out for her. She also likes to bite on to my glasses and go for face rides, lmao. It's just a matter of going slow and watching your bird. You will ocer time come to understand each other and figure out unique things all your own. Be gentle, go slow, and listen to the little one.



Perhaps spend some time on the floor in a small room as you are getting to know each other.
 

Noahs_Birds

Well-known member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Oct 24, 2019
456
489
Toowoomba/Highfields, QLD, Australia
Parrots
Yellow Sided GCC's, Rosa Bourkes Parrots, Full Red Fronted Turqoisine Parrots, Quaker Parrots 'Scomo PM' 'Jenny PM's wife', PLUS: Rare Finches, Doves and Quail
Good to hear someone out there adopting one of the little guys
Thanks
Noah Till
 

buurd

Active member
May 11, 2018
295
37
Parrots
2 Rosy Bourke's parrots
Eventually I my Bourke's parakeet will need a companion, and I am not not opposed to adopting a handicapped one, but I am wondering how other birds tend to react to handicapped birds that are new to them as adults?
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top