Clara, those are some amazing photos. Shows that birds do adjust to this type of handicap well if given the right type of environment to live in!

Dayna, I thought this playpen idea might be something that could help your little one. How is he doing today?

Specially made gym - PHOTOS at: Cuddles

Hi Dayna, So sorry to hear about your baby... But it is so sweet of you to take in such a needy little bird.. Bless your soul.
Well as you know... I have a special little guy myself, I have written to you for help with him... Well I took him to 2 avian vets and they both told me there was nothing that could be done with him...(they could not fix it, his leg) But I have worked very hard with him.. And yes, he will never have a normal life..but he is a little fighter....And makes do with what he has.. He is as sweet as the day is long... He seems to know he is different,(special) and tries so hard to be extra sweet.. and smart.. oh my ... He is going to be talking my ear off soon...LOL

But I wanted to also share some photos of him... and a little video that I made tonight.. In fact a couple video's ...I just did short little ones...

Pictures are click-able for larger viewing:

Tipsy is the one one the top right

This is him after I visited the vets

He moves around very good on towels

Video:
This is What Tipsy's leg still looks like but we work with it daily.. The vets said it was something with the knee... it was not splay leg.. It happened in the nest box... but not because his mom did something to him.. they think he was just sat on wrong...



Tipsy just moving about... he is very active






Here he is on his play stand... he does like it there...



And If you notice he does use that foot.. if he need to...



I would also like to see pictures of him... The more we see of him ...I am sure the better suggestions we can give..
So when you get time..
Hugs, Denise

Denise - i can see he can use the foot - does he experience any pain on his knee joint?

Hi Dayna,

It's so great what you are doing for this little one, and you have received some wonderful ideas and support too that will help him further- and don't forget, you're already giving this precious little one the most special gift of all to make his life better - Love

P.S.
Owie, so sorry to hear about the bite from the Zon - hope it's feeling better.

Denise - thanks for sharing those videos. That little guy is so adorable! That was kinda what I was trying to describe to Dayna - that once her little Lovie gets the nutrition of which he is lacking and is stronger, perhaps he can use his wings as a leg, like yours does!

Dayna, how is he doing?

I am not in Alaska right now, so I am not 100% sure how he is doing.

I am in florida this week soaking up some sun.

I will get a better idea how he is doing after I get home and can see how his weight is coming along.

weight first, everything else later. My staff has mentioned that he is eating good.

Dayna, thank goodness he was dropped off at your store. Not very amny people would be willing to spend the money on a bird who is going to need a lot of help.

I saw a parrotlet who was missing part of his wing and then two of his toes. They had to amputate the part of the wing because something happened while in the nest. He was really off balanced and needed a lot of assistance. They took him to a college (I think UGA) where they were able to help. If memory serves correctly, I think they were able to put a prosthetic on his toes to help him balance out the eneven weight of having part a wing. It was very expensive, but he lives a better quality life.

Perhaps you could buy a cage thet is small and don't use the grate. Make everything accesible rom the ground. Maybe a cuddle hut that is ground level so he can sleep in there. I don't know if I would use shavings or not because it might make it more difficult, but I cannot say. Take out any spoiled bedding several times a day to keep the area clean and follow your vets instructions excatly.

The Gabriel Foundation has worked with special needs birds before and may be of some help. I am sure they have seen some pretty bad stuff and might be able to offer some advice.

I do not think he feels any pain in that knee.... at least not now... I keep it very mobile. (but I do not know how it will feel later in life) He seems to appreciate everything I do for him. I have him perch on my finger, using the bad foot. He is a lot of work, but he makes it all worth while.. he improves so much daily..

Kathie... I was back and forth about the videos... He does look a little pityful... but you can really see his determination, and also the way he has acclimated himself to his disability, and when he wants to get some where he goes...

Dayna, Enjoy Florida, get some R & R.... and some sun too... You deserve it, you earned it!

Let us know any news you hear about him.

Scott says I am doing everything right.

Orthepedic surgery would probably help but we don't have that available here. He said they could drill a couple holes in the leg and then splint it.

Anyway, I might talk more about that if he comes up for another visit. There is no one here that could even attempt that surgery.

Sometimes I really hate being so darn secluded from the rest of the world. I know it has its perks, nature, glaciers, eagles, clean water, very few people and no billboards. But darn it, when it comes to medical and vet care it makes some things very hard sometimes.