New flock member hoping for advice

KimK

New member
Sep 4, 2020
1
0
Michigan
Parrots
Charlie: Umbrella cockatoo
Emmie: Quaker parrot
Hello everyone,

My family has recently been joined by a 26 year old female umbrella cockatoo that is flightless (feather picking) and who has recently undergone a leg amputation due to a fracture and associated nerve damage.

We are hoping to find creative solutions and aids in this community to help Charlie stay active and healthy for many years to come. We will search through the archives and will also welcome any pointers toward information that may prove helpful.

Our flock also includes a Quaker parrot that has been with us for about 10 years.

Thank you and God bless!
 

saxguy64

Moderator
Staff member
Super Moderator
Apr 24, 2018
16,318
Media
4
Albums
3
27,350
Maine, USA
Parrots
Tucker the Red Sided Eclectus
Baxter the YNA
Avery the CAG
Patches the Grand Eclectus, my best friend. RIP
Cuckoo the BFA RIP
Hi, and welcome to the forums! Glad you found us. Thank you so much for taking on a special needs bird, and seeking information! That speaks volumes about you. :) I don't have much to offer for your situation, but I'm sure others will be along soon. If you'd like to share, we love pictures here, and many of us have a special place in our hearts for pluckers and birds in need.
 

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.
Welcome to you, Charlie, and Emmie! Deep respect for adopting a special needs parrot - the world needs more parronts with your compassion!!

I'd recommend creating a new thread in the General Health sub-forum. Might attract more of the general membership and yield creative ideas. If you do, please change the wording just a bit to avoid "double posting."

Thankfully most cockatoos readily bond with humans - the trick will be to avoid overdependence leading to "large cockatoo" neurotic behaviors.
 

PrimorandMoxi

Well-known member
May 29, 2015
474
658
New Jersey
Parrots
Max (23yo) Blue and Gold Macaw,
&
PRIMOR (8yo) Red Lored Amazon,
&
ABBA (33yo) Red Lored Amazon - RIP
Wow, God Bless and THANK YOU!
As Gail will i'm sure soon say,"you are my hero"
 

Laurasea

Well-known member
Aug 2, 2018
12,593
10,702
USA
Parrots
Full house
How wonderful to cherish and give this guy a place to live and flourish.
Because of the one leg, it’s easier to get pressure sores since it takes all the weight.
I would suggest one log size perch as one of his options to rest on. This offers a lot of stability and allowing the feet to be almost flat really supports and spreads out the weight over the whole foot. And then hang one of those multiple rope toyas or something that can be leaned in or held with beak if needed to relax. Really watch and check the bottom of the remaining foot for bumble foot, as higher chance this could develop over time. Some one leg birds like a shallow cup like shelf to rest in to take weight off the foot completely from time to time. But nit all birds will choose to rest that way.

I recommend the sweeter heater it’s a bird safe radiant heat panel, to offer a warmer area when needed . This company used to make them just fir parrots but they are now marketed for chickens . So get the smallest size, you can hang on the outside back if csge low in one corner and put a perch inside the cage in front of it . It doesn’t have to be over top like they show in the add fir chickens. It puts out a lot of radiant heat so it’s best off to one side and don’t cover the top of the cage when you use it. I used to have a thermostat that you could attach to it and set the temp yiu want it to kick on or maintain. Don’t know if they still sell that tho. I hsve one and I live in Florida! Lol, my burds sit by it after a bath
SWEETER HEATER Infrared Heater for Chicks & Pets, Overhead 11x16, 50 Watt https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CYTU95K/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QSPuFbW309GYH
 
Last edited:

Ceri

New member
Aug 6, 2020
113
10
Bozeman, MT
Parrots
Jade & Jasper - Meyers - Adopted from Rescue - estimated age is 5 or 6.
Kim, I am so sorry to hear about her leg. That is so sad, poor sweet girl. You have such a big heart to be researching and your care for Charlie shows. I love that!

Laura. You have so much information in that head of yours! THANK YOU for sharing, I am learning so much about everything. This is excellent!
 

Most Reactions

Latest posts

Top