Adopting a blind conure?

[SilverSage]

Many of you know our family has rescued and fostered special needs birds in the past, but we have never had a blind one before.

Well tonight I have been offered the chance to adopt a very young green cheek who has no eyes.

I met him when he was a few weeks old and he was of course sweet and adorable. I mentioned to his caretaker that I might possibly be interested in adopting a blind bird in the future, and due to some dramatic changes in their lives, they are considering whether or not keeping him themselves is really HIS best option. I want to be clear that he is currently in good hands and is very loved; this would be an adoption but not a rescue.

Anyway, have any of you ever lived with a blind bird? Anything specific I should be aware of from the get-go? I'm going to spend some time with him this week before making up my mind.


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[plumsmum2005]

Very commendable Dani, bless you for even thinking of taking him on.

IMO the very best sources of help on this are his current family, they have knowledge of how he copes with life and what they do to help him survive. If you do adopt him he couldn't wish for a better Mom IMO.

May help in the first instance that he knows your voice and if possible see if you can get him to come over to you talking to him. That I would assume is the first vote of confidence.

If you do FB this may help? https://www.facebook.com/Care4BlindBirds
This is interesting read also http://www.birdtricks.com/blog/making-the-cage-suitable-for-your-special-needs-parrot/

 

[SilverSage]

I'll look at those! He is still hand feeding and hasn't moved to a cage yet. Life for him will change drastically if he comes home with me, just based on the fact that I'm not hand feeding a whole bunch of other babies lol. I know blind birds must be able to wean successfully, though I'm sort of wondering if it will take significantly longer since he can't see the older birds eating.


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[Scott]

I have no experience, Dani, but cheer you on! Would be an act of extreme compassion and no doubt this lovable and vulnerable conure will develop some amazing characteristics of compensation.

Nice to know he is well cared for by loving parronts.

 

[Owlet]

I have no experience with blind birds but here are some suggestions I think may be good to keep in mind.

Keep him clipped, for his own safety.
Talk to him A LOT for bonding. He won't be able to see you so voice recognition is the next best thing.
Keep his cage largely open and similar. Try not to change it around too much unless you think he needs the mental stimulation, but if he has a sleeping perch at least keep that one the same.
Give him a buddy? Maybe try pairing him to another conure so this one can act as his eyes and the blind bub could follow it around with less worry. Not fool proof but it's an idea.
Give him lots of touch sensory toys. Maybe like textured wooden beads, lots of simple foraging toys, lots of shreddables, etc.

 

[pinyasmom]

I agree on keeping him clipped for his own safety. I was looking online yesterday and stumbled upon SPCAs and other animal rescue places. I was very very saddened to see how many numerous birds that are rescues and up for adoption. People REALLY need to understand what they are taking on because it's a big responsibility and the bird suffers when not taken care of properly and are just dumped and kicked to the curb. I wish I could win lottery I would tale them all. Its a very commendable thing your doing. God bless your loving heart.

 

[LeaKP]

I'm a sap for conures and I'm hoping for the best!

 

[SilverSage]

It's going to be hard to say no if I need to. I'll keep you all updated!


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[DerTier]

You rock! Other than keeping him frm flying, i can't think of much bird specific that could help as im new to birds. That being said a blind bird can still be clicker trained and I've found that is a great confidence builder in all sorts of species. I specialize in special needs and disabled animals too, ill be watching with interest

Oh and don't move cage furniture and decor around as blind animals rely on their memory to navigate their environment.

 

[keakea]

I have no experience with blind birds but here are some suggestions I think may be good to keep in mind.

Keep him clipped, for his own safety.
Talk to him A LOT for bonding. He won't be able to see you so voice recognition is the next best thing.
Keep his cage largely open and similar. Try not to change it around too much unless you think he needs the mental stimulation, but if he has a sleeping perch at least keep that one the same.
Give him a buddy? Maybe try pairing him to another conure so this one can act as his eyes and the blind bub could follow it around with less worry. Not fool proof but it's an idea.
Give him lots of touch sensory toys. Maybe like textured wooden beads, lots of simple foraging toys, lots of shreddables, etc.

Ditto everything above. Great advice!

 

[GaleriaGila]

You are wonderful, for considering it, and sharing it with us.
Pictures would certainly be precious.

 

[DerTier]

Lost connection earlier, but I've found clicker training is a great confidence booster, disabled or no

 

[SilverSage]

Just wanted to update you all and thank you for your support.

I have reluctantly decided that right now, in the middle of a big move and with our first human child soon to arrive, it isn't a good time to take on a bird with such intensive needs.


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[ahmadses]

Many of you know our family has rescued and fostered special needs birds in the past, but we have never had a blind one before.

Well tonight I have been offered the chance to adopt a very young green cheek who has no eyes.

I met him when he was a few weeks old and he was of course sweet and adorable. I mentioned to his caretaker that I might possibly be interested in adopting a blind bird in the future, and due to some dramatic changes in their lives, they are considering whether or not keeping him themselves is really HIS best option. I want to be clear that he is currently in good hands and is very loved; this would be an adoption but not a rescue.

Anyway, have any of you ever lived with a blind bird? Anything specific I should be aware of from the get-go? I'm going to spend some time with him this week before making up my mind.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I used to have a blind budgie and a non blind budgie (fully flighted) It was kind of sad but the budgie that could not fly would fly with him wherever he went and told him where to go... It was super cute and I couldn't be more honored.