Looking for an avian behavioral specialist for my rescued disabled caique.

[mylilbaileybird]

Hi, everyone! I’m new here and I think I’m posting in the right place but please be sure to let me know if not. I’m a long-time exotic parrot owner and handler. I was wondering if anyone knows of a good avian behavioral specialist, particularly with caique experience as I’m in need of some assistance for my rescued disabled caique. I’m looking to do a Zoom consultation and more than happy to pay for the time. Any and all recommendations would be wonderful. Thanks so much!

 

[ravvlet]

Speaking as a member (not an official mod recommendation), I’ve had Debbie Goodrich come over and work with us and our newer Amazon and she’s great. She also does Zoom consults and has many years experience in parrot behavior.

Parrot Ambassador Programs – Parrot Ambassadors Educational Entertainment

At the bottom of this page is a small blurb about private consults with a link to her contact page.

 

[mylilbaileybird]

Speaking as a member (not an official mod recommendation), I’ve had Debbie Goodrich come over and work with us and our newer Amazon and she’s great. She also does Zoom consults and has many years experience in parrot behavior.

Parrot Ambassador Programs – Parrot Ambassadors Educational Entertainment

At the bottom of this page is a small blurb about private consults with a link to her contact page.

This sounds great. Thank you so much! I'm going to look into it right away.

 

[HeatherG]

I’m wondering in what ways is your caique disabled? I have helped several disabled birds to have better lives. Maybe I can make a suggestion that would help in terms of housing or something else?

 

[mylilbaileybird]

I’m wondering in what ways is your caique disabled? I have helped several disabled birds to have better lives. Maybe I can make a suggestion that would help in terms of housing or something else?

He had an unexplained neurological episode that left him completely blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. He's still able to fly but has a hard time with things he used to be able to do, so we'd appreciate any recommendations you have.

 

[HeatherG]

He had an unexplained neurological episode that left him completely blind in one eye and partially blind in the other. He's still able to fly but has a hard time with things he used to be able to do, so we'd appreciate any recommendations you have.

That sounds a bit like my last Quaker who was blind in one eye, couldn’t fly, and had a bad leg due to an incident with a human child.

Lucy did very well for 22 years after this accident, but as she got older and arthritic I needed to change her from a regular cage to a cage that had things much lower and had broad flat perched or ladder perches. She could lay down on her tummy on those if her leg was acting up. I also covered the grill on her cage with a chuck pad, since she wanted to play on the cage bottom but her bad leg would fall through.

I also had to be aware that Lucy couldn’t hold onto my shoulder very well and needed to be carried in my hand, a basket, or an infinity scarf. She really liked that and enjoyed going for walks and errands.

She was afraid of little kids all her life, though.

 

[mylilbaileybird]

That sounds a bit like my last Quaker who was blind in one eye, couldn’t fly, and had a bad leg due to an incident with a human child.

Lucy did very well for 22 years after this accident, but as she got older and arthritic I needed to change her from a regular cage to a cage that had things much lower and had broad flat perched or ladder perches. She could lay down on her tummy on those if her leg was acting up. I also covered the grill on her cage with a chuck pad, since she wanted to play on the cage bottom but her bad leg would fall through.

I also had to be aware that Lucy couldn’t hold onto my shoulder very well and needed to be carried in my hand, a basket, or an infinity scarf. She really liked that and enjoyed going for walks and errands.

She was afraid of little kids all her life, though.

Thanks so much! These are some great tips. I have been looking into getting a shorter cage, so I will definitely do that.

 

[HeatherG]

The wider perches really helped, too. Especially the ladders hooked on both ends for use as perches.

 

[HeatherG]

Watch him as he walks and climbs around. You will see when he stumbles or can’t get around. Also be aware he might pinch you to try to hang on. If his feet are clumsy you might have to get rid of the grille in his cage or cover it. (My Lucy would fall through because one of her feet didn’t work right.)

Hopefully your bird really loves and trusts you and this may help you to have a closer relationship. I miss Lucy every day and she’s been gone more than two years. She was so smart and had such a good attitude and spirit. She helped me to feel better about my health problems because I could see that hers did not make her less, but more. Xoxo Lucy

 

[mylilbaileybird]

Watch him as he walks and climbs around. You will see when he stumbles or can’t get around. Also be aware he might pinch you to try to hang on. If his feet are clumsy you might have to get rid of the grille in his cage or cover it. (My Lucy would fall through because one of her feet didn’t work right.)

Hopefully your bird really loves and trusts you and this may help you to have a closer relationship. I miss Lucy every day and she’s been gone more than two years. She was so smart and had such a good attitude and spirit. She helped me to feel better about my health problems because I could see that hers did not make her less, but more. Xoxo Lucy

So sorry about your little Lucy baby, but thank you again for the wonderful tips, and it sounds like you created the absolute best life for her. These notes will really help my little buddy Bailey, and yes, thankfully he does trust me the most out of everyone in our household. ❤️

 

[HeatherG]

Is Bailey having trouble with anything in particular?